http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=aIjeFm4oSsmo
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke of the ties between Myanmar (Burma) and North Korea today. I am beginning to wonder if the State Department is relying on me as a sign of what to make public knowledge. They held back on declaring Honduras' government illegal, now they mention the Korea/Myanmar military cooperation. They even call it an alliance. Good to know they now know.
In other news, I will be keeping my posts short in the next week, a cutoff will not occur as scheduled. Even in a pained, slightly drug induced coma, I will post this blog.
Quick rundown of the news today:
Honduras sent Venezuela's ambassadors packing onward. When the world does something to them, it seems they have many diplomatic options on their side of the table as well.
The Ambassador to the United States from Ecuador called Marc Margolis a "white land owning era" revivalist for speaking out against the removal of term limits in Latin American nations (Ecuador among them.) The article the ambassador was speaking of is here:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/206680
And the ambassadors statements are here:
http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/wealthofnations/archive/2009/07/21/the-embassy-strikes-back-ecuador-s-response-to-newsweek.aspx
All for now. Thank you for reading.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Randnomics!
1+1=2
1x1=1
1x2=2
If you have one dollar it can equal two if you use it more than once. This is the basic principle of currency curculation. A dollar is as valuable as the number of times it is used. The more it is used, the more valuable it is. The exchanged may have varying value, but the dollar will still gain value from the transaction.
The faster the transactions occur the more efficient and valuable the economy it is in.
The total currency (in paper and coins worldwide) is 46.513 trillion dollars. The total world GDP is roughly 69.49 trillion dollars. This means more than half of all currency in the world is only used once a year. There is a vast amount of money in limited circulation.
The faster transactions take place, the faster the value of money grows. When it grows and moves faster, the global economy will improve in whatever form you wish to look at. Government policy for economic improvement should focus on increasing currency movement.
The policy of increasing the amount of currency in circulation is flawed in that it does not gaurantee circulation of the currency. Since the spending of government in debts requires the printing of money, in circulation currency is not used. It only increases the amount of currency in circulation.
Governments should not only try to move currency faster, but make certain their debt load is as low as possible. They should also cap their debt at the total value of their circulating currency to ensure, in event of default (countries do go "bankrupt" internationally) that a 100% will gain the needed revenue to pay off the debt. This is not a recommended policy, but a worst case scenario.
Governments should also place a cap level of the amount of currency per person they are allowed to have in circulation. The United States currency has about $2,000 dollars in circulation per person. This has been steadily rising in the past decades because of the need to print money to pay debts.
In combination the debt cap level and the currency per person cap will ensure that economic stability will be determined by the speed of circulation which should be a deciding factor in who gets elected to office.
When a government speeds up circulation, take sales tax, the revenue will increase regardless of amount of currency in circulation. A dollar spent twice will give more revenue to the government over a dollar spent only once.
With the increased revenue from an increase in the speed of circulation the government will be in a better position to provide for the needs of citizens unable to have currency circulate towards them.
I created this theory today. This blog post gaurantees in any lawsuit (should someone try to make currency flow in their direction) that I had creative license here. I allow this to be used in any discussion, as long as I am the one who is quoted. Keynesian Economics, Obamanomics, Reaganomics (see Keynesian), and now Randnomics.Monday, July 20, 2009
Zelaya's Referendum Passed - Without Election
http://www.thenewamerican.com/index.php/world-mainmenu-26/north-america-mainmenu-36/1471
The referendum that was declared unconstitutional and resulted in Zelaya's removal apparently had results counted before the vote took place.
The referendum that was declared unconstitutional and resulted in Zelaya's removal apparently had results counted before the vote took place.
So Much Happening, So Little Time
I can hardly follow along. From bombings and protest clashes in Honduras, to the militarization and possible inclusion of ACORN into the ALBA alliance, to Ortega having a referendum to remove his own term limitations the world is turning upside down in South America in favor of dictators.
I started writing on three specific articles but it expanded to include seven. They are all important, and from the double standard the UN has towards tyranny and democracies, to the lack of a boycott on Iranian shipping but the boycott on Honduran shipping, the world is going in the wrong direction. So as I approach a surgery in the next couple of days, I announce now that for 7 days I will not be posting.
So follow the news without me (I'm sure you already do). I also permit anyone to send me an email of posts they would like to have up here. You write it, make sure it is coherent and not written while intoxicated, and I'll post it. No profanity, but thats about the only rule. It is your chance to take center stage.
Back in a week. Do not let Honduras fade out of your minds. Keep looking for the signs of the worldwide alliances.
I started writing on three specific articles but it expanded to include seven. They are all important, and from the double standard the UN has towards tyranny and democracies, to the lack of a boycott on Iranian shipping but the boycott on Honduran shipping, the world is going in the wrong direction. So as I approach a surgery in the next couple of days, I announce now that for 7 days I will not be posting.
So follow the news without me (I'm sure you already do). I also permit anyone to send me an email of posts they would like to have up here. You write it, make sure it is coherent and not written while intoxicated, and I'll post it. No profanity, but thats about the only rule. It is your chance to take center stage.
Back in a week. Do not let Honduras fade out of your minds. Keep looking for the signs of the worldwide alliances.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Honduras Begins Descent
The following excerpt is from the following website:
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90852/6704237.html
A bomb exploded at the Lawyers' College in Honduran capital Tegucigalpa, a local radio station reported Sunday. The bomb, which did not cause any serious damage, exploded at 11:30 p.m. local time on Saturday (0530 GMT) just as the nation was beginning a curfew, a resident told the station. The building is in a southern Tegucigalpa neighborhood close to busy restaurants and night clubs. Since June 28 coup that brought down President Manuel Zelaya, two bombs have exploded in the offices of broadcaster Canal 11 and those of the state's Migration Agency. Two more were found and defused. Honduras' civil conflict has been intensifying ahead of Zelaya's planned return within a few hours.
Excerpt over. With the talks in Costa Rica officially declared dead, with some chatter about a continued talk on Wednesday, this bombing shows the lengths Zelaya's supporters are willing to go.
Violence is not the answer. Protest without violence. If you use no violence there will be no curfew or media restriction. Your voices will be heard if you use them instead of weapons. No more violence. Bloodshed will not solve this crisis. A democracy is formed through discussion and writings of law; not the skulls of those you disagree with or the blood of the innocent.
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90852/6704237.html
A bomb exploded at the Lawyers' College in Honduran capital Tegucigalpa, a local radio station reported Sunday. The bomb, which did not cause any serious damage, exploded at 11:30 p.m. local time on Saturday (0530 GMT) just as the nation was beginning a curfew, a resident told the station. The building is in a southern Tegucigalpa neighborhood close to busy restaurants and night clubs. Since June 28 coup that brought down President Manuel Zelaya, two bombs have exploded in the offices of broadcaster Canal 11 and those of the state's Migration Agency. Two more were found and defused. Honduras' civil conflict has been intensifying ahead of Zelaya's planned return within a few hours.
Excerpt over. With the talks in Costa Rica officially declared dead, with some chatter about a continued talk on Wednesday, this bombing shows the lengths Zelaya's supporters are willing to go.
Violence is not the answer. Protest without violence. If you use no violence there will be no curfew or media restriction. Your voices will be heard if you use them instead of weapons. No more violence. Bloodshed will not solve this crisis. A democracy is formed through discussion and writings of law; not the skulls of those you disagree with or the blood of the innocent.
Nicaragua's Ortega Wastes Little Time
He has proposed that term limits be removed from the Nicaraguan Constitution. Nicaragua is an ALBA nation. Turn on the common sense portion of your brains and re-read the first two lines of this blog. Thank you for reading.
Update: Placing more thought into this I believe I know why. The world took Zelaya's side. Ortega believes that if he proposes it, should it go against him no matter how far he pushes it, he will have the support of the U.N., NAM, and OAS, and with them the world will follow their lead and support his move to hold onto power.
Zelaya pushed it so far as to raid a military base with his supporters a day before he was removed in an attempt to force distribution of the ballots for his referendum which the military refused to do (it is their assigned duty to distribute ballots for any election) on the basis of the Congress, Supreme Court, and human rights ombudsman declaring it unconstitutional. The world still supports Zelaya. Ortega sees this as the green light to push through his hold on power as far as he has to.
Update: Placing more thought into this I believe I know why. The world took Zelaya's side. Ortega believes that if he proposes it, should it go against him no matter how far he pushes it, he will have the support of the U.N., NAM, and OAS, and with them the world will follow their lead and support his move to hold onto power.
Zelaya pushed it so far as to raid a military base with his supporters a day before he was removed in an attempt to force distribution of the ballots for his referendum which the military refused to do (it is their assigned duty to distribute ballots for any election) on the basis of the Congress, Supreme Court, and human rights ombudsman declaring it unconstitutional. The world still supports Zelaya. Ortega sees this as the green light to push through his hold on power as far as he has to.
UN Ignores Venezuelan Belligerence / ALBA Goes Military and Political
The request that the UN speak out against the threats of war by Venezuela during the initial phase of the removal of Zelaya has been turned down. The world has lately been looking away from such actions believing the phrases "sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Sarah Palin is proof that words do hurt even when false. Hitler wrote Mein Kampf years before he became Chancellor. In it he declared exactly what he was going to do.
In 1998 Osama Bin Laden gave an interview and declared war on the United States. The world, and us, looked away until 9/11. North Korea says we are in a state of war and the ceasefire is over. We have done little militarily in response. Now, Venezuela says they will invade Honduras and the world allows them to. Hitler and Osama proved looking away only gives them time to turn their words into actions.
Freedom of speech has its limitations. You can't shout fire when there isn't one because that would cause harm. I believe declaring war falls under this dangerous realm of speech that should not be allowed to go without scornful response.
Based on: http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/07/20/wld01.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------
The ALBA alliance is going to expand from just an economic organization. Bolivia's president wants to expand it to include military, political party, and social organization unity within the group. They are expected to create committees at the next ALBA meeting to discuss how to go forward with that. This comes a week after Morales said that Latin American nations should end military cooperation with the U.S.
Based on: http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=1007963&lang=eng_news
This is like a bad historical parody. The worst part is it is real. The proposal of merging military efforts may stand out as the most dangerous element to this when combined with seperating from U.S. cooperation. Instead, the merging of political parties will be the major problem. Having the same political parties cross borders is how the Nazi party initially tried to take over Austria.
The merging of military forces followed the Anschluss and incorporated Czech Republic forces with Austrian forces and German forces before the invasion of Poland. The merging of the ALBA military forces would be strenuous to command and difficult to maintain without a purpose for a joint command. The nations Hitler conquered needed the war effort to maintain the propoganda and military cohesion that the "liberated" nations needed to have under a Nazi regime.
Will Honduras provide the war these nations need to unite their military forces? If so, they will obviously overwhelm Honduras unless we intervene. When Honduras is done, they must be expecting another war to be able to continue their efforts. If we don't intervene, with who will they go to war?
In 1998 Osama Bin Laden gave an interview and declared war on the United States. The world, and us, looked away until 9/11. North Korea says we are in a state of war and the ceasefire is over. We have done little militarily in response. Now, Venezuela says they will invade Honduras and the world allows them to. Hitler and Osama proved looking away only gives them time to turn their words into actions.
Freedom of speech has its limitations. You can't shout fire when there isn't one because that would cause harm. I believe declaring war falls under this dangerous realm of speech that should not be allowed to go without scornful response.
Based on: http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/07/20/wld01.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------
The ALBA alliance is going to expand from just an economic organization. Bolivia's president wants to expand it to include military, political party, and social organization unity within the group. They are expected to create committees at the next ALBA meeting to discuss how to go forward with that. This comes a week after Morales said that Latin American nations should end military cooperation with the U.S.
Based on: http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=1007963&lang=eng_news
This is like a bad historical parody. The worst part is it is real. The proposal of merging military efforts may stand out as the most dangerous element to this when combined with seperating from U.S. cooperation. Instead, the merging of political parties will be the major problem. Having the same political parties cross borders is how the Nazi party initially tried to take over Austria.
The merging of military forces followed the Anschluss and incorporated Czech Republic forces with Austrian forces and German forces before the invasion of Poland. The merging of the ALBA military forces would be strenuous to command and difficult to maintain without a purpose for a joint command. The nations Hitler conquered needed the war effort to maintain the propoganda and military cohesion that the "liberated" nations needed to have under a Nazi regime.
Will Honduras provide the war these nations need to unite their military forces? If so, they will obviously overwhelm Honduras unless we intervene. When Honduras is done, they must be expecting another war to be able to continue their efforts. If we don't intervene, with who will they go to war?
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Contact Your Representative
I have written the following letter in response to our House of Representatives proposing a bill to recognize Zelaya as the legal president. I give permission to everyone who wishes to change the name of the representative and their name in the letter and send it to your respective Representative(s). I not only give you permission to do so, I recommend it. This is something you can do and it takes (if you don't live in Texas, New York, or California) less than five minutes. So here it is:
Dear Michael Michaud:
I am concerned about the situation in the Republic of Honduras, where, on June 28, the military removed the former president, Manuel Zelaya, on orders from the Honduran Supreme Court.
President Obama condemned the actions of the military of Honduras without reading the Honduran constitution. In reference to article 239 I make this plea to correct the United States position. I do not want to alter our support for Democracy and Constitutional law. I merely wish to alter who we endorse to help us in our cause.
Although clear statements are needed, at the end of the day standing with those who most closely resemble our level of society and process of legal orders should be who we stand shoulder to shoulder with.
Some of your colleagues in the House have introduced a resolution, H Res 630, that I believe expresses a very dangerous position toward the situation in Honduras. It calls, among other things, for a cutoff of military and other non-humanitarian aid to the government led by Roberto Micheletti until the he steps down and President Zelaya is returned to office.
As a Maine voter and taxpayer, I would like to ask you to oppose this resolution. The failure of this bill to pass will be enough to prove to the Honduran government that our seperation of powers, not a president alone, represents a nation's respect for Constitutional law and our aknowledgement of the risk they took in order to protect and follow their Constitution.
Sincerely
Randy Hughes-King
Maine
Dear Michael Michaud:
I am concerned about the situation in the Republic of Honduras, where, on June 28, the military removed the former president, Manuel Zelaya, on orders from the Honduran Supreme Court.
President Obama condemned the actions of the military of Honduras without reading the Honduran constitution. In reference to article 239 I make this plea to correct the United States position. I do not want to alter our support for Democracy and Constitutional law. I merely wish to alter who we endorse to help us in our cause.
Although clear statements are needed, at the end of the day standing with those who most closely resemble our level of society and process of legal orders should be who we stand shoulder to shoulder with.
Some of your colleagues in the House have introduced a resolution, H Res 630, that I believe expresses a very dangerous position toward the situation in Honduras. It calls, among other things, for a cutoff of military and other non-humanitarian aid to the government led by Roberto Micheletti until the he steps down and President Zelaya is returned to office.
As a Maine voter and taxpayer, I would like to ask you to oppose this resolution. The failure of this bill to pass will be enough to prove to the Honduran government that our seperation of powers, not a president alone, represents a nation's respect for Constitutional law and our aknowledgement of the risk they took in order to protect and follow their Constitution.
Sincerely
Randy Hughes-King
Maine
Why Honduras Matters
I know the average person might go "Honduras, what is that?" So, I am going to explain why Honduras matters so much right now (beside my explanation of the ALBA alliance in earlier posts.)
Honduras is a country of 7.5 million people, and is poor. The average person earns less than two dollars a day. The annual GDP is 14 billion dollars. Compare this to 14 trillion in the United States. It has a high level of wealth seperation (I.E. little to no middle class with a limited wealthy elite.) Its earliest days saw the Mayans build many, many temples. These temples provide one of the largest industries of Honduras: tourism.
1899 was the year in which the first shipment of bananas went from Honduras to the U.S. The company that shipped them would become Standard Fruit Company. This company became very powerful and controlled the government to a certain extent. This created the term "banana republic." Honduras was the first banana republic.
The companies began having their own towns to control with all the land grants from the Honduras government. As time passed the Monroe Doctrine brought the U.S. into Honduras often. We sent troops in 1903, 1907, 1911, 1912, 1919, 1924, and 1925. Following generally functioning democratic presidents they had a dictator for 16 years.
A coup in 1955 but an election took place in 1957. However, in 1963 there was another coup. Then there was a war following a soccer match with El Salvador. The reasons for the war were complex and you can look it up on your own time.
The U.S. has a majority of businesses in Honduras. It is excellent for food growing and that is the basis of our relations with them. For the past 60 years we have not invaded Honduras. Our 600 troops in Honduras remained at their base during the turmoil.
We usually don't care who is in power as long as the business relations stayed open. That explains the seemingly hands-off approach we have taken this time. We have made big statements, but have actually done very little. The reason this crisis is important now more than the previous power shifts is because of Zelaya's alliance to Chavez. On Monday many of you will read in your local papers about the newest findings on the drug smuggling operations of the Chavez government.
If that isn't enough, I believe Chavez is forming an alliance against us which is intent on having a fourth world war in order to destroy America and will put in place fascist governments worldwide in coordination with Iran.
That is why not having Zelaya in power matters. Mitchelleti and the others in Honduras are fighting the ALBA dependance Honduras has formed under Zelaya. I hope that helps give some perspective.
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Negotiator for ousted Honduran president accepts Arias plan in principle, say talks stalemated.
Excerpt over. From 9 P.M. Eastern Time, there are 4 hours until the talks, by Zelaya standards, are over. This report means anytime now Zelaya could say it is over. Unless there is a major breakthrough, the talks are essentially over. If Zelaya keeps the hard line, Honduras enters civil war. If he backs down, his legitimacy is finished and the Mitchelleti government has breathing space. This is only if Venezuela and Nicaragua maintain neutrality in the affairs of Honduras.
Should they get involved it becomes more than a civil war. It could be an invasion or a proxy war. The only way this is going to avoid conflict is if Zelaya admits, in a sense, defeat. All the bluster and talk so far has been pointless if he backs down. It diminishes his legitimacy and gives the new Honduran government recognition as they hold the country. It will be interesting to see how this goes.
Excerpt over. From 9 P.M. Eastern Time, there are 4 hours until the talks, by Zelaya standards, are over. This report means anytime now Zelaya could say it is over. Unless there is a major breakthrough, the talks are essentially over. If Zelaya keeps the hard line, Honduras enters civil war. If he backs down, his legitimacy is finished and the Mitchelleti government has breathing space. This is only if Venezuela and Nicaragua maintain neutrality in the affairs of Honduras.
Should they get involved it becomes more than a civil war. It could be an invasion or a proxy war. The only way this is going to avoid conflict is if Zelaya admits, in a sense, defeat. All the bluster and talk so far has been pointless if he backs down. It diminishes his legitimacy and gives the new Honduran government recognition as they hold the country. It will be interesting to see how this goes.
Legitimacy of Reports
Alright, anyone who uses Vheadline.com to get news on, well, anything, just a warning to you. Consider the source of the information. In one of the articles on Honduras the entire article is just a copy of a blog post from marxist.com. Ahem, the journalistic quality of an opion from a blog, copied into a news outlet seems like a pathetic way to have news without being able to afford journalists. At least they provided the source, which marxist.com does not. I would link to it in my blog, but I have standards.
Meanwhile a human rights lawyer has made a report detailing 155,000 human rights violations by the Mitchelleti government. It has only been twenty days. Two people at most are confirmed dead, only one confirmed to be by intentional actions. The reports say roughly three hundred people are generally the protest size, and they are still protesting peacefully (mostly) so illegal arrests are not massive. How one can reach 155,000 violations in the accused media blackout and human rights restriction on speech and everything else seems, well, contradictory.
Seriously, think about it. Turn on your common sense and turn off the "sheep mindset". If there is really such a crackdown on the media, restriction of freedom of speech and assembly, and all the other accusations would it be possible to access information on 155,000 incidents to make a report about it, and then release the report from WITHIN Honduras? The violations were invented to make a negative headline for the Mitchelleti presidency. They can't even find 155,000 things to say about Saddam, and he ruled for thirty years. I doubt Honduras has that many violations in twenty days.
Meanwhile a human rights lawyer has made a report detailing 155,000 human rights violations by the Mitchelleti government. It has only been twenty days. Two people at most are confirmed dead, only one confirmed to be by intentional actions. The reports say roughly three hundred people are generally the protest size, and they are still protesting peacefully (mostly) so illegal arrests are not massive. How one can reach 155,000 violations in the accused media blackout and human rights restriction on speech and everything else seems, well, contradictory.
Seriously, think about it. Turn on your common sense and turn off the "sheep mindset". If there is really such a crackdown on the media, restriction of freedom of speech and assembly, and all the other accusations would it be possible to access information on 155,000 incidents to make a report about it, and then release the report from WITHIN Honduras? The violations were invented to make a negative headline for the Mitchelleti presidency. They can't even find 155,000 things to say about Saddam, and he ruled for thirty years. I doubt Honduras has that many violations in twenty days.
Tacoa City - The First of Many?
Another tragedy has occured in Honduras. The bloodshed continues with newly termed "Zelayistas" causing violence once more. So far a pattern of violent protest results in tragedy for the Zelaya supporters. The attempted break through of the barricade at the airport in Tegucigalpa resulted in a supporter being shot. Today, in a coastal town Zelayistas attacked a march in support of the interim government.
In Tacoa City the report says the following:
Zelaya's sympathizers clashed with demonstrators in support of the interim government headed by former congressional leader Roberto Micheletti.
Witness said that during the conflict many people, including youngsters and children, were badly beaten, and the police had to intervene to bring the situation under control.
So far there has been no report of death, and the exact number of injuries remained unclear.
Iris Turcios, coordinator of the pro-interim-government demonstration, told radio channel HRN that the situation was sad, and that greater tragedy could have happened if the police hadn't taken action.
Excerpt over. I fear this is just a taste-test of what Honduras will be facing at midnight tonight if the talks in Costa Rica do not result in Zelaya accepting a life without presidential power.
In an almost eerie twist, I just closed the link to the website with the report. I've spent twenty minutes searching for it again using the same google search. Tacoa city returns absolutely nothing. Tacoa city, according to results, doesn't exist. A search of maps and wikipedia does not show it exists. A very confusing turn of events for me.
I am looking into HRN radio right now. I found it. Now I wonder how google determines what is related to searches, especially in the news searches. It was in the Honduras search one moment, and gone the next. Very interesting. Anyhow, here is the link:
http://english.cri.cn/6966/2009/07/19/1722s502423.htm
In Tacoa City the report says the following:
Zelaya's sympathizers clashed with demonstrators in support of the interim government headed by former congressional leader Roberto Micheletti.
Witness said that during the conflict many people, including youngsters and children, were badly beaten, and the police had to intervene to bring the situation under control.
So far there has been no report of death, and the exact number of injuries remained unclear.
Iris Turcios, coordinator of the pro-interim-government demonstration, told radio channel HRN that the situation was sad, and that greater tragedy could have happened if the police hadn't taken action.
Excerpt over. I fear this is just a taste-test of what Honduras will be facing at midnight tonight if the talks in Costa Rica do not result in Zelaya accepting a life without presidential power.
In an almost eerie twist, I just closed the link to the website with the report. I've spent twenty minutes searching for it again using the same google search. Tacoa city returns absolutely nothing. Tacoa city, according to results, doesn't exist. A search of maps and wikipedia does not show it exists. A very confusing turn of events for me.
I am looking into HRN radio right now. I found it. Now I wonder how google determines what is related to searches, especially in the news searches. It was in the Honduras search one moment, and gone the next. Very interesting. Anyhow, here is the link:
http://english.cri.cn/6966/2009/07/19/1722s502423.htm
Friday, July 17, 2009
SYFY DID IT AGAIN
Bait and switch is a crime. Just letting SYFY know that. Two weeks in a row they advertised Primeval at 10, and saw the advertisements in the show before, and they show Warehouse 13 instead. I've given them an ultimatum: air it as advertised and scheduled or face legal action. I plan to follow through with this too. I don't want money, I want what was advertised. Petty? Perhaps. However it has special meaning for my life that I could explain, but it would add a level of emotion to this blog that would really drag the element of surprise right out of it.
I've posted on their forums, sent them an email, and posted here. I'm sure two out of three will get through.
I've posted on their forums, sent them an email, and posted here. I'm sure two out of three will get through.
Obama and NAACP Speech
There have been three speeches that stand out to me in the post-awakening stage of my life. It is true I was not always involved in politics. Hillary Clinton's speech at the DNC, McCain's speech at the RNC, were inspiring and excellent speeches. Barack Obama's speech at the NAACP was absolutely astounding.
I am not speaking to the contents of these speeches, but the quality. The emotion within them and the way the crowd moved with the words in response are what make an excellent speech.
As I write this news came in that Obama will be on tv again next week in prime time on the 22nd. Anyhow, his speech ability is still one of the best in the political world. It should make Pelosi ashamed of her speeches.
I am not speaking to the contents of these speeches, but the quality. The emotion within them and the way the crowd moved with the words in response are what make an excellent speech.
As I write this news came in that Obama will be on tv again next week in prime time on the 22nd. Anyhow, his speech ability is still one of the best in the political world. It should make Pelosi ashamed of her speeches.
A Quality Of Leadership In Democracy
I have seen a lack of leaders who know what their job limits are lately. Most of those elected fail to realize their purpose is to operate the government; not our lives.
At www.bruceforme.com has a blog which Bruce Poliquin posts on. His July 16th post reads:
As the sides align supporting or opposing the recent law allowing gay marriage, I am glad to see this issue will be decided by the people of Maine.
Frankly, I am uncomfortable with the state legislature or the Governor being the last word on social issues. When it comes to an issue of conscience, it is best that the people of Maine have a vote.
I strongly believe that government should not involve itself in social issues like abortion and gay marriage. As Governor, I will do everything in my power to refer such issues to the ballot so that the people of Maine can ultimately make the decision.
Excerpt over. Bruce Poliquin recognizes the limits and understands the purpose of government. We need leaders who can do those two things now more than ever. Consider the following quote from Pat Blanchette of the Bangor City Council: "There are so many things the public doesn't know; nor should they. That's why they elect us."
The people people in office are not elected to keep secrets. They are elected to do a service to the citizens of this country. A government can't be working for the people if the people are not allowed to know what it is doing. I urge Bruce Poliquin (and all leaders anywhere) to cover their decisions weekly as much as they cover their campaigns. I should clarify this does not mean campaign while in office: replace slogans with facts.
I will use facts AS my slogans so that clarifying and back tracking that occurs so often during elections can be reduced to a minimum and keep the discussion focused on the solutions instead of the way a certain wording offends someone or confuses others.
At www.bruceforme.com has a blog which Bruce Poliquin posts on. His July 16th post reads:
As the sides align supporting or opposing the recent law allowing gay marriage, I am glad to see this issue will be decided by the people of Maine.
Frankly, I am uncomfortable with the state legislature or the Governor being the last word on social issues. When it comes to an issue of conscience, it is best that the people of Maine have a vote.
I strongly believe that government should not involve itself in social issues like abortion and gay marriage. As Governor, I will do everything in my power to refer such issues to the ballot so that the people of Maine can ultimately make the decision.
Excerpt over. Bruce Poliquin recognizes the limits and understands the purpose of government. We need leaders who can do those two things now more than ever. Consider the following quote from Pat Blanchette of the Bangor City Council: "There are so many things the public doesn't know; nor should they. That's why they elect us."
The people people in office are not elected to keep secrets. They are elected to do a service to the citizens of this country. A government can't be working for the people if the people are not allowed to know what it is doing. I urge Bruce Poliquin (and all leaders anywhere) to cover their decisions weekly as much as they cover their campaigns. I should clarify this does not mean campaign while in office: replace slogans with facts.
I will use facts AS my slogans so that clarifying and back tracking that occurs so often during elections can be reduced to a minimum and keep the discussion focused on the solutions instead of the way a certain wording offends someone or confuses others.
Honduras: An Expert Speaks
This article speaks for itself: http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=32748
Not a terribly long read, and explains most of the hanging questions I've had (like why it was the military that removed Zelaya, why the Obama administration made such a quick "uncautious" response....)
Not a terribly long read, and explains most of the hanging questions I've had (like why it was the military that removed Zelaya, why the Obama administration made such a quick "uncautious" response....)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Healthcare Choice Taken Away
In the recent bill proposed by House Democrats, the long term effects was my reasoning for the limited choice result. However, they made having individual private insurance illegal in the bill itself. It wasn't deeply hidden in the over 1,000 page document. It was on page 16. Details from: http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=332548165656854
The article explains three things found in their short reading so far:
"Except as provided in this paragraph, the individual health insurance issuer offering such coverage does not enroll any individual in such coverage if the first effective date of coverage is on or after the first day" of the year the legislation becomes law.
So we can all keep our coverage, just as promised — with, of course, exceptions: Those who currently have private individual coverage won't be able to change it. Nor will those who leave a company to work for themselves be free to buy individual plans from private carriers.
What wasn't known until now is that the bill itself will kill the market for private individual coverage by not letting any new policies be written after the public option becomes law.
The legislation is also likely to finish off health savings accounts.
Excerpt over. So three big things in the first 16 pages of the health care bill. I knew it would have the long term effects of Socialism on this country, but I never thought the Democrats would mandate its progress to become law. Instead of simply easing us towards a Socialism model, through what I so far had hoped was a lack of understanding in basic economics, they are forcing it on us.
They say healthcare is a right. Apparently freedom of choice only applies to what they want. A good example is the strange divide on guns and abortion. Freedom of choice for an abortion but not for a gun. One gaurantees a death, the other is only meant for defense and hunting with no gaurantee of death. The whole ideology is contradictory. What they say and what they do are completely different. The lies need to end if our country is going to survive.
The article explains three things found in their short reading so far:
"Except as provided in this paragraph, the individual health insurance issuer offering such coverage does not enroll any individual in such coverage if the first effective date of coverage is on or after the first day" of the year the legislation becomes law.
So we can all keep our coverage, just as promised — with, of course, exceptions: Those who currently have private individual coverage won't be able to change it. Nor will those who leave a company to work for themselves be free to buy individual plans from private carriers.
What wasn't known until now is that the bill itself will kill the market for private individual coverage by not letting any new policies be written after the public option becomes law.
The legislation is also likely to finish off health savings accounts.
Excerpt over. So three big things in the first 16 pages of the health care bill. I knew it would have the long term effects of Socialism on this country, but I never thought the Democrats would mandate its progress to become law. Instead of simply easing us towards a Socialism model, through what I so far had hoped was a lack of understanding in basic economics, they are forcing it on us.
They say healthcare is a right. Apparently freedom of choice only applies to what they want. A good example is the strange divide on guns and abortion. Freedom of choice for an abortion but not for a gun. One gaurantees a death, the other is only meant for defense and hunting with no gaurantee of death. The whole ideology is contradictory. What they say and what they do are completely different. The lies need to end if our country is going to survive.
Protection From Tyranny
The founding fathers made the second amendment in order to make certain that the people could defend themselves from tyranny. If the social contract was broken the people would have the resources to make a new contract through force. This form of upholding the social contract can be implimented in two conditions: our primary method of ensuring the social contract is taken away (voting) or the second method (guns) are taken away. If the government attempts to ban guns the social contract allows for us to have a revolution and use those guns.
However, the primary, and thus far used in all cases except one (the civil war) method of ensuring the social contract is through the use of the vote. The civil war was an abuse of the social contract by those in the South because their right to vote was not taken away nor was their right to a firearm. Today, the right to own a firearm is under constant assault. Luckily, the bans so far have failed.
Should a ban on all non-hunting guns go through the social contract will have been violated and revolution is legitimate. However, unless a massive round up of weapons before it is placed to a vote occurs, the first method is a protection for civility to prevent chaos from occuring. Vote before you shoot. Vote again before you shoot. Never give up your guns, but make sure you hold on to them at the ballot box. Until it is actually taken away, no violence. When they try to take it away, you know tyranny will take away the vote once your ability to ensure the social contract through force is removed.
However, the primary, and thus far used in all cases except one (the civil war) method of ensuring the social contract is through the use of the vote. The civil war was an abuse of the social contract by those in the South because their right to vote was not taken away nor was their right to a firearm. Today, the right to own a firearm is under constant assault. Luckily, the bans so far have failed.
Should a ban on all non-hunting guns go through the social contract will have been violated and revolution is legitimate. However, unless a massive round up of weapons before it is placed to a vote occurs, the first method is a protection for civility to prevent chaos from occuring. Vote before you shoot. Vote again before you shoot. Never give up your guns, but make sure you hold on to them at the ballot box. Until it is actually taken away, no violence. When they try to take it away, you know tyranny will take away the vote once your ability to ensure the social contract through force is removed.
War In Honduras
It is happening right now. The mobilization of Zelaya's forces and the military forces of Mitchelleti are on alert for activity on the Nicaraguan border. From:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jAkMGKIUDg_ngUiZboxQbYj5_DPwD99FUKI00
The article says:
Zelaya's foreign minister, Patricia Rodas, said he is "on his way" back, but refused to say how or when he planned to enter Honduras. "Our president will be in Honduras at some point and some moment. He is already on his way." "The establishment and installation of an alternative seat of government will be to direct what I will call the final battle" against leaders of the coup that toppled Zelaya, she said.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez — an ally of Zelaya — said he had spoken with Zelaya and the exiled leader told him: "I don't know if I will die, but I'm going to Honduras."
Rodas [said] that Zelaya's delegation has nothing to negotiate. It will simply demand that the "illegal regime surrender peacefully," and if it doesn't, Zelaya's side will declare the mediation to have failed, she said.
Former Cuban President Fidel Castro blamed the coup in Honduras on the U.S. Embassy and other top regional diplomats appointed by George W. Bush.
Excerpts over. Obviously his method of entry will not be disclosed due to the desire of his staff to see him get in. Now, the demanding of surrender, the creation of a new government for a final battle just seems to be the biggest sign of an intent for bloodshed.
Zelaya wants power now at the cost of his people's lives. Instead of putting his efforts to peaceful negotiations where the entire world is on his side he decides to push a forceful resolution to the crisis.
The world condemned the removing of Zelaya. The world has forgotten about Iran's hundreds of dead, and focused on Honduras. Two people at most, from what I can confirm, have died. The protests in Honduras were allowed to go forward as long as nothing was burned in the streets while people were gunned down in silence protests in Tehran. Obama said we should not meddle in Iran however condemns legal action by the government of Honduras to remove from power a violator of the Constitution.
This madness must stop. Sadly, the world may still support Zelaya when the final battle begins. This continued blind support for Zelaya will give Hugo Chavez a globally passive response to when Zelaya requests his assistance in restoring him to power.
War is coming to Honduras. It started with Zelaya a month ago when he stormed a military base to force the distribution of ballots. Now, how it ends I can not predict. I know that the next path is going to be war and it will most likely come after Saturday.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jAkMGKIUDg_ngUiZboxQbYj5_DPwD99FUKI00
The article says:
Zelaya's foreign minister, Patricia Rodas, said he is "on his way" back, but refused to say how or when he planned to enter Honduras. "Our president will be in Honduras at some point and some moment. He is already on his way." "The establishment and installation of an alternative seat of government will be to direct what I will call the final battle" against leaders of the coup that toppled Zelaya, she said.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez — an ally of Zelaya — said he had spoken with Zelaya and the exiled leader told him: "I don't know if I will die, but I'm going to Honduras."
Rodas [said] that Zelaya's delegation has nothing to negotiate. It will simply demand that the "illegal regime surrender peacefully," and if it doesn't, Zelaya's side will declare the mediation to have failed, she said.
Former Cuban President Fidel Castro blamed the coup in Honduras on the U.S. Embassy and other top regional diplomats appointed by George W. Bush.
Excerpts over. Obviously his method of entry will not be disclosed due to the desire of his staff to see him get in. Now, the demanding of surrender, the creation of a new government for a final battle just seems to be the biggest sign of an intent for bloodshed.
Zelaya wants power now at the cost of his people's lives. Instead of putting his efforts to peaceful negotiations where the entire world is on his side he decides to push a forceful resolution to the crisis.
The world condemned the removing of Zelaya. The world has forgotten about Iran's hundreds of dead, and focused on Honduras. Two people at most, from what I can confirm, have died. The protests in Honduras were allowed to go forward as long as nothing was burned in the streets while people were gunned down in silence protests in Tehran. Obama said we should not meddle in Iran however condemns legal action by the government of Honduras to remove from power a violator of the Constitution.
This madness must stop. Sadly, the world may still support Zelaya when the final battle begins. This continued blind support for Zelaya will give Hugo Chavez a globally passive response to when Zelaya requests his assistance in restoring him to power.
War is coming to Honduras. It started with Zelaya a month ago when he stormed a military base to force the distribution of ballots. Now, how it ends I can not predict. I know that the next path is going to be war and it will most likely come after Saturday.
A Blog About Someone Else's Opinion
The following is an examination of the article at the following link:
http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/barack-mcnamara-obama/Content?oid=1106005
The article is a full attack on McNamara and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. There is a moral loss on the part of the writer, and lies are common. The title says much: Why can't Obama see his wars are unwinnable?
In that title one could presume the discussion may be about the ongoing healthcare crisis, or cap and trade, or the stimulus bills. Instead it is about McNamara's involvement in the war in Vietnam and Obama's involvement (so far) in Iraq and Afghanistan. Here is the first problem I had with the article:
Some call McNamara's life tragic. Tragedy-inducing is closer to the truth. Yes, he suffered guilt in his later years. "He wore the expression of a haunted man," wrote the author of his Times obit. "He could be seen in the streets of Washington [D.C.]--stooped, his shirttail flapping in the wind--walking to and from his office a few blocks from the White House, wearing frayed running shoes and a thousand-yard stare." But the men and women and boys and girls blown up by bombs and mines and impaled by bullets and maimed in countless ways deserve more vengeance than a pair of ratty Nikes. Neither McNamara nor LBJ nor the millions of Americans who were for the war merit understanding, much less sympathy.
Excerpt over. To say that one should not attempt to gather understanding or give sympathy to anyone in pain is simply barbaric. The actions of terrorists are terrible and unforgivable. However, one of the most common thoughts about them is "why?". This is because when terrible things happen seeking understanding so that a prevention of future tragedy can be put forward is the most civilized response.
Take the example of the article's writer: McNamara was one of the initiators and promoters of the conflict in Vietnam which caused massive tragedy and suffering. Because he caused suffering when he suffers nobody should ask why or try to help.
Replace the example: A building collapses. The designer has immense remorse and it was his fault for a bad design. Should we not approach the designer to understand why he designed it that way so that we can make sure it doesn't happen again?
This is where the article enters the land of ignorance:
Why can't President Obama imagine himself living in a poor village in Pakistan? Why can't he feel the anger and contempt felt by Pakistanis who hear pilotless drone planes buzzing overhead, firing missiles willy-nilly at civilians and guerilla fighters alike, dispatched by a distant enemy too cowardly to put live soldiers and pilots in harm's way?
Excerpt over. First, the targets are selected on information. The drone bombings, whether legal or not (that arguement isn't made), are not weekend hunting trips that our military goes on. They are based on information that is sometimes right, sometimes wrong. However, the information gives us an enemy target. The willy-nilly approach is a lie.
Then it says we are cowardly for not putting our troops on the ground. We are not allowed by the Pakistani government to place our forces in Pakistan. Now an arguement to the legality of the drone bombings could go forward, but it doesn't. The author mentions World War 2 and the deaths of the Japanese. He writes the following:
At least Japan started the war. What of Afghanistan and Iraq, where approximately 2 million civilians have been killed by U.S. forces? Neither country attacked us. Shouldn't George W. Bush, Donald Rumsfeld and the rest be prosecuted as war criminals? Why not Obama? After all, Obama is leaving 50,000 troops in Iraq after the war there is supposedly coming to an end. He's escalating the unjustifiable, unwinnable tragedy in Afghanistan--there are 68,000 U.S. troops there now, probably going up to 100,000 by next year--while spreading the conflict into Pakistan.
Excertp over. The death toll is completely wrong. The highest of estimates have been proven false as they include repeat numbers. They are based on news reports, and combined reports of the same attacks. Iraq was a war we started. Afghanistan? This person should look up 9/11, Al Qaeda, and the Taliban. Then, look on a map and see that the areas Al Qaeda and the Taliban were most active in was: Afghanistan. We were attacked.
Afghanistan was just justified in the paragraph before this one, and we should leave the odds to win to our forces fighting there. I haven't lost any trust in them. I'm sure they can do it.
The conflict in Pakistan is not being done by American forces. Pakistan is attacking the Taliban after a series of suicide bombings broke a cease-fire signed earlier in the year. It is not Obama's fault that the Taliban do not keep their word and attack civilians provoking a response by the Pakistani government.
He continues:
Like McNamara, Obama doesn't understand a basic truth: You can't successfully manage an inherently doomed premise. Colonialism is dead. Occupiers will never enjoy peace. Neither the Afghans nor the Iraqis nor the Pakistanis will rest until we withdraw our forces. The only success we will find is in accepting defeat sooner rather than later.
Excerpt over. Colonialism did have a hand in Vietnam when the French fought. We were fighting for an independant South Vietnamese state. The full evidence for this is the fact that we never put troops in North Vietnam. We were only defending the sovereignty of South Vietnam. As for colonialism in Iraq and Afghanistan, Iraq may have oil but it has multiple personality syndrome in the form of three ethnic groups that can't seem to live with each other. Afghanistan? It has field after field of illegal drugs. Not much of a gold mine there.
The Pakistani people, although some join the Taliban, are mostly in favor of the goverment of Pakistan. They are not an enemy of the United States. Nor are the people of Afghanistan. As a whole, most are peaceful. Iraq, same thing. It is so peaceful in Iraq we are now able to end full operations.
Finally:
. "We didn't know our opposition," concluded McNamara. "So the first lesson is know your opponents. I want to suggest to you that we don't know our potential opponents today."
Actually, it's worse than that. Then, like now, we don't have opponents. We create them.
Excerpt over. We create them? We created 9/11? The U.S.S. Cole bombing? The embassy bombings worldwide? The first Trade Center bombing? That was just off the top of my head. We invented Al Qaeda and pursue that figment of our imaginations at the cost of lives and money with no enemy in Afghanistan?
The writer should respond to my statements however contact information was not given.
http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/barack-mcnamara-obama/Content?oid=1106005
The article is a full attack on McNamara and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. There is a moral loss on the part of the writer, and lies are common. The title says much: Why can't Obama see his wars are unwinnable?
In that title one could presume the discussion may be about the ongoing healthcare crisis, or cap and trade, or the stimulus bills. Instead it is about McNamara's involvement in the war in Vietnam and Obama's involvement (so far) in Iraq and Afghanistan. Here is the first problem I had with the article:
Some call McNamara's life tragic. Tragedy-inducing is closer to the truth. Yes, he suffered guilt in his later years. "He wore the expression of a haunted man," wrote the author of his Times obit. "He could be seen in the streets of Washington [D.C.]--stooped, his shirttail flapping in the wind--walking to and from his office a few blocks from the White House, wearing frayed running shoes and a thousand-yard stare." But the men and women and boys and girls blown up by bombs and mines and impaled by bullets and maimed in countless ways deserve more vengeance than a pair of ratty Nikes. Neither McNamara nor LBJ nor the millions of Americans who were for the war merit understanding, much less sympathy.
Excerpt over. To say that one should not attempt to gather understanding or give sympathy to anyone in pain is simply barbaric. The actions of terrorists are terrible and unforgivable. However, one of the most common thoughts about them is "why?". This is because when terrible things happen seeking understanding so that a prevention of future tragedy can be put forward is the most civilized response.
Take the example of the article's writer: McNamara was one of the initiators and promoters of the conflict in Vietnam which caused massive tragedy and suffering. Because he caused suffering when he suffers nobody should ask why or try to help.
Replace the example: A building collapses. The designer has immense remorse and it was his fault for a bad design. Should we not approach the designer to understand why he designed it that way so that we can make sure it doesn't happen again?
This is where the article enters the land of ignorance:
Why can't President Obama imagine himself living in a poor village in Pakistan? Why can't he feel the anger and contempt felt by Pakistanis who hear pilotless drone planes buzzing overhead, firing missiles willy-nilly at civilians and guerilla fighters alike, dispatched by a distant enemy too cowardly to put live soldiers and pilots in harm's way?
Excerpt over. First, the targets are selected on information. The drone bombings, whether legal or not (that arguement isn't made), are not weekend hunting trips that our military goes on. They are based on information that is sometimes right, sometimes wrong. However, the information gives us an enemy target. The willy-nilly approach is a lie.
Then it says we are cowardly for not putting our troops on the ground. We are not allowed by the Pakistani government to place our forces in Pakistan. Now an arguement to the legality of the drone bombings could go forward, but it doesn't. The author mentions World War 2 and the deaths of the Japanese. He writes the following:
At least Japan started the war. What of Afghanistan and Iraq, where approximately 2 million civilians have been killed by U.S. forces? Neither country attacked us. Shouldn't George W. Bush, Donald Rumsfeld and the rest be prosecuted as war criminals? Why not Obama? After all, Obama is leaving 50,000 troops in Iraq after the war there is supposedly coming to an end. He's escalating the unjustifiable, unwinnable tragedy in Afghanistan--there are 68,000 U.S. troops there now, probably going up to 100,000 by next year--while spreading the conflict into Pakistan.
Excertp over. The death toll is completely wrong. The highest of estimates have been proven false as they include repeat numbers. They are based on news reports, and combined reports of the same attacks. Iraq was a war we started. Afghanistan? This person should look up 9/11, Al Qaeda, and the Taliban. Then, look on a map and see that the areas Al Qaeda and the Taliban were most active in was: Afghanistan. We were attacked.
Afghanistan was just justified in the paragraph before this one, and we should leave the odds to win to our forces fighting there. I haven't lost any trust in them. I'm sure they can do it.
The conflict in Pakistan is not being done by American forces. Pakistan is attacking the Taliban after a series of suicide bombings broke a cease-fire signed earlier in the year. It is not Obama's fault that the Taliban do not keep their word and attack civilians provoking a response by the Pakistani government.
He continues:
Like McNamara, Obama doesn't understand a basic truth: You can't successfully manage an inherently doomed premise. Colonialism is dead. Occupiers will never enjoy peace. Neither the Afghans nor the Iraqis nor the Pakistanis will rest until we withdraw our forces. The only success we will find is in accepting defeat sooner rather than later.
Excerpt over. Colonialism did have a hand in Vietnam when the French fought. We were fighting for an independant South Vietnamese state. The full evidence for this is the fact that we never put troops in North Vietnam. We were only defending the sovereignty of South Vietnam. As for colonialism in Iraq and Afghanistan, Iraq may have oil but it has multiple personality syndrome in the form of three ethnic groups that can't seem to live with each other. Afghanistan? It has field after field of illegal drugs. Not much of a gold mine there.
The Pakistani people, although some join the Taliban, are mostly in favor of the goverment of Pakistan. They are not an enemy of the United States. Nor are the people of Afghanistan. As a whole, most are peaceful. Iraq, same thing. It is so peaceful in Iraq we are now able to end full operations.
Finally:
. "We didn't know our opposition," concluded McNamara. "So the first lesson is know your opponents. I want to suggest to you that we don't know our potential opponents today."
Actually, it's worse than that. Then, like now, we don't have opponents. We create them.
Excerpt over. We create them? We created 9/11? The U.S.S. Cole bombing? The embassy bombings worldwide? The first Trade Center bombing? That was just off the top of my head. We invented Al Qaeda and pursue that figment of our imaginations at the cost of lives and money with no enemy in Afghanistan?
The writer should respond to my statements however contact information was not given.
My Proposed Honduras Settlement
To continue proving Republicans are the true alternative, I continue providing solutions. In Honduras, for the best outcome Mitchelleti should resign, Zelaya endorse the Supreme Court president to the presidency, and Honduras should hold an emergency presidential election in which Zelaya, Mitchelleti, and the Supreme Court president can not be on the ballot. Zelaya's endorsement of the Supreme Court president would legitimize the government and thus the election. Honduran people would have the final choice in this situation as it should be in a Democracy. Zelaya will be granted amnesty and allowed to reunite with his family.
WASHINGTON, July 16 (RIA Novosti) - The White House has expressed sadness over the abduction and murder of Russian human rights activist Natalya Estemirova in the North Caucasus, and called on the Russian government to bring the killers to justice.
Excerpt over. I completely agree. Too many Russian activists and critics have been killed without justice in the past five years. A Democracy is accountable to its citizens and should always remember that its citizens choose whether or not those in power stay in power. The time for political assassinations and the silencing of opposition in Russia must pass.
Excerpt over. I completely agree. Too many Russian activists and critics have been killed without justice in the past five years. A Democracy is accountable to its citizens and should always remember that its citizens choose whether or not those in power stay in power. The time for political assassinations and the silencing of opposition in Russia must pass.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Honduras In Conflict
The curfew that was lifted a few days ago has been placed back into effect following the insurrection request by Zelaya. The following article is my source for this blog: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,533000,00.html?test=latestnews
The move towards conflict seems to be growing:
"There are reports, I don't know if they are real, I haven't been officially informed, that there is a group of armed people and that Zelaya is going to enter over the Nicaraguan border this Saturday," Micheletti said.
Excerpt over. If this is true, the source of these weapons needs to be determined for clarity of the forces at work. The article continues:
Labor leader Israel Salinas, one of the main figures in the pro-Zelaya movement, told thousands of demonstrators who marched through the capital that workers at state-owned companies plan walkouts later this week. Salinas also said sympathetic unions in neighboring Nicaragua and El Salvador would try to block border crossings later this week "in solidarity with our struggle."
Tempers were high during the five-hour protest. Demonstrators threw rocks at a government building that houses the country's women's institute. Police showed up but no injuries were reported. "We are going to install the constitutional assembly. We are going to burn the Congress," protest leader Miriam Miranda vowed.
Excerpt over. My first response is what does the women's institute in Honduras have to do with supporting Zelaya? Also, why is it that the protests are allowed to go forward almost unopposed, yet the protestors seek to do more than voice themselves and act in violence?
Now, another thing to look at is that the unions are supporting this. The unions are going to attempt to block the borders. Now, will the Nicaragua and El Salvador police (or military? border patrol?) gaurantee the open borders as declared by the WTO following an already attempted blockade? Or will they simply say it was beyond their power to prevent? The questions continue to grow faster than the number of twists in every daily soap opera on tv.
TeleSur seems to be the main source of news for the world on this issue. However, their crew was thrown out of Honduras yet continues to report on the situation as if they were on the ground. While they demand (and recieved) IPS support in their complaint about being thrown out, the world looks away from the 200 tv, radio, and news outlets in Venezuela silenced for promoting private ownership rights. I can't make the contradiction any clearer than that. The world simply is looking at Honduras because they all want to be on the winning side, yet with Venezuela they want the oil so they turn away. I continue to be baffled at the world joining with the ALBA nations in supporting Zelaya.
I condemn the governments of the world for not using common sense.
The move towards conflict seems to be growing:
"There are reports, I don't know if they are real, I haven't been officially informed, that there is a group of armed people and that Zelaya is going to enter over the Nicaraguan border this Saturday," Micheletti said.
Excerpt over. If this is true, the source of these weapons needs to be determined for clarity of the forces at work. The article continues:
Labor leader Israel Salinas, one of the main figures in the pro-Zelaya movement, told thousands of demonstrators who marched through the capital that workers at state-owned companies plan walkouts later this week. Salinas also said sympathetic unions in neighboring Nicaragua and El Salvador would try to block border crossings later this week "in solidarity with our struggle."
Tempers were high during the five-hour protest. Demonstrators threw rocks at a government building that houses the country's women's institute. Police showed up but no injuries were reported. "We are going to install the constitutional assembly. We are going to burn the Congress," protest leader Miriam Miranda vowed.
Excerpt over. My first response is what does the women's institute in Honduras have to do with supporting Zelaya? Also, why is it that the protests are allowed to go forward almost unopposed, yet the protestors seek to do more than voice themselves and act in violence?
Now, another thing to look at is that the unions are supporting this. The unions are going to attempt to block the borders. Now, will the Nicaragua and El Salvador police (or military? border patrol?) gaurantee the open borders as declared by the WTO following an already attempted blockade? Or will they simply say it was beyond their power to prevent? The questions continue to grow faster than the number of twists in every daily soap opera on tv.
TeleSur seems to be the main source of news for the world on this issue. However, their crew was thrown out of Honduras yet continues to report on the situation as if they were on the ground. While they demand (and recieved) IPS support in their complaint about being thrown out, the world looks away from the 200 tv, radio, and news outlets in Venezuela silenced for promoting private ownership rights. I can't make the contradiction any clearer than that. The world simply is looking at Honduras because they all want to be on the winning side, yet with Venezuela they want the oil so they turn away. I continue to be baffled at the world joining with the ALBA nations in supporting Zelaya.
I condemn the governments of the world for not using common sense.
Resignation For Resolution
The current president of Honduras, Roberto Mitchelleti, has proposed to resign as president if Manuel Zelaya promises not to retake the position. The insurrection Zelaya called for did not seem to proceed in any form today and I believe this is due to the realization by the Honduran people that Zelaya is not going to be president again. I doubt Zelaya will accept this because until recently he thought he had enough power to be able to continue his term.
Meanwhile, a Telesur crew that was expelled from Honduras is asking that the Inter-American Press Society "take a stand." One should note that the Telesur network employees are not requesting that the IPS take a stand on the 200 news stations shut down in Venezuela for reporting positively on private property rights.
This connects to Iran where news is still shut down. The protests continue and the world turns away. I am trying to find new movements in Iran however it looks like the protests, however strong, are not creating any new changes in the situation. I try to get information but English and French sources have a common line: information is difficult to confirm. I want to have this blog have an opinion brought by me that is supported by confirmed facts. With international attention diverted, the rate of confirmed reports dropped drastically.
Meanwhile, a Telesur crew that was expelled from Honduras is asking that the Inter-American Press Society "take a stand." One should note that the Telesur network employees are not requesting that the IPS take a stand on the 200 news stations shut down in Venezuela for reporting positively on private property rights.
This connects to Iran where news is still shut down. The protests continue and the world turns away. I am trying to find new movements in Iran however it looks like the protests, however strong, are not creating any new changes in the situation. I try to get information but English and French sources have a common line: information is difficult to confirm. I want to have this blog have an opinion brought by me that is supported by confirmed facts. With international attention diverted, the rate of confirmed reports dropped drastically.
I May Have Picked A Winner (From The Start (Finally)
The numbers from the ongoing campaigns for governor in the first quarter of fundraising are in.
1.Bruce Poliquin: Raised $276,939 from 453 donors with $192,227 cash on hand.
2.Steve Rowe: Raised $59,232.60 with $57,791.67 on hand.
3.Matt Jacobson: Raised $39,586 from 123 donors with $10,009 cash on hand.
4. Lynne Williams: Raised $3,295 with $1,162.53 on hand.
Other data unavailable at this time. All information from: http://www.mainecampaignfinance.com/public/home.asp
1.Bruce Poliquin: Raised $276,939 from 453 donors with $192,227 cash on hand.
2.Steve Rowe: Raised $59,232.60 with $57,791.67 on hand.
3.Matt Jacobson: Raised $39,586 from 123 donors with $10,009 cash on hand.
4. Lynne Williams: Raised $3,295 with $1,162.53 on hand.
Other data unavailable at this time. All information from: http://www.mainecampaignfinance.com/public/home.asp
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Venezuelan Invasion Of Honduras / Mexico Fence
It is coming. Zelaya gave the new government until Friday to reinstate him as president. He has also called for the following (as reported by this article: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jl67xASAqn1ecE0UoQfoe-bDtNSA )
Deposed Honduran leader Manuel Zelaya called for a popular insurrection in his country so he can be returned to power after soldiers removed him at gunpoint in June.
Zelaya urged his supporters in Honduras to strike, march, and carry out takeovers and acts of civil disobedience because that is necessary "when the democratic order of a country is disrupted."
"The Honduran people have the right to insurrection," said Zelaya, speaking in the neighboring Central American country of Guatemala.
Zelaya said that insurrection was a legitimate democratic right "when faced with a usurping government and a coup-supporting military.
"I want to tell you to not leave the streets, that is the only space that they have not taken from us," he said in comments aimed at supporters in Honduras.
Excerpt over. Thus far his supporters have done so with little intervention. The curfew that was imposed that the world spoke against was lifted. The new government has made in a clear statement the reason the impeachment was not chosen as the most expedient path to restoring the Constitution:
In the Honduran capital Tegucigalpa, acting foreign minister Carlos Lopez said that authorities were still committed to talks aimed at finding a peaceful resolution with Zelaya on Friday in San Jose, mediated by Costa Rican President Oscar Arias.
"We are not issuing threats," said Lopez, who emphasized that the government of interim leader Roberto Micheletti was in control and the country was at peace.
"We removed the curfew and the government has complete control of the territory," Lopez said.
The head of the Honduran army, General Romeo Vasquez, told AFP that Zelaya was exiled to avoid "deaths and injuries."
Honduran security services "believed it would be dangerous to imprison him," Vasquez said, adding such a move "could have caused deaths and injuries" if his supporters had tried to free him.
"The consequences for the country would have been serious," he said.
Excerpt over. The government saw the judicial process as slow enough to cause bloodshed in the country. While the current path has not caused more than two deaths at most (a military truck hit someone, details are still hard to find, and a person who was among those trying to break through the barricade at the airport Zelaya was trying to land at. They were there because he requested his supporters arrive to try and ensure his landing.) I know that calling for an insurrection (note my thoughts on the book "The Coming Insurrection" and its often violent tendencies) will cause more bloodshed.
Now comes the part where the invasion of Honduras by Venezuela becomes more real. I've already posted how Hugo Chavez has said he will use military force to reinstate Zelaya. He has already said the talks have failed. Zelaya made this move today:
Zelaya has warned the interim government that it must relinquish power within the week.
"We are giving an ultimatum to the coup regime" that by Friday "they comply with the mandates expressed by international organizations and the constitution of Honduras" demanding his immediate restitution, Zelaya said Monday in Nicaragua's capital Managua.
If he is not restored to power "the mediation will be considered a failure," Zelaya warned.
Excerpt over. When Zelaya's insurrection results in a bloodbath, Venezuela will be turned to in order to save the lives of, and I bet this is the term they will use, "freedom fighters." The rest of the article deals with the United States, and in my opinion, treasonous to Honduras, and in fact, drug smuggling, and in fact, Honduran Constitutional violator, Zelaya.
I don't know this because of a premonition. I am only using the power of observation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile a long time coming fence on the border with Mexico is going to start towards completion. 700 miles of border fence are, in the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, to be completed by 2010. Lets get the remaining 2000 some miles built by the end of 2012. Kudos to Congress for doing this, now to get them to do other logical things.
Deposed Honduran leader Manuel Zelaya called for a popular insurrection in his country so he can be returned to power after soldiers removed him at gunpoint in June.
Zelaya urged his supporters in Honduras to strike, march, and carry out takeovers and acts of civil disobedience because that is necessary "when the democratic order of a country is disrupted."
"The Honduran people have the right to insurrection," said Zelaya, speaking in the neighboring Central American country of Guatemala.
Zelaya said that insurrection was a legitimate democratic right "when faced with a usurping government and a coup-supporting military.
"I want to tell you to not leave the streets, that is the only space that they have not taken from us," he said in comments aimed at supporters in Honduras.
Excerpt over. Thus far his supporters have done so with little intervention. The curfew that was imposed that the world spoke against was lifted. The new government has made in a clear statement the reason the impeachment was not chosen as the most expedient path to restoring the Constitution:
In the Honduran capital Tegucigalpa, acting foreign minister Carlos Lopez said that authorities were still committed to talks aimed at finding a peaceful resolution with Zelaya on Friday in San Jose, mediated by Costa Rican President Oscar Arias.
"We are not issuing threats," said Lopez, who emphasized that the government of interim leader Roberto Micheletti was in control and the country was at peace.
"We removed the curfew and the government has complete control of the territory," Lopez said.
The head of the Honduran army, General Romeo Vasquez, told AFP that Zelaya was exiled to avoid "deaths and injuries."
Honduran security services "believed it would be dangerous to imprison him," Vasquez said, adding such a move "could have caused deaths and injuries" if his supporters had tried to free him.
"The consequences for the country would have been serious," he said.
Excerpt over. The government saw the judicial process as slow enough to cause bloodshed in the country. While the current path has not caused more than two deaths at most (a military truck hit someone, details are still hard to find, and a person who was among those trying to break through the barricade at the airport Zelaya was trying to land at. They were there because he requested his supporters arrive to try and ensure his landing.) I know that calling for an insurrection (note my thoughts on the book "The Coming Insurrection" and its often violent tendencies) will cause more bloodshed.
Now comes the part where the invasion of Honduras by Venezuela becomes more real. I've already posted how Hugo Chavez has said he will use military force to reinstate Zelaya. He has already said the talks have failed. Zelaya made this move today:
Zelaya has warned the interim government that it must relinquish power within the week.
"We are giving an ultimatum to the coup regime" that by Friday "they comply with the mandates expressed by international organizations and the constitution of Honduras" demanding his immediate restitution, Zelaya said Monday in Nicaragua's capital Managua.
If he is not restored to power "the mediation will be considered a failure," Zelaya warned.
Excerpt over. When Zelaya's insurrection results in a bloodbath, Venezuela will be turned to in order to save the lives of, and I bet this is the term they will use, "freedom fighters." The rest of the article deals with the United States, and in my opinion, treasonous to Honduras, and in fact, drug smuggling, and in fact, Honduran Constitutional violator, Zelaya.
I don't know this because of a premonition. I am only using the power of observation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile a long time coming fence on the border with Mexico is going to start towards completion. 700 miles of border fence are, in the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, to be completed by 2010. Lets get the remaining 2000 some miles built by the end of 2012. Kudos to Congress for doing this, now to get them to do other logical things.
My Position On Guns
Guns are legal and should always be legal.
That is where my big picture stance ends. This is because, although not contradicting, my personal views are not a blank check to gun rights. I do not believe there should be a law regarding what I witnessed today, a colt .45 at a birthday party just brought for fun. It was not loaded, which made me feel safe for a few minutes after it was shown and passed around. It was the way it was presented: as a toy, a joke. It was the real thing. I was able to endure watching the gun be displayed and its functions (the clip, cocking mechanism, reload) but yet one thing that was not shown was the safety. Now I was fine with this until it was tossed about, aimed, and the trigger pulled while pointed at anyone standing around. That is when my patience ended, I simply said I had to go, and I did so.
The gun was waved and pointed around recklessly. Something that should never be done with something of such, for lack of a better term, power. The reason for it being invented should be enough to urge constant caution when using it; even when it is disabled in order to prevent a sense of false security from forming.
A gun is not a joke, and should not be passed around like an item at show and tell. It should be respected and kept for appropriate uses only (hunting or defense).
That is where my big picture stance ends. This is because, although not contradicting, my personal views are not a blank check to gun rights. I do not believe there should be a law regarding what I witnessed today, a colt .45 at a birthday party just brought for fun. It was not loaded, which made me feel safe for a few minutes after it was shown and passed around. It was the way it was presented: as a toy, a joke. It was the real thing. I was able to endure watching the gun be displayed and its functions (the clip, cocking mechanism, reload) but yet one thing that was not shown was the safety. Now I was fine with this until it was tossed about, aimed, and the trigger pulled while pointed at anyone standing around. That is when my patience ended, I simply said I had to go, and I did so.
The gun was waved and pointed around recklessly. Something that should never be done with something of such, for lack of a better term, power. The reason for it being invented should be enough to urge constant caution when using it; even when it is disabled in order to prevent a sense of false security from forming.
A gun is not a joke, and should not be passed around like an item at show and tell. It should be respected and kept for appropriate uses only (hunting or defense).
Monday, July 13, 2009
A Donation Well Done (Not Well Spent)
One thing I've learned in the past year is the value of action over money. When I volunteered and worked for causes I saw the results greatly improved. I also saw money pour into campaign efforts in all directions and noticed the money, in the billions, get wasted across this country. From Democratic websites, Republican emails, and nominee websites there is a common element in how they want people to be a part of their efforts: money. The links to contribute along the entire line link to either registering to give money, or news letters that only ask for money contributions.
This is where I alter the course. I vow at this very moment to make every campaign action oriented instead of money driven. I will not call on people to give their hard earned money. Instead, talk to their neighbors and friends and family about the issues facing our state and who they believe more closely represents them on those issues. It will rest on me to prove to people that I am the person who closely represents them. The forms to contribute will request time, not money.
I want to lead people, not checkbooks and credit card accounts. I will also have a program where volunteers will be invited to speak on my behalf at events I cannot attend. From large rallys to local political party committee meetings, I will entrust my message to those who follow me. Not only will I trust those who share the same message, I will give them actual leadership. They will be given something tangible for a contribution that they can hold onto. The money people give will be accepted, but not emphasized.
The main reason for this shift is because a person usually doesn't know where their money goes when they donate it to a political party. Usually it goes to advertisements and organizing exposure at rallies. Sometimes it goes to expensive, frivolous spending for a campaign that many people only find out about if they are a rival (suits, hairstylists, meetings with special interest groups on the tab of the campaign). I will not have any of that waste. The campaign's I am the candidate for will have me buying my own clothes, and buying nobody else's, combing my own hair, and meeting with people at rallies and not executives at private luncheons in order to get endorsements). The stance I have against group endorsements is because I prefer the endorsement of the American people and not a special interest group or PAC.
This is where I alter the course. I vow at this very moment to make every campaign action oriented instead of money driven. I will not call on people to give their hard earned money. Instead, talk to their neighbors and friends and family about the issues facing our state and who they believe more closely represents them on those issues. It will rest on me to prove to people that I am the person who closely represents them. The forms to contribute will request time, not money.
I want to lead people, not checkbooks and credit card accounts. I will also have a program where volunteers will be invited to speak on my behalf at events I cannot attend. From large rallys to local political party committee meetings, I will entrust my message to those who follow me. Not only will I trust those who share the same message, I will give them actual leadership. They will be given something tangible for a contribution that they can hold onto. The money people give will be accepted, but not emphasized.
The main reason for this shift is because a person usually doesn't know where their money goes when they donate it to a political party. Usually it goes to advertisements and organizing exposure at rallies. Sometimes it goes to expensive, frivolous spending for a campaign that many people only find out about if they are a rival (suits, hairstylists, meetings with special interest groups on the tab of the campaign). I will not have any of that waste. The campaign's I am the candidate for will have me buying my own clothes, and buying nobody else's, combing my own hair, and meeting with people at rallies and not executives at private luncheons in order to get endorsements). The stance I have against group endorsements is because I prefer the endorsement of the American people and not a special interest group or PAC.
Common Sense Conspiracy
I hear often, and am sadly approached by friends frequently, about the 2012 end of the world and how it ties into the Christian and Islamic faiths. The 2012 theory was thrown out not only in 2005, when the 7 years peace would have begun, but also when one notices the basis for a calendar. Our calendar is based on how much time it takes to circle the sun, the Mayan's calendar was based on the time it took for the earth to circle the galaxy (some 4000 years). It only takes common sense to realize this.
A conspiracy draws on peoples inner desire to lead. It gives people the chance to be right against all odds and when proven right (which few ever have) gain fame. More often it results in their credibility being lowered as the lack of common sense hits on their abilities across the board. Gambling is a similar approach: give a chance to get ahead and those with the least chance to do so will take it.
Conspiracies turn people into sheep. When a sheep has a shepherd he will not leave unless lost. Until the sheep is lost, it will follow what the shepherd says. If the sheep gets lost and is found by another shepherd, it will believe the other shepherd no matter what the former shepherd says. People who get "lost" find a conspiracy and believe it in a troll like stupor that makes them unwilling to look at the evidence against their theory, even if it is based in common sense.
A conspiracy draws on peoples inner desire to lead. It gives people the chance to be right against all odds and when proven right (which few ever have) gain fame. More often it results in their credibility being lowered as the lack of common sense hits on their abilities across the board. Gambling is a similar approach: give a chance to get ahead and those with the least chance to do so will take it.
Conspiracies turn people into sheep. When a sheep has a shepherd he will not leave unless lost. Until the sheep is lost, it will follow what the shepherd says. If the sheep gets lost and is found by another shepherd, it will believe the other shepherd no matter what the former shepherd says. People who get "lost" find a conspiracy and believe it in a troll like stupor that makes them unwilling to look at the evidence against their theory, even if it is based in common sense.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Another Interview Coming (Bruce Poliquin 2)
I could detail the struggles I face in getting support from some of the closest people around me.
Point is, I am literally going against what seems like the world in everything I do. In other news, I have another interview with Bruce Poliquin planned. It will be good to get a feel for where he stands on issues in more detail than on his website. I may have (its in limbo until tomorrow when I read the city ordinances on campaigns) gotten support for my efforts in Bangor for my run for office.
So while I'm told I can't do it, I march on and do it anyway. The oddest part is how I am only told I can not do it after I tell the people closest to me the good news of my progress. Alas, such is living in a family where the political views are 100% opposite to your own.
Point is, I am literally going against what seems like the world in everything I do. In other news, I have another interview with Bruce Poliquin planned. It will be good to get a feel for where he stands on issues in more detail than on his website. I may have (its in limbo until tomorrow when I read the city ordinances on campaigns) gotten support for my efforts in Bangor for my run for office.
So while I'm told I can't do it, I march on and do it anyway. The oddest part is how I am only told I can not do it after I tell the people closest to me the good news of my progress. Alas, such is living in a family where the political views are 100% opposite to your own.
Primeval Cancelled (I am NOT impressed)
I've been thinking about the cancellation of Primeval for some time now. It has been almost a month since it was announced. While we are still just getting to the second season in the U.S. with the Syfy (formerly Sci Fi channel). Looking into it the show was ITV (the home station in the U.K.) best show with over 5 million viewers. It represented 21% of the market share. Now, the show says that costs are the reason for cutting the show with declining revenue.
I've seen the forums, and the four petitions. The show is loved by everyone, including me. Syfy, listen up, come close please, I'm only a devout fan of Scifi shows (have been for about ten years) and I've seen some excellent shows come and go from Scifi. I have been annoyed with my favorite shows being cancelled with fewer than five seasons under their belt. The list of shows I loved and now miss: Dresden Files, Flash Gordon, Painkiller Jane, Starget Atlantis (Seriously, give it the ten years you gave SG-1.), Battlestar Galactica (BEST show ever, and I'm not really angry about it closing, it had to, its the longest movie ever, but still it ended so its in the list), TREMORS (I loved the movies, loved the series, and you cancelled it! I was especially distraught over this one). Now the shows that were shown for less than five seasons that you didn't pick up: Firefly (Again, I liked, you didn't, although the ratings I understand), Jake 2.0 (you air two seasons, and re-run like crazy), and Surface (Loved it, NBC cancelled it.)
So the list is quite long. NBC and Scifi, now Syfy, pay attention: STOP IT. Give a show five seasons to build a fan base, learn lessons, and become successful. I'm tired of falling in love with shows, characters, and plots just to have them stop dead in their tracks. Syfy, save Primeval. Do whatever you have to. It is an amazing show. You brought other U.K. shows to the U.S. and you can do the same here. Notice the success in the U.K., you could have that too if you hosted the series.
I've seen the forums, and the four petitions. The show is loved by everyone, including me. Syfy, listen up, come close please, I'm only a devout fan of Scifi shows (have been for about ten years) and I've seen some excellent shows come and go from Scifi. I have been annoyed with my favorite shows being cancelled with fewer than five seasons under their belt. The list of shows I loved and now miss: Dresden Files, Flash Gordon, Painkiller Jane, Starget Atlantis (Seriously, give it the ten years you gave SG-1.), Battlestar Galactica (BEST show ever, and I'm not really angry about it closing, it had to, its the longest movie ever, but still it ended so its in the list), TREMORS (I loved the movies, loved the series, and you cancelled it! I was especially distraught over this one). Now the shows that were shown for less than five seasons that you didn't pick up: Firefly (Again, I liked, you didn't, although the ratings I understand), Jake 2.0 (you air two seasons, and re-run like crazy), and Surface (Loved it, NBC cancelled it.)
So the list is quite long. NBC and Scifi, now Syfy, pay attention: STOP IT. Give a show five seasons to build a fan base, learn lessons, and become successful. I'm tired of falling in love with shows, characters, and plots just to have them stop dead in their tracks. Syfy, save Primeval. Do whatever you have to. It is an amazing show. You brought other U.K. shows to the U.S. and you can do the same here. Notice the success in the U.K., you could have that too if you hosted the series.
Three Top Republican Candidates And What Their Blogs Say About Them
I've let you keep up with the announced candidates for the Republican side of the Governor race in Maine for 2010. We have read their websites, attempted interviews (got two of them) and now we will examine their blogs. Just a quick recap: Bruce Poliquin, Matt Jacobson, and Les Otten are the candidates.
One of the most telling signs for a blog writer is to make the first post mean something. In my case it explained what the blog would cover (important things and sometimes not so important things to break the tandem of drama). This first review is going to cover only the first blog. The first blog, should someone take the time to go and read it, can give a big hint as to the potential, purpose, and practicality of the blog.
Lets start with Les Otten's blog found here: http://lesotten.blogspot.com/
Les Otten's first blog post talks about the Red Sox and their championship win. It tells of how Maine can come back from a loss and what areas need to be fixed. He states:
I believe that Maine can renew itself as a leader in energy independence, tax reform, job creation, business opportunity and 21st century educational opportunities.
Excerpt over. What the blog doesn't say is that he is running for governor. It doesn't mention why he is running for governor. It doesn't mention why he should be governor. It lacks what the solutions to those issues are, and so on a scale of 1-10 for representing his campaign for governor, I give it a 2.
Now to Matt Jacobson's blog at: http://jacobsonforgovernor.blogspot.com/2009/03/test-blog-1.html
His blog post is lengthy, but detailed. I like that. Most people I know may be slightly bored with the detailed paragraphs, but it isn't a CBO report and has some adjectives in it to make things more readable. His blog states five main problems (as a good way to make a powerful statement later on) which are: energy costs, aging population, per capita income, changing climate (which negatively affects our fishing industry), and the air base in Brunswick is closing. He definately knows what is wrong with Maine. He knows the problem. This is good.
He provides a goal of increasing our per capita income by $19,000 without giving a way to do it. He then proposes we turn the air base into an energy center, and then connects that to all the other issues making it a solution to many problems. In this big picture viewpoint he is excellent. He understands the chain reactions. However how the energy center would be formed using the governor's office he did not say. Which makes his whole blog doubtful, however it does appear on the surface to be a good idea.
However, like Les Otten's blog it is not apparent in the blog that he is running for governor. You have to make it crystal clear to people what you plan to do. Just saying what is wrong and mentioning a solution does not do much if you need someone to vote for you. It also shows to me they are not focused on the goal.
My rating: 7
Now we go to Bruce Poliquin's blog, which is not on blogger.com but on his website: http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/blog/P32/
His blog starts out with what is wrong with Maine and what can be done about it in generalized terms. Then he underlined a section with the following:
Here are just a few reasons why I’m best qualified to be your next Governor:
First, I’m a native Mainer — Waterville 3rd generation.
Second, I worked my way through Harvard University, studying economics under world renowned professors and business managers.
Third, our investment business safely managed $5 billion of worker pension funds, more money than our State government spends in a year.
Fourth, I have started, invested in, and managed a number of Maine businesses. These companies have provided good work to hundreds of Mainers and injected millions of dollars into our economy.
Excerpt over. Then he repeats his first section in a couple of sentences and dedicates himself to making himself available to prove himself as qualified for the position and ready to do the job. He even gives contact information. This is something that sets his campaign apart from all the others I've seen so far (including the Working Families Party from earlier). He is the only candidate who has made himself accessable. I have been contacted by his campaign more times than I have contacted them. This connection to the people is what a leader needs to have.
His blog post gives some problems, aknowledges that solutions are more complicated than catchy phrases, and then gives the reason why he is best for the position of governor and allows you to contact anytime. While I am slightly inclined to test the "contact me anytime" just to fulfill the urges of having Aspergers Syndrome, I won't.
My Rating: 9.9
It is still early in the campaign, and changes can be made to improve. I have seen endorsements work wonders in campaigns but I feel that mine would only distract from the issues. So I will continue doing my work and presenting all sides, even if I do endorse Bruce Poliquin for governor. (A lesson has been learned from this: a few e-mail responses and forward outreach programs can do wonders for a candidate for public office.)
One of the most telling signs for a blog writer is to make the first post mean something. In my case it explained what the blog would cover (important things and sometimes not so important things to break the tandem of drama). This first review is going to cover only the first blog. The first blog, should someone take the time to go and read it, can give a big hint as to the potential, purpose, and practicality of the blog.
Lets start with Les Otten's blog found here: http://lesotten.blogspot.com/
Les Otten's first blog post talks about the Red Sox and their championship win. It tells of how Maine can come back from a loss and what areas need to be fixed. He states:
I believe that Maine can renew itself as a leader in energy independence, tax reform, job creation, business opportunity and 21st century educational opportunities.
Excerpt over. What the blog doesn't say is that he is running for governor. It doesn't mention why he is running for governor. It doesn't mention why he should be governor. It lacks what the solutions to those issues are, and so on a scale of 1-10 for representing his campaign for governor, I give it a 2.
Now to Matt Jacobson's blog at: http://jacobsonforgovernor.blogspot.com/2009/03/test-blog-1.html
His blog post is lengthy, but detailed. I like that. Most people I know may be slightly bored with the detailed paragraphs, but it isn't a CBO report and has some adjectives in it to make things more readable. His blog states five main problems (as a good way to make a powerful statement later on) which are: energy costs, aging population, per capita income, changing climate (which negatively affects our fishing industry), and the air base in Brunswick is closing. He definately knows what is wrong with Maine. He knows the problem. This is good.
He provides a goal of increasing our per capita income by $19,000 without giving a way to do it. He then proposes we turn the air base into an energy center, and then connects that to all the other issues making it a solution to many problems. In this big picture viewpoint he is excellent. He understands the chain reactions. However how the energy center would be formed using the governor's office he did not say. Which makes his whole blog doubtful, however it does appear on the surface to be a good idea.
However, like Les Otten's blog it is not apparent in the blog that he is running for governor. You have to make it crystal clear to people what you plan to do. Just saying what is wrong and mentioning a solution does not do much if you need someone to vote for you. It also shows to me they are not focused on the goal.
My rating: 7
Now we go to Bruce Poliquin's blog, which is not on blogger.com but on his website: http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/blog/P32/
His blog starts out with what is wrong with Maine and what can be done about it in generalized terms. Then he underlined a section with the following:
Here are just a few reasons why I’m best qualified to be your next Governor:
First, I’m a native Mainer — Waterville 3rd generation.
Second, I worked my way through Harvard University, studying economics under world renowned professors and business managers.
Third, our investment business safely managed $5 billion of worker pension funds, more money than our State government spends in a year.
Fourth, I have started, invested in, and managed a number of Maine businesses. These companies have provided good work to hundreds of Mainers and injected millions of dollars into our economy.
Excerpt over. Then he repeats his first section in a couple of sentences and dedicates himself to making himself available to prove himself as qualified for the position and ready to do the job. He even gives contact information. This is something that sets his campaign apart from all the others I've seen so far (including the Working Families Party from earlier). He is the only candidate who has made himself accessable. I have been contacted by his campaign more times than I have contacted them. This connection to the people is what a leader needs to have.
His blog post gives some problems, aknowledges that solutions are more complicated than catchy phrases, and then gives the reason why he is best for the position of governor and allows you to contact anytime. While I am slightly inclined to test the "contact me anytime" just to fulfill the urges of having Aspergers Syndrome, I won't.
My Rating: 9.9
It is still early in the campaign, and changes can be made to improve. I have seen endorsements work wonders in campaigns but I feel that mine would only distract from the issues. So I will continue doing my work and presenting all sides, even if I do endorse Bruce Poliquin for governor. (A lesson has been learned from this: a few e-mail responses and forward outreach programs can do wonders for a candidate for public office.)
Is Honduras Korea, Ethiopia, Rhineland, or Austria?
I am calling it. Venezuela will invade Honduras. However, lets first examine some stupidy by our state department. The following is a quote from this article: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=asgQZRiaT9vs
Chavez has been "unclear" about his position on Honduras, a State Department spokesman, Philip J. Crowley, told reporters today.
Excerpt over. Philip J. Crowley should resign. Joking or being ignorant, he clearly isn't doing his job making statements like that. Now to Hugo Chavez' position. During the first days Hugo Chavez said his military was going on high alert and will defend Zelaya. The following is from the same article earlier:
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said talks to try to resolve a political crisis in Honduras are "dead."
Chavez said today Zelaya is "resolved" to try to return to Honduras. He said that Zelaya is the only person who can convene presidential elections in Honduras that are scheduled for November, and that Venezuela won’t recognize any government elected in a vote called by the "coup government."
Excerpt over. So in combination with the statements about the military of Venezuela going on high alert, declaring that the diplomatic efforts are dead, saying Zelaya is the only president they will recognize, and any election by anyone other than Zelaya is illegal, Hugo Chavez is going to invade Honduras and place Zelaya in power.
I had drafted a blog right after the transition of power took place about the military strengths of Hondurus compared to its neighbors and most likely opponents. Venezuela alone has a military 30 times larger than Honduras, add in Nicaragua, Cuba and it is even more hopeless. Honduras can only do its best to dig in and prepare for the worst. It could face a three sided war if Ecuador gets involved. I believe Bolivia could only take part in the sense of declaring war but probably not getting troops involved.
Now to the title. World War 2 had many wars before its official start upon the invasion of Poland. There was the Rhineland, Austria, Czechoslovakia for Germany. Italy had Ethiopia and Albania. Japan went way back to Formosa, Korea, and Manchuko. Germany was the last of the Axis to have a war. North Korea has not had a war. Iran has had many for quite a while, like Japan, by funding some of the insurgents, specifically the Al-Sadr Militia, in Iraq, Hamas in Palestine, and Hezbolla throughout Lebanon, Syria, and the Middle East as a whole. So far Venezuela has immitated Germany's approach by supporting movements in neighboring countries while keeping Hugo's hands clean. The Rhineland for Venezuela could be any number of government control actions that take the power away from governors of states who are opposed to Chavez. Will Honduras be the Austria of Germany?
No war is the same as the last. However the signs of war stay the same. Belligerence is the precursor to war. Without it the people of a nation will never be in favor of conflict. Venezuela, Iran, and North Korea are certainly feeding their people the belligerence necessary for war.
Chavez has been "unclear" about his position on Honduras, a State Department spokesman, Philip J. Crowley, told reporters today.
Excerpt over. Philip J. Crowley should resign. Joking or being ignorant, he clearly isn't doing his job making statements like that. Now to Hugo Chavez' position. During the first days Hugo Chavez said his military was going on high alert and will defend Zelaya. The following is from the same article earlier:
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said talks to try to resolve a political crisis in Honduras are "dead."
Chavez said today Zelaya is "resolved" to try to return to Honduras. He said that Zelaya is the only person who can convene presidential elections in Honduras that are scheduled for November, and that Venezuela won’t recognize any government elected in a vote called by the "coup government."
Excerpt over. So in combination with the statements about the military of Venezuela going on high alert, declaring that the diplomatic efforts are dead, saying Zelaya is the only president they will recognize, and any election by anyone other than Zelaya is illegal, Hugo Chavez is going to invade Honduras and place Zelaya in power.
I had drafted a blog right after the transition of power took place about the military strengths of Hondurus compared to its neighbors and most likely opponents. Venezuela alone has a military 30 times larger than Honduras, add in Nicaragua, Cuba and it is even more hopeless. Honduras can only do its best to dig in and prepare for the worst. It could face a three sided war if Ecuador gets involved. I believe Bolivia could only take part in the sense of declaring war but probably not getting troops involved.
Now to the title. World War 2 had many wars before its official start upon the invasion of Poland. There was the Rhineland, Austria, Czechoslovakia for Germany. Italy had Ethiopia and Albania. Japan went way back to Formosa, Korea, and Manchuko. Germany was the last of the Axis to have a war. North Korea has not had a war. Iran has had many for quite a while, like Japan, by funding some of the insurgents, specifically the Al-Sadr Militia, in Iraq, Hamas in Palestine, and Hezbolla throughout Lebanon, Syria, and the Middle East as a whole. So far Venezuela has immitated Germany's approach by supporting movements in neighboring countries while keeping Hugo's hands clean. The Rhineland for Venezuela could be any number of government control actions that take the power away from governors of states who are opposed to Chavez. Will Honduras be the Austria of Germany?
No war is the same as the last. However the signs of war stay the same. Belligerence is the precursor to war. Without it the people of a nation will never be in favor of conflict. Venezuela, Iran, and North Korea are certainly feeding their people the belligerence necessary for war.
Earthquakes
I was going to have a pun for a title, but I decided to have no illusions: I am going to talk science. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,531201,00.html?mrp
The article provided talks about tremors in California and how there are double the number now than before the two major earthquakes in 2003 and 2004. The theory is that this means more pressure is building and another big one is coming because of the increase in tremors.
While reading I got an idea: the more tremors means the plates are shifting position smoothly and when there are few tremors, such as before the earthquakes in 2003 and 2004, it is a sign of building pressure because the plates want to move but can't.
The article provided talks about tremors in California and how there are double the number now than before the two major earthquakes in 2003 and 2004. The theory is that this means more pressure is building and another big one is coming because of the increase in tremors.
While reading I got an idea: the more tremors means the plates are shifting position smoothly and when there are few tremors, such as before the earthquakes in 2003 and 2004, it is a sign of building pressure because the plates want to move but can't.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Hell Hath No Scorn Like My Wrath
For the past few weeks, specifically since I found out Les Otten was running, I've attempted to get in communication in some way with his campaign. I've sent e-mails, posted on his blog, and that is on top of the writings on this blog. I have zero responses so far. My level of unbiased approach is dropping as I continue my efforts to get a response of any kind from his campaign. So I pulled the gloves off. I wrote the following on a blog post which was a review by someone who glorified Les Otten as being able to fix Maine's problems and pull us from a long shot in comparison to how the Red Sox won under Les Otten's part ownership. It had no statement of positions and was more or less an endoresment of Les Otten. His website has so far made limited statements to to where he stands on positions and my review of his website is further down on this blog. I did not remain silent, I've complained to him formally with the following on his blog:
Maybe it is one of the many mental illnesses I've been accused of having, but what is the point of this blog? Is it to provide another forum for which discussion and debate can unfold or to simply post what makes you feel better about yourself and your campaign? Your website doesn't respond to e-mails. My questions on your previous posts go unanswered. A large part of bipartisanship is responding, confronting, and debating with your critics and opponents. If you are unwilling to do so by private e-mail, I figured this blog was a more public forum for you to prove yourself. I may sound scathing but I'm only being an observant citizen. As much as I ask for answers, I also ask for forgiveness for being harsh. That said, what is the purpose of this blog?
Maybe it is one of the many mental illnesses I've been accused of having, but what is the point of this blog? Is it to provide another forum for which discussion and debate can unfold or to simply post what makes you feel better about yourself and your campaign? Your website doesn't respond to e-mails. My questions on your previous posts go unanswered. A large part of bipartisanship is responding, confronting, and debating with your critics and opponents. If you are unwilling to do so by private e-mail, I figured this blog was a more public forum for you to prove yourself. I may sound scathing but I'm only being an observant citizen. As much as I ask for answers, I also ask for forgiveness for being harsh. That said, what is the purpose of this blog?
ALBA (Not Jessica)
ALBA is the acronym for the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas. It includes, Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Cuba, Nicaragua, ?Honduras?, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica. They are introducing the SUCRE currency next year, and it will be similar in purpose to the Euro for its members.
One can notice the trend with the Euro, East Caribbean Dollar, and now SUCRE that a world currency is forming. Whether this is good or bad, a sign of unity or the apocalypse I don't care. What matters is that so far the benefits definately outweigh the negatives. I think the U.S. should push for a worldwide currency in trade. The currency is coming, and it would be beneficial to be the leaders in this global change rather than the ones left behind. The currency does not have to betray our values. The basic understanding of human rights, freedom, and democracy can be presented with global symbols instead of only national. What does this mean? Statue of liberty instead of one-eyed pyramid. Perhaps instead of leaders there could be words written in the five most common languages promoting freedom of speech, democracy, and human rights. It is a change that seems unpatriotic at times. I know the concerns about supranationalism.
The "beyond borders" nation is forming. It is undeniable. What forces control it is still up to us if we take the lead in creating it. Unlike the U.N. we can stall progress because we are the super power. Promote it now while we still have leadership in the world. Without us any effort for a greater state will fail. Yet with the forces at work our supremacy is being lost and the world is moving into a position to be able to go ahead with a global state without us. We can not let this happen or our future is not secure and our strength in peril.
What has really placed ALBA on the rising ranks in the world is oil. Venezuela and Cuba working together to extract and refine oil cheaply (compared to other makers) and sell them to the other nations in Latin America as aid could not be turned down. This is why many countries currenty recieve oil aid from the ALBA network even if they are not members. Costa Rica is an example. This oil supply comes from a breakthrough in refining heavy oil (the type of oil found in Venezuela which has, in the past, been expensive to refine and could only be refined in Texas) by Cuba, whose partnership founded ALBA.
How do we counter this cheaper oil? Since we in the U.S. have leaders unwilling to get oil domestically, we must turn to the alternatives. Today President Obama spoke at the G8 about alternative energy and climate change. Regardless of my opinion, he said we made the effort to become a major alternative energy producer and have initiatives to increase our use and improve the technology. Whether or not this will work, it is what Obama and his team came up with so we are stuck with it. Now, the long-run thinking is we could become the industry nation for green technology. Good or bad, it would make us a leader in the position of clean energy (if it works.) We could export the green technology and thus have our place in the world as a manufacturer restored.
Why do I mention this? Because geopolitically, if we could supply alternative energies that could reduce, perhaps even eliminate the need for oil in Latin America then we could diffuse the initial power of the ALBA alliance. All of its members had the reduced cost oil aid before becoming full members. So if we provide the capability to not need oil, ALBA will lose recruiting power in the region. The current members I believe are so entrenched in their new political leanings towards continuismo that just making oil less appealing will not work. However with four nations, possibly five, becoming or planning to become members of ALBA this year alone the reduced oil option is one that must be thwarted. Obama's green energy plan, should it work, may provide the resources we need to do that very thing.
Now whether or not I feel Obama sympathizes with the ALBA leftist leanings toward Socialism and Fascism makes little difference. It is if he does that we need be concerned. His support for Zelaya shows hints of support for ALBA that he could not state publicly. I fear Barack Obama desires the referendums and reforms for limitless presidential power that the leaders in the ALBA alliance have sought. It would explain why he supports Zelaya, a drug smuggler, to be returned to Honduras as president after he attempted such a referendum. I still lack the hardened evidence of why the world has turned on justice, but my theories may become more irrational as the logic stares me in the face.
The logic provided by the world is that this is a military coup in Honduras. I've proven that wrong, so the other explanations are still lacking. I seek the answers and if you have them please tell me.
One can notice the trend with the Euro, East Caribbean Dollar, and now SUCRE that a world currency is forming. Whether this is good or bad, a sign of unity or the apocalypse I don't care. What matters is that so far the benefits definately outweigh the negatives. I think the U.S. should push for a worldwide currency in trade. The currency is coming, and it would be beneficial to be the leaders in this global change rather than the ones left behind. The currency does not have to betray our values. The basic understanding of human rights, freedom, and democracy can be presented with global symbols instead of only national. What does this mean? Statue of liberty instead of one-eyed pyramid. Perhaps instead of leaders there could be words written in the five most common languages promoting freedom of speech, democracy, and human rights. It is a change that seems unpatriotic at times. I know the concerns about supranationalism.
The "beyond borders" nation is forming. It is undeniable. What forces control it is still up to us if we take the lead in creating it. Unlike the U.N. we can stall progress because we are the super power. Promote it now while we still have leadership in the world. Without us any effort for a greater state will fail. Yet with the forces at work our supremacy is being lost and the world is moving into a position to be able to go ahead with a global state without us. We can not let this happen or our future is not secure and our strength in peril.
What has really placed ALBA on the rising ranks in the world is oil. Venezuela and Cuba working together to extract and refine oil cheaply (compared to other makers) and sell them to the other nations in Latin America as aid could not be turned down. This is why many countries currenty recieve oil aid from the ALBA network even if they are not members. Costa Rica is an example. This oil supply comes from a breakthrough in refining heavy oil (the type of oil found in Venezuela which has, in the past, been expensive to refine and could only be refined in Texas) by Cuba, whose partnership founded ALBA.
How do we counter this cheaper oil? Since we in the U.S. have leaders unwilling to get oil domestically, we must turn to the alternatives. Today President Obama spoke at the G8 about alternative energy and climate change. Regardless of my opinion, he said we made the effort to become a major alternative energy producer and have initiatives to increase our use and improve the technology. Whether or not this will work, it is what Obama and his team came up with so we are stuck with it. Now, the long-run thinking is we could become the industry nation for green technology. Good or bad, it would make us a leader in the position of clean energy (if it works.) We could export the green technology and thus have our place in the world as a manufacturer restored.
Why do I mention this? Because geopolitically, if we could supply alternative energies that could reduce, perhaps even eliminate the need for oil in Latin America then we could diffuse the initial power of the ALBA alliance. All of its members had the reduced cost oil aid before becoming full members. So if we provide the capability to not need oil, ALBA will lose recruiting power in the region. The current members I believe are so entrenched in their new political leanings towards continuismo that just making oil less appealing will not work. However with four nations, possibly five, becoming or planning to become members of ALBA this year alone the reduced oil option is one that must be thwarted. Obama's green energy plan, should it work, may provide the resources we need to do that very thing.
Now whether or not I feel Obama sympathizes with the ALBA leftist leanings toward Socialism and Fascism makes little difference. It is if he does that we need be concerned. His support for Zelaya shows hints of support for ALBA that he could not state publicly. I fear Barack Obama desires the referendums and reforms for limitless presidential power that the leaders in the ALBA alliance have sought. It would explain why he supports Zelaya, a drug smuggler, to be returned to Honduras as president after he attempted such a referendum. I still lack the hardened evidence of why the world has turned on justice, but my theories may become more irrational as the logic stares me in the face.
The logic provided by the world is that this is a military coup in Honduras. I've proven that wrong, so the other explanations are still lacking. I seek the answers and if you have them please tell me.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Black Eyed Peas New Album
Yes, they have another album coming out. Today actually. For those who don't know me very well, I own all of their cds. I started listening to their music after I saw the video for "Where is the love?". I heard several of their other songs and they stood out to me as a band with many good message songs. I am glad they are back together and can't wait to buy their album.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
City Council Infrastructure Meeting
Today's infrastructure committee addressed at length two issues, resolved three, and had a comprehensive development wrap up. This was also the first meeting I have attended and my first reaction is I am going to love this job.
Now, to the two length topics: the removal of three trees at the Sea Dog due to debris from the trees seasonally, and the neon sign discussion ongoing for months so far.The trees ended up being voted to be removed by a vote of 4-1. However, only one alternative was proposed and it had been attempted already. However, I did not speak due to fear of, I don't know. However I was wondering if there was a way to perhaps tent the patio and preserve the 35 year old trees.
Then the neon sign discussion became hung up over the removal of signs when a business goes out. It continued for quite a while until I decided to make a proposed solution: the business could pay into a fund of some sort when they get the permit for a neon sign that would cover the cost of removal should the company go bankrupt. An insurance policy for the city so that the cost would not fall on Bangor's city budget.This was quickly deemed a possibility that had not been considered, and then the discussion of what could be advertised continued.
The time limitation for the other topics led to a thought I had about possible lewd advertising not being allowed not being presented: the city of Bangor does not have the resources to have its own neon sign morality police. The neon sign making companies are getting their signs legal, they should take their victory and come for the other battles another day.
The meeting went well, but I feel the neon sign discussion has lasted months due to the complexity of the codes and also the persistence for more changes by the neon company.Thats all for now, thank you for reading.
Now, to the two length topics: the removal of three trees at the Sea Dog due to debris from the trees seasonally, and the neon sign discussion ongoing for months so far.The trees ended up being voted to be removed by a vote of 4-1. However, only one alternative was proposed and it had been attempted already. However, I did not speak due to fear of, I don't know. However I was wondering if there was a way to perhaps tent the patio and preserve the 35 year old trees.
Then the neon sign discussion became hung up over the removal of signs when a business goes out. It continued for quite a while until I decided to make a proposed solution: the business could pay into a fund of some sort when they get the permit for a neon sign that would cover the cost of removal should the company go bankrupt. An insurance policy for the city so that the cost would not fall on Bangor's city budget.This was quickly deemed a possibility that had not been considered, and then the discussion of what could be advertised continued.
The time limitation for the other topics led to a thought I had about possible lewd advertising not being allowed not being presented: the city of Bangor does not have the resources to have its own neon sign morality police. The neon sign making companies are getting their signs legal, they should take their victory and come for the other battles another day.
The meeting went well, but I feel the neon sign discussion has lasted months due to the complexity of the codes and also the persistence for more changes by the neon company.Thats all for now, thank you for reading.
Taxing Health Benefits
There has been a proposal to fund the government option healthcare with a tax on health benefits that people not on the government plan will have to pay. I oppose this. To tax either the company generous enough to provide health benefits to its workers or the worker who has earned the healthcare is not right. It either taxes charity of companies or the earnings of workers who already pay income taxes. The tax code has many flawed taxes, we don't need to add another one.
ACORN Part 1
ACORN is a political organization. It helped found the WFP (Working Families Party) in New York that has expanded to be present in several other states. In this blog: http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/2009/06/fox-news-vs-wfp/
You should watch the video, and read the response. The video never mentions the WFP. It mentions the ACORN protestors, but never WFP. However the WFP responds with: That’s my way of letting you know that the largest right wing echo chamber in the country has decided to pick on the Working Families Party because of our role in making sure that the Democrats don’t go back to being the minority in the NY State Senate.
Excerpt over. If you watch the video, the discussion is about the assaults of several Republican New York state senators being assaulted as they tried to go to a vote. The organization protesting and blocking the entrance to the senate chambers was ACORN. WFP sees the report on ACORN's protest as an attack on its work. It says it is making sure Democrats don't become a minority which makes me wonder why they are not simply the Democratic Party. Perhaps ACORN and the Democratic Party need a fall organization for more unconventional methods.
Now later in the post it says it did not organize the protest. So why did it just say that a report that didn't mention them was about their efforts? They mention news articles on the protest and point out the non-mention of the WFP. So why did they just say it was their efforts involved? When you read the blog they have, they also have many "adjective defenses." I personally see those as a sign of guilt because a substantial case can not be made in their defense, so they must go on the offensive and use racism charges.
What I conclude from this is simple: ACORN is a political entity.
You should watch the video, and read the response. The video never mentions the WFP. It mentions the ACORN protestors, but never WFP. However the WFP responds with: That’s my way of letting you know that the largest right wing echo chamber in the country has decided to pick on the Working Families Party because of our role in making sure that the Democrats don’t go back to being the minority in the NY State Senate.
Excerpt over. If you watch the video, the discussion is about the assaults of several Republican New York state senators being assaulted as they tried to go to a vote. The organization protesting and blocking the entrance to the senate chambers was ACORN. WFP sees the report on ACORN's protest as an attack on its work. It says it is making sure Democrats don't become a minority which makes me wonder why they are not simply the Democratic Party. Perhaps ACORN and the Democratic Party need a fall organization for more unconventional methods.
Now later in the post it says it did not organize the protest. So why did it just say that a report that didn't mention them was about their efforts? They mention news articles on the protest and point out the non-mention of the WFP. So why did they just say it was their efforts involved? When you read the blog they have, they also have many "adjective defenses." I personally see those as a sign of guilt because a substantial case can not be made in their defense, so they must go on the offensive and use racism charges.
What I conclude from this is simple: ACORN is a political entity.
The Websites Style
The recent accusations of plagarism against Les Otten has yet to yeild criminal charges. The logo was the big thing, the second part was the design. I've decided check the similarities, and the donate button is red, and the tiered system below the title gives access to the various pages with a side bar for other options. Very similar to this website: http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/
Yet, that website is not facing the same accusations. I wouldn't apply the same accusations because it is petty to do so, but the Otten website is no more plagarizing Obama's website than that one is. This is my final word on the issue: press charges or apologize. Plagarism is a crime, so let justice prevail.
Yet, that website is not facing the same accusations. I wouldn't apply the same accusations because it is petty to do so, but the Otten website is no more plagarizing Obama's website than that one is. This is my final word on the issue: press charges or apologize. Plagarism is a crime, so let justice prevail.
Monday, July 6, 2009
ACORN
I have heard the reports, and decided to look into ACORN myself. I'll keep you posted on what I find.
Life is Good
Today, checked in to my university. Everything is in the green. Courses are set so that I can be at almost every City Council meeting, financial aid came through and everything is paid for, and I learned the bus route I will be taking is going to be free, saving me roughly 500 dollars next year. So quite simply, life is good.
Instability Approaches
South America's recent trouble for Honduras was just the beginning. I've been looking at the data and Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico are moving towards political crisis. Mexico's crisis lies in the new government being unwilling to cooperate with the drug war. Peru has its troubles in a cabinet of the president that seems ready to call it quits. Argentina has a string of issues from the recent election where political parties are calling for their own leaders to be changed and the current president is going to have much opposition in the new government. Brazil's Congressional leader has the backing of the president, but not much else. He may be forced to resign on corruption charges which will definately hurt the credibility Brazil's president has with the congress. These situations could lead to political gridlock in the very least for some of the most critical nations in South America.
Brazil and Mexico can be seen as potential U.S. allies. Brazil is without a doubt the political powerhouse of South America with military and economic superiority. A political gridlock could lead to some unlikely, and for us unwanted, changes in the leanings of those who lead Brazil. Mexico being in gridlock means the efforts against drugs in Mexico will be lessened, if not halted and that will mean the fight goes to our side of the border once more with street battles in San Diego once more instead of Tijuana.
For Peru to become held up could lead to a political opening for the Communists, yes they still exist in Peru, to gain more power. This would allow the Shining Path to have allies within the government which, to say the least, is a very very bad thing. Argentina could see a more pro-America approach follow what has been a very hostile speech giving approach from the current leaders.
Brazil and Mexico can be seen as potential U.S. allies. Brazil is without a doubt the political powerhouse of South America with military and economic superiority. A political gridlock could lead to some unlikely, and for us unwanted, changes in the leanings of those who lead Brazil. Mexico being in gridlock means the efforts against drugs in Mexico will be lessened, if not halted and that will mean the fight goes to our side of the border once more with street battles in San Diego once more instead of Tijuana.
For Peru to become held up could lead to a political opening for the Communists, yes they still exist in Peru, to gain more power. This would allow the Shining Path to have allies within the government which, to say the least, is a very very bad thing. Argentina could see a more pro-America approach follow what has been a very hostile speech giving approach from the current leaders.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
World Slowly Turning
Honduras, the world media is slowly announcing one by one, that the urgency and militarized situation of a coup in Honduras was actually civil, and the military was following orders. Now to see if the world leaders who based their condemnations on such reports will retract and recognize the new Honduran president.
The next question I have, after looking into the connection between Zelaya and Chavez further, is why is Obama supporting Zelaya? The reason this becomes even more important than before is the fact that in February the State Department released a report which linked Zelaya to helping Chavez smuggle drugs to the United States. Why are we supporting the return to power of a man who is causing so much pain and suffering to our nation? Obama wake up and do your damn job. There is no excuse for not knowing what causes our country harm and knowing the names of those responsible!
To speak of Zelaya as legitimate, in any form is beyond me. Now my opinion of him is nothing more than a drug peddler for Chavez. Barack Obama has stated he supports the placing of the executive power of a country to a drug smuggler. The outcry must become larger. It must become louder. America needs to wake up from the sleep it has right now. It is 3:34 in the morning and I am awake, and I am supporting freedom still. When our nation takes stands against the freedom and democracy we promote, we negate our efforts. Iran, and Honduras have proven where Obama stands on Democracy. He believes our nation elected him as a social justice, not out of knowing he was a good candidate. When that social justice no longer is in his favor, I fear we will have a Chavez style approach to our nation's future. We must not let this happen. We can't. I won't.
The next question I have, after looking into the connection between Zelaya and Chavez further, is why is Obama supporting Zelaya? The reason this becomes even more important than before is the fact that in February the State Department released a report which linked Zelaya to helping Chavez smuggle drugs to the United States. Why are we supporting the return to power of a man who is causing so much pain and suffering to our nation? Obama wake up and do your damn job. There is no excuse for not knowing what causes our country harm and knowing the names of those responsible!
To speak of Zelaya as legitimate, in any form is beyond me. Now my opinion of him is nothing more than a drug peddler for Chavez. Barack Obama has stated he supports the placing of the executive power of a country to a drug smuggler. The outcry must become larger. It must become louder. America needs to wake up from the sleep it has right now. It is 3:34 in the morning and I am awake, and I am supporting freedom still. When our nation takes stands against the freedom and democracy we promote, we negate our efforts. Iran, and Honduras have proven where Obama stands on Democracy. He believes our nation elected him as a social justice, not out of knowing he was a good candidate. When that social justice no longer is in his favor, I fear we will have a Chavez style approach to our nation's future. We must not let this happen. We can't. I won't.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
The World's Recognized Honduras
Could the world please explain to me how they expect the Honduran government to operate under Zelaya, his foreign minister, and about half of Honduras' diplomats overseas to function? The military, supreme court, congress, human rights umbudsmen, and lower courts with a new president chosen from the line of succession currently rule the country. The world is supporting the under dog that should be dropped for the people of Iran.
Honduras, OAS, and New World Order?
The Organization of American States was going to ban Honduras from the organization in response to what they call a coup. Honduras, today, withdrew before they were able to be suspended. From a Telegraph article today:
But the OAS - meeting Saturday evening in Washington to consider suspending the country's membership - says that the government of Honduras isn't legitimate and therefore can't withdraw from the group.
OAS assistant secretary-general, Albert Ramdin, told reporters that the OAS doesn't recognize the government that ousted Zelaya from office last Sunday and that "only a legitimate government" can decide to withdraw from the OAS.
Excerpt over. So my question is what will the OAS do when no representative of Honduras with any real power shows up to the meetings? What will they do when the current government refuses to abide by the OAS agreements they have withdrawn from? Cease-fires in Israel can be unilateral, and so is Honduras' withdrawal. The OAS can do their best to try and get an agreement with Honduras, but if the people at the border don't let them in, what do they think they are going to do?
If this leads to war, I condemn any nation that attacks Honduras. If our nation takes any part other than defending Honduras, I condemn my own nation.
But the OAS - meeting Saturday evening in Washington to consider suspending the country's membership - says that the government of Honduras isn't legitimate and therefore can't withdraw from the group.
OAS assistant secretary-general, Albert Ramdin, told reporters that the OAS doesn't recognize the government that ousted Zelaya from office last Sunday and that "only a legitimate government" can decide to withdraw from the OAS.
Excerpt over. So my question is what will the OAS do when no representative of Honduras with any real power shows up to the meetings? What will they do when the current government refuses to abide by the OAS agreements they have withdrawn from? Cease-fires in Israel can be unilateral, and so is Honduras' withdrawal. The OAS can do their best to try and get an agreement with Honduras, but if the people at the border don't let them in, what do they think they are going to do?
If this leads to war, I condemn any nation that attacks Honduras. If our nation takes any part other than defending Honduras, I condemn my own nation.
Powell Contradicts His Endorsement
http://news.aol.com/article/powell-warns-obama-on-big-government/556058?icid=webmailwbml-aimdl6link3http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Fpowell-warns-obama-on-big-government%2F556058
He endorsed Barack Obama, who didn't lie about the massive tax cap and trade was, didn't lie about health care, didn't lie about the stimulus proposals. So why did Powell endorse someone who, as in the article he warns Obama against (too late), :
"Keep it as small as possible. Keep the tax burden on the American people as small as possible, but at the same time, have government that is solving the problems of the people,"
"The right answer is, 'Give me a government that works,'" the former secretary of state said in a television interview to be aired Sunday. "Keep it as small as possible," added Powell, who said he has spoken recently with Obama and stays in touch with him.
Excerpt over. If Powell believed those words, he would not have endorsed Barack Obama. If he does believe those words, there was another reason for his endorsement of Obama. I just know Powell, by endorsing Obama, betrayed these beliefs.
He endorsed Barack Obama, who didn't lie about the massive tax cap and trade was, didn't lie about health care, didn't lie about the stimulus proposals. So why did Powell endorse someone who, as in the article he warns Obama against (too late), :
"Keep it as small as possible. Keep the tax burden on the American people as small as possible, but at the same time, have government that is solving the problems of the people,"
"The right answer is, 'Give me a government that works,'" the former secretary of state said in a television interview to be aired Sunday. "Keep it as small as possible," added Powell, who said he has spoken recently with Obama and stays in touch with him.
Excerpt over. If Powell believed those words, he would not have endorsed Barack Obama. If he does believe those words, there was another reason for his endorsement of Obama. I just know Powell, by endorsing Obama, betrayed these beliefs.
Announcement
I would like to make several statements about our city council. We had Mr. Bronson at the Bangor GOP meeting last week telling us about the dismal attendance at the meetings and he mentioned how the budget was changed by nickles and dimes. He mentioned a 75,000 dollar study, the fourth of its kind, covering the Auditorium project.
There were some unwanted cuts in other parts of the city, the merit of which varies. However, this was waste. Hearing Bronson refer to this 75,000 dollar project as more nickles and dimes irritated me. 75,000 dollars is 75,000 dollars. Sure, compared to the stimulus bill it seems petty, but we need to start rebuilding this country from the ground up. The lowest level is our city council. We need to eliminate the waste close the home and worry about the rest when we can. They always say make sure your house is in order before you clean the neighbors, so I'm going to help clean up our house.
The budget crisis across the country, I believe, could have been spared if the thirty years of waste that was just seen as another little project, money we can send for any purpose, was stopped. Right now with our city in the recession just like everywhere else, the money we pay to the city should be spent as wisely and prudently as we have to spend ours. Listening to Brohnson refer to the nickle and dime approach by our councilors let me know that something is wrong with the council. So I went to the meetings and my opinion was generous to their approaches. They speak of increases and cuts in programs without any idea of what half the programs do!
When Peter D'errico spends months pushing for the anti-car smoking bill we know our money is being wasted on the lights in their hall. The moral value of the bill is certainly high, but the necessity of the law, which the police, as far as I've seen, don't enforce, is negligable. We do not need these time consuming new laws against our rights taking away from the discussions about our budget, which is tossed together in a few weeks because the city doesn't give itself enough time to look at the revenues and the efficiency of the programs they go towards. Our city has several million dollars in its budget process, so this is a bit more than nickles and dimes and we need people to manage that money to the best possible impact for the city. I announce I am going to run for city council to give better management to the city and stop the wasteful spending in our community.
There were some unwanted cuts in other parts of the city, the merit of which varies. However, this was waste. Hearing Bronson refer to this 75,000 dollar project as more nickles and dimes irritated me. 75,000 dollars is 75,000 dollars. Sure, compared to the stimulus bill it seems petty, but we need to start rebuilding this country from the ground up. The lowest level is our city council. We need to eliminate the waste close the home and worry about the rest when we can. They always say make sure your house is in order before you clean the neighbors, so I'm going to help clean up our house.
The budget crisis across the country, I believe, could have been spared if the thirty years of waste that was just seen as another little project, money we can send for any purpose, was stopped. Right now with our city in the recession just like everywhere else, the money we pay to the city should be spent as wisely and prudently as we have to spend ours. Listening to Brohnson refer to the nickle and dime approach by our councilors let me know that something is wrong with the council. So I went to the meetings and my opinion was generous to their approaches. They speak of increases and cuts in programs without any idea of what half the programs do!
When Peter D'errico spends months pushing for the anti-car smoking bill we know our money is being wasted on the lights in their hall. The moral value of the bill is certainly high, but the necessity of the law, which the police, as far as I've seen, don't enforce, is negligable. We do not need these time consuming new laws against our rights taking away from the discussions about our budget, which is tossed together in a few weeks because the city doesn't give itself enough time to look at the revenues and the efficiency of the programs they go towards. Our city has several million dollars in its budget process, so this is a bit more than nickles and dimes and we need people to manage that money to the best possible impact for the city. I announce I am going to run for city council to give better management to the city and stop the wasteful spending in our community.
July 4th, and 100
This is my 100th blog post. Since I started this blog I have graduated high school, been accepted to UMaine, got engaged, and formalized my run for city council. While I am certainly not the brightest or most active American I do my part. It is fitting that July 4th is the day when this momentus number is passed by my blog.
In this little micro world we have talked about world war 5, cats, distractions, Honduras, my possibly flawed yet common sense approaches to government policy, healthcare, economics, elections for governor, Iran, Afghanistan, history, Obama, prison improvement, lies, fringe elements of society, cancer, budgets, California, slavery, apologies, insults, North Korea, Sarahwi Democratic Republic, Republican family values, alcohol, news stories, religion, abortion, human rights, psychology, campaigns, ethnicity, Madagascar, music, peotry. It seems the topics have been as numerous as the posts because the list is certainly longer.
I have scolded, encouraged, congradulated, and thanked many people. I have met with candidates for governor and interviewed them (I was more surprised for the interview than they were.) I've accomplished many things in this time frame and focused on local, national, and global issues. My opinions have lost their power to the research and information I find in order to prove the world what is right.
I have gone from just giving my word to looking for the truth. I've explained my philosophy and lived by it rigorously. This has all be a prelude though. The first 100 posts were just the beginning. The first chapter of many. This is because it is today, on July 4th, that I think of the reasons why I am running for city council. It is this day that tells the story of why I will be serving the people in this great land should I get elected. The history of this country, the glory of its freedoms are unmatched in the world.
We all complain, because it can always be better. However this nation is the best in the world by far. We are hospitable to our visitors from abroad, who in their countries are suspicious and hostile to Americans. You can walk through our streets and feel safe, unlike many in the third world. This safety, this welcoming manner is givable because of our great freedom. Without the freedom to think of ideas and promote them ourselves, we would not have the chance to choose the people who run for office. Our leaders are elected for the ideas they have the freedom to create and think of.
This freedom to think, to make an idea and have an opinion are what have made our economy the most innovative in the world. This spirit of freedom of thought is what allows me to run for city council. I will serve the people who have ideas and opinions that will sometimes be similar to my own, and sometimes different. However, I will never close the door to a new idea or opinion. It would simply be un-American. Happy July 4th everyone.
In this little micro world we have talked about world war 5, cats, distractions, Honduras, my possibly flawed yet common sense approaches to government policy, healthcare, economics, elections for governor, Iran, Afghanistan, history, Obama, prison improvement, lies, fringe elements of society, cancer, budgets, California, slavery, apologies, insults, North Korea, Sarahwi Democratic Republic, Republican family values, alcohol, news stories, religion, abortion, human rights, psychology, campaigns, ethnicity, Madagascar, music, peotry. It seems the topics have been as numerous as the posts because the list is certainly longer.
I have scolded, encouraged, congradulated, and thanked many people. I have met with candidates for governor and interviewed them (I was more surprised for the interview than they were.) I've accomplished many things in this time frame and focused on local, national, and global issues. My opinions have lost their power to the research and information I find in order to prove the world what is right.
I have gone from just giving my word to looking for the truth. I've explained my philosophy and lived by it rigorously. This has all be a prelude though. The first 100 posts were just the beginning. The first chapter of many. This is because it is today, on July 4th, that I think of the reasons why I am running for city council. It is this day that tells the story of why I will be serving the people in this great land should I get elected. The history of this country, the glory of its freedoms are unmatched in the world.
We all complain, because it can always be better. However this nation is the best in the world by far. We are hospitable to our visitors from abroad, who in their countries are suspicious and hostile to Americans. You can walk through our streets and feel safe, unlike many in the third world. This safety, this welcoming manner is givable because of our great freedom. Without the freedom to think of ideas and promote them ourselves, we would not have the chance to choose the people who run for office. Our leaders are elected for the ideas they have the freedom to create and think of.
This freedom to think, to make an idea and have an opinion are what have made our economy the most innovative in the world. This spirit of freedom of thought is what allows me to run for city council. I will serve the people who have ideas and opinions that will sometimes be similar to my own, and sometimes different. However, I will never close the door to a new idea or opinion. It would simply be un-American. Happy July 4th everyone.
Irony In Central America
Why is it that the leading nations, Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, calling for freedom and democracy in Honduras, are the same nations that are taking away those two essential things in their own countries?
Friday, July 3, 2009
Capitalism Of Tyranny
A U.S. company will seek legal action against Lenovo, Acer and Sony next week over their shipment in China of controversial software that the company says stole its programming code.
From a new article at: http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/167842/suit_over_chinas_web_filter_to_target_lenovo_acer_sony.html
How is it that we have allowed U.S. companies to be part of the removal and restriction of freedoms around the world? Should those companies actions and programs not extend the Constitution to all of their business deals? Who in those companies has such a lacking of care for human beings as to enable tyranny? I will find out and I urge you to do the same.
From a new article at: http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/167842/suit_over_chinas_web_filter_to_target_lenovo_acer_sony.html
How is it that we have allowed U.S. companies to be part of the removal and restriction of freedoms around the world? Should those companies actions and programs not extend the Constitution to all of their business deals? Who in those companies has such a lacking of care for human beings as to enable tyranny? I will find out and I urge you to do the same.
Honduras from State Department Perspective
The briefing on Honduras with two officials, the names of which were not in the briefing here: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/july/125564.htm
Now, they insist that the actions in Honduras were a coup, but do not explain why there is in fact no suspension of the aid that a coup requires by the State Department. And then there is this quote:
[C]oncerns or doubts about the wisdom of his actions relating to his proposed non-binding referendum have are independent of the unconstitutional act taken against him.
Excerpt over. Lets turn to an excerpt from the Constitution of Honduras:
No citizen who has already served as head of the Executive Branch can be President or Vice-President. Whoever violates this law or proposes its reform, as well as those that support such violation directly or indirectly, will immediately cease in their functions and will be unable to hold any public office for a period of 10 years.
Excerpt over. Zelaya did not cease in his function as President, and so the Supreme Court acted. Lets go back into reality, I know its difficult to leave the safe zone in denial, to the purpose of a Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is meant to protect and ensure that the laws and actions of the country abide by the Constitution. So when Zelaya did not cease his function, it came to them to order the military to have him removed. Zelaya's proposal to change the Constitution to run for re-election was the reason he was removed from office. The official who said that was lucky his name was not in the article because I'd find his public contact information and request he resign because he certainly isn't doing his job.
Now the news missed this statement by the other official present:
The transfer of leadership was not a military action.
Excerpt over. Excuse me while I loudly proclaim in the peanut gallery: I told you so.
Next statement is a contradiction of our actions:
And again, in terms of how we attempted to address this issue, at the end of the day, this is a Honduran issue and a Honduran problem. And we and the OAS and other partners can work to try to create a context in which solutions are found, but we can’t compose those solutions.
Excerpt over. If we are not composing the solutions, why did we sign onto the OAS demand for the reinstatement of Zelaya? Does that not qualify as a solution to the coup?
The direct contradiction to the previous statement took only a question's time:
Well, again, we and all the countries of the region have called for an unconditional return – in other words, a return of President Zelaya and a restoration of the democratic and constitutional order, which means that President Zelaya is president of Honduras with all the powers and privileges that adhere to the presidency.
Excerpt over. It only needs common sense to see the contradiction.
Our money gives these people paychecks. I'm annoyed immensely.
Now, they insist that the actions in Honduras were a coup, but do not explain why there is in fact no suspension of the aid that a coup requires by the State Department. And then there is this quote:
[C]oncerns or doubts about the wisdom of his actions relating to his proposed non-binding referendum have are independent of the unconstitutional act taken against him.
Excerpt over. Lets turn to an excerpt from the Constitution of Honduras:
No citizen who has already served as head of the Executive Branch can be President or Vice-President. Whoever violates this law or proposes its reform, as well as those that support such violation directly or indirectly, will immediately cease in their functions and will be unable to hold any public office for a period of 10 years.
Excerpt over. Zelaya did not cease in his function as President, and so the Supreme Court acted. Lets go back into reality, I know its difficult to leave the safe zone in denial, to the purpose of a Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is meant to protect and ensure that the laws and actions of the country abide by the Constitution. So when Zelaya did not cease his function, it came to them to order the military to have him removed. Zelaya's proposal to change the Constitution to run for re-election was the reason he was removed from office. The official who said that was lucky his name was not in the article because I'd find his public contact information and request he resign because he certainly isn't doing his job.
Now the news missed this statement by the other official present:
The transfer of leadership was not a military action.
Excerpt over. Excuse me while I loudly proclaim in the peanut gallery: I told you so.
Next statement is a contradiction of our actions:
And again, in terms of how we attempted to address this issue, at the end of the day, this is a Honduran issue and a Honduran problem. And we and the OAS and other partners can work to try to create a context in which solutions are found, but we can’t compose those solutions.
Excerpt over. If we are not composing the solutions, why did we sign onto the OAS demand for the reinstatement of Zelaya? Does that not qualify as a solution to the coup?
The direct contradiction to the previous statement took only a question's time:
Well, again, we and all the countries of the region have called for an unconditional return – in other words, a return of President Zelaya and a restoration of the democratic and constitutional order, which means that President Zelaya is president of Honduras with all the powers and privileges that adhere to the presidency.
Excerpt over. It only needs common sense to see the contradiction.
Our money gives these people paychecks. I'm annoyed immensely.
Honduras
For the moment here is an excellent article. http://www.miamiherald.com/1506/story/1125872.html
Later I will write about the inconsistencies WITHIN the same article that make me question the quality of reporting.
Later I will write about the inconsistencies WITHIN the same article that make me question the quality of reporting.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Honduras Press Silenced?
When state run media is shut down, it is not censorship. It is the promotion of more realistic journalism that will not be blindly in favor of the government! Use common sense people!
I'm going to go out on a limb and explain for the government of Honduras to the world (since they are a bit busy right now) why the media has been turned off (many were international stations.) The provision in a treaty that I can't remember the name of, I think the American Convention or some U.N. provision, gives nations the benefit of being able to suspend several freedoms in times of emergency. I am not making this up, this provision was explained in the Human Rights Watch letter to the U.N. regarding Honduras.
Now, it certainly is an emergency. The world refuses to aknowledge the government exists. However, might I suggest considering the tone the world has taken, and the way the media continues to call this a coup (which for all people, including Hondurans, will be a spark for revolt) and under such a condition they need to calm their people from rebelling based on a lie. Again, use common sense.
I'm going to go out on a limb and explain for the government of Honduras to the world (since they are a bit busy right now) why the media has been turned off (many were international stations.) The provision in a treaty that I can't remember the name of, I think the American Convention or some U.N. provision, gives nations the benefit of being able to suspend several freedoms in times of emergency. I am not making this up, this provision was explained in the Human Rights Watch letter to the U.N. regarding Honduras.
Now, it certainly is an emergency. The world refuses to aknowledge the government exists. However, might I suggest considering the tone the world has taken, and the way the media continues to call this a coup (which for all people, including Hondurans, will be a spark for revolt) and under such a condition they need to calm their people from rebelling based on a lie. Again, use common sense.
Hondurus and the World
Why the world was so quick to respond to Honduras when they are still failing with Iran's people being slaughtered, I don't know. However although I've proven the coup to not be a coup time and time again in previous posts, the reason for the unanimous global condemnation of this incident lacks a reason. The gut response is the world thinks it is a coup, and that would certainly lend to the ignorance of the world opinion. However, is it possible for a majority of the world, including the leader of the free world, Obama, to be that stupid? I prefer to be an optimist and think not.
So why? Honduras deployed troops to Iran for the invasion, a reason the world may dislike them. This was from a president before the current one, but may lend to the support of a long-shot return (using as many destabalizing time wasting methods possible) of Zelaya to the presidency. Then there is the withdrawal of their forces following the Madrid bombings, under a former president but still a sign of cowardice. In this they offended the world already. They offended those in favor of the war in Iraq and those against. I'm theorizing so don't shoot me.
Isreal and Taiwan and the opposition leader in Venezuela recognize the new president. The support ends there. Common sense for the legitimacy of a nation comes easier to nations who know what it feels like to have their own government, freedom, and nation and still not be recognized by China. They know Honduras is legitimate. They did not recognize Honduras becuase they want to form an alliance of unrecognized nations in the world. If this were the case Abkhazia, Ossetia, Kosovo, Chechnya, and Sahrawi Democratic Republic would all recognize each other. This is not the case. Honduras' government is legitimate, but the world for some reason does not recognize them. Why? I still don't know.
A trade embargo has also been put in place by Venezuela, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. The mystery for the U.S. response continues when the State Department, despite Obama's coup calling, will not list the action as a coup and thus cut off aid to the country.
Now the U.S. relations with Honduras are generally good. Very little trouble. Except when Zelaya withdrew our ambassador last year with Venezuela and others following Bolivia's accusation of our ambassadors actually working with the cartels to smuggle drugs (no evidence or charges were put forth or made.) So defending Zelaya makes no sense as that was an act of hostility. Why why why why why. Yes, I am confused. I look at it, and I know the truth, but the world is all wrong on this. I can't figure it out. What makes Zelaya so popular among all sides?
Why is Zelaya considered the good man in this? Why is he seen as the better option? It all comes down to why. He was removed with a reason, the why is explained there. The why for the world reaction is missing. Venezuela is simple: Zelaya was creating a regime similar to Chavez and in alliance with Chavez. Which makes Europe and America's responses confusing.
Would it not be better to allow the alliance that I speak of take the hit, and support the new government and have excellent relations while Chavez takes a loss? Zelaya has chosen his side and it is against us, so why do we think by supporting him that we will change the influence Chavez has on his leadership policies? I can't figure any of it out. If you can please tell me.
So why? Honduras deployed troops to Iran for the invasion, a reason the world may dislike them. This was from a president before the current one, but may lend to the support of a long-shot return (using as many destabalizing time wasting methods possible) of Zelaya to the presidency. Then there is the withdrawal of their forces following the Madrid bombings, under a former president but still a sign of cowardice. In this they offended the world already. They offended those in favor of the war in Iraq and those against. I'm theorizing so don't shoot me.
Isreal and Taiwan and the opposition leader in Venezuela recognize the new president. The support ends there. Common sense for the legitimacy of a nation comes easier to nations who know what it feels like to have their own government, freedom, and nation and still not be recognized by China. They know Honduras is legitimate. They did not recognize Honduras becuase they want to form an alliance of unrecognized nations in the world. If this were the case Abkhazia, Ossetia, Kosovo, Chechnya, and Sahrawi Democratic Republic would all recognize each other. This is not the case. Honduras' government is legitimate, but the world for some reason does not recognize them. Why? I still don't know.
A trade embargo has also been put in place by Venezuela, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. The mystery for the U.S. response continues when the State Department, despite Obama's coup calling, will not list the action as a coup and thus cut off aid to the country.
Now the U.S. relations with Honduras are generally good. Very little trouble. Except when Zelaya withdrew our ambassador last year with Venezuela and others following Bolivia's accusation of our ambassadors actually working with the cartels to smuggle drugs (no evidence or charges were put forth or made.) So defending Zelaya makes no sense as that was an act of hostility. Why why why why why. Yes, I am confused. I look at it, and I know the truth, but the world is all wrong on this. I can't figure it out. What makes Zelaya so popular among all sides?
Why is Zelaya considered the good man in this? Why is he seen as the better option? It all comes down to why. He was removed with a reason, the why is explained there. The why for the world reaction is missing. Venezuela is simple: Zelaya was creating a regime similar to Chavez and in alliance with Chavez. Which makes Europe and America's responses confusing.
Would it not be better to allow the alliance that I speak of take the hit, and support the new government and have excellent relations while Chavez takes a loss? Zelaya has chosen his side and it is against us, so why do we think by supporting him that we will change the influence Chavez has on his leadership policies? I can't figure any of it out. If you can please tell me.
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