I'm making a spin off of an idea talked about here: http://think3institute.blogspot.com/2009/07/right-to-get-isnt-right-to-have.html
Our Constitution grants us opportunity. It never grants us the final result: achieving that is our responsibility.
Freedom of speech means we can not have the opportunity to speak taken away, but it does not mean everyone else has to listen by government mandate. The right to bear arms means I have the opportunity to own a gun, but it is not the government's responsibility to buy and distribute guns to everyone.
To those who say healthcare is a right show me where it is in the Constitution. To those who are still not deterred, considering the fact that by law no person can be turned away in an emergency room, how is the opportunity to be treated, to have health care, not here already? Using the Constitution's philosophy of rights without mandate (right to speak, not forced to speak, not forced to listen to others speak) why do you support the government providing health care insurance and mandating it?
I would like an answer.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
City Council Opposes Citizen's Voice
http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/111627.html
The article refers to whether or not the city would support or oppose the TABOR bill along with a provision to reduce the exise tax on cars five years old or newer. The article states Gratwick's opposition:
Councilor Geoffrey Gratwick outlined the city’s resolve opposing TABOR II — largely on the basis that it sets a policy of budgeting by referendum and undercuts the authority of elected officials.
Excerpt over. A policy of budgeting by referendum has another interpretation: allowing the people to choose where their money is spent. As for the authority of elected officials, the less power the better.
Even if requested to do so, elected officials have a job to do. That job should not include using that job to make stances on the referendum. Opinions are fine, but in the city council referendums are up to the people, not the council. This lack of connection with the citizens of Bangor (most support TABOR) gives me another reason to run for office. We need people to stand up and take responsibility. For too long we have had people in office who make things worse.
Now, TABOR, the taxpayer bill of rights, would limit tax increases and spending to inflation plus population growth. Opponents say that because education and healthcare rise in cost faster than the things people pay for (which is what determines inflation) that it would cripple the state. I say, not if the government does its job.
There won't be a problem with increased costs if the government makes things more efficient and in so doing will cut costs despite any increase. There is always a way with our current governments on all levels, to cut something without doing harm.
Until we elect leaders who understand this, taxpayers will lack control over what their taxes are spent on and how much money is taken from them through taxes.
The article refers to whether or not the city would support or oppose the TABOR bill along with a provision to reduce the exise tax on cars five years old or newer. The article states Gratwick's opposition:
Councilor Geoffrey Gratwick outlined the city’s resolve opposing TABOR II — largely on the basis that it sets a policy of budgeting by referendum and undercuts the authority of elected officials.
Excerpt over. A policy of budgeting by referendum has another interpretation: allowing the people to choose where their money is spent. As for the authority of elected officials, the less power the better.
Even if requested to do so, elected officials have a job to do. That job should not include using that job to make stances on the referendum. Opinions are fine, but in the city council referendums are up to the people, not the council. This lack of connection with the citizens of Bangor (most support TABOR) gives me another reason to run for office. We need people to stand up and take responsibility. For too long we have had people in office who make things worse.
Now, TABOR, the taxpayer bill of rights, would limit tax increases and spending to inflation plus population growth. Opponents say that because education and healthcare rise in cost faster than the things people pay for (which is what determines inflation) that it would cripple the state. I say, not if the government does its job.
There won't be a problem with increased costs if the government makes things more efficient and in so doing will cut costs despite any increase. There is always a way with our current governments on all levels, to cut something without doing harm.
Until we elect leaders who understand this, taxpayers will lack control over what their taxes are spent on and how much money is taken from them through taxes.
The Candidates Websites
To give easy reference for those following, the following candidates for the 2010 gubernatorial election have websites:
Bruce Poliquin:
http://www.bruceforme.com
Les Otten:
http://www.lesotten.com/
Matt Jacobson:
http://www.jacobsonforgovernor.com/
Rosa Scarcelli:
http://rosaformaine.com/splash
Dawn Hill:
http://www.dawnhillforgovernor.com/
Steve Rowe:
http://www.roweforgovernor.com/
Lynne Williams:
http://www.lynnewilliams2010.org/
The candidates without websites so far:
Donna Dion
Peter Truman
Peter Mills
Patrick Quinlan
Samme Bailey
Augustus Edgerton
John Whitcomb
Candidates I refuse to aknowledge:
Alex Hammer
Bruce Poliquin:
http://www.bruceforme.com
Les Otten:
http://www.lesotten.com/
Matt Jacobson:
http://www.jacobsonforgovernor.com/
Rosa Scarcelli:
http://rosaformaine.com/splash
Dawn Hill:
http://www.dawnhillforgovernor.com/
Steve Rowe:
http://www.roweforgovernor.com/
Lynne Williams:
http://www.lynnewilliams2010.org/
The candidates without websites so far:
Donna Dion
Peter Truman
Peter Mills
Patrick Quinlan
Samme Bailey
Augustus Edgerton
John Whitcomb
Candidates I refuse to aknowledge:
Alex Hammer
This Evening's Entertainment - Maybe
In the second week of August the forms come in and I will begin getting the signatures to be on the ballot in November. Sadly, tonight is the GOP meeting and my recent surgery has left me unable to attend this evening. I was looking forward to it too, but, the doctor's orders are the doctor's orders. I will however plan to rest myself to be in condition when the time comes to be in shape to defy the doctor.
We Are Doomed
JOHN CONYERS: I love these members that get up and say, 'Read the bill.' What good is reading the bill if it's a thousand pages and you don't have two days and two lawyers to find out what it means after you read the bill?
Excerpt over. What good is it? How about the part where it is your job? Do your job, regardless of how pointless you may think it to be.
Excerpt over. What good is it? How about the part where it is your job? Do your job, regardless of how pointless you may think it to be.
Syria Hopes?
In a news article from a few days ago it seems Syria may be moving towards the West. The speedometer I read appears to show that it is moving at the speed of a parked car. No agreements have been made, and Syrian demands remain the same while their support for Hamas and Hezbolla have not been reduced.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hJ9xysPGw0DDewJBDQQ5yzEYDQ5AD99KUEUG0
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hJ9xysPGw0DDewJBDQQ5yzEYDQ5AD99KUEUG0
Scientists Confirm U.S. Has World’s Biggest Oil Reserves
http://www.americanfreepress.net/html/biggest_oil_reserves_182.html
That reserve, combined with:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hwILkN6M43ElH1UydmDBmsNvMQhgD99EAOH01
And this:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/05/AR2006090500275.html
To start, yes oil shale is very difficult to extract, I understand this.
One question, if we have, at least, 400 billion barrels of oil in this country, and if the second site matches Bakken, 800 billion, why isn't the technology being rushed like the space race? Oil shale technology should become top priority. Imagine being able to fuel ourselves and never import another barrel of oil? Think of 100 years of time to develop and adapt to alternative energies, and that's if we don't use any other oil fields in the country or find any new sources in our territory.
You have no idea how much I want to scream with hearing this news. On the one hand, I'm excited and happy about the prospects. In the other, to know that we have known about this since the 1950s and done almost nothing makes me want to hit someone upside the head. Common sense should tell you that even if the Army Corps of Engineers has to do it, this should have been done.
Considering we have the largest oil shale reserves in the world without question, there is no reason that Estonia should be the world's leading oil shale producer.
That reserve, combined with:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hwILkN6M43ElH1UydmDBmsNvMQhgD99EAOH01
And this:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/05/AR2006090500275.html
To start, yes oil shale is very difficult to extract, I understand this.
One question, if we have, at least, 400 billion barrels of oil in this country, and if the second site matches Bakken, 800 billion, why isn't the technology being rushed like the space race? Oil shale technology should become top priority. Imagine being able to fuel ourselves and never import another barrel of oil? Think of 100 years of time to develop and adapt to alternative energies, and that's if we don't use any other oil fields in the country or find any new sources in our territory.
You have no idea how much I want to scream with hearing this news. On the one hand, I'm excited and happy about the prospects. In the other, to know that we have known about this since the 1950s and done almost nothing makes me want to hit someone upside the head. Common sense should tell you that even if the Army Corps of Engineers has to do it, this should have been done.
Considering we have the largest oil shale reserves in the world without question, there is no reason that Estonia should be the world's leading oil shale producer.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Raising Children
Many arguements against same sex marriage include this one: children should be raised by a man and woman for the best results.
So I began wondering what is the best environment to raise a child. What will produce the best member of society?
First, I looked at whether or not it was the man, woman, two and a half kids with a dog theory. I used myself as an example.
The results: active member of society who will be attending college with a basis of morals and manners despite not being exposed to religion.
I am the complete contradiction to the "ideal family" theory. So what makes a child's upbringing successful? Family values.
Before you attack, I said family values. I did not say family quota (man, woman, two and a half kids with a dog.)
A person will grow up with morals if they are taught them. It requires the parent to have values to teach. For me, these values did not come from religion, but my parents. I will pass them on to any child I should raise. Who teaches these values best? Those with values. So one requirement for a successful upbringing is being raised by a parent with values.
Is that all? Maybe. Being active in the community is a good quality to have. Does this come from a parent who is active in the community? In my case, no. I developed it on my own it seems. My parents even discourage me occassionally (they think I do too much). So the values must extend a sense of duty to community.
What else? Why didn't I end up repressed and anti-social? I admit I was close at some points. I could easily distrust the world around me and isolate myself from pain that so many others have done. Why didn't I? My parents loved and cared for me so that when I entered those moments of anti-social behavior the urges for isolation were countered. Family values make helping those you love a natural instinct. If they hadn't had those family values, I could have ended up the wreckage so many other kids become.
I could go on with example after example but I think the reality speaks for itself. We want family values in this country, not quotas. It is a moral code that makes our society great, not a stereotype utopia.
So I began wondering what is the best environment to raise a child. What will produce the best member of society?
First, I looked at whether or not it was the man, woman, two and a half kids with a dog theory. I used myself as an example.
The results: active member of society who will be attending college with a basis of morals and manners despite not being exposed to religion.
I am the complete contradiction to the "ideal family" theory. So what makes a child's upbringing successful? Family values.
Before you attack, I said family values. I did not say family quota (man, woman, two and a half kids with a dog.)
A person will grow up with morals if they are taught them. It requires the parent to have values to teach. For me, these values did not come from religion, but my parents. I will pass them on to any child I should raise. Who teaches these values best? Those with values. So one requirement for a successful upbringing is being raised by a parent with values.
Is that all? Maybe. Being active in the community is a good quality to have. Does this come from a parent who is active in the community? In my case, no. I developed it on my own it seems. My parents even discourage me occassionally (they think I do too much). So the values must extend a sense of duty to community.
What else? Why didn't I end up repressed and anti-social? I admit I was close at some points. I could easily distrust the world around me and isolate myself from pain that so many others have done. Why didn't I? My parents loved and cared for me so that when I entered those moments of anti-social behavior the urges for isolation were countered. Family values make helping those you love a natural instinct. If they hadn't had those family values, I could have ended up the wreckage so many other kids become.
I could go on with example after example but I think the reality speaks for itself. We want family values in this country, not quotas. It is a moral code that makes our society great, not a stereotype utopia.
Same-Sex Marriage - The Arguements Against
Simply any arguement on the basis of quotes from the Bible, or Qu'ran, or any religious text I will refute first: seperation of church and state.
If common sense doesn't give you the conclusion to that one, stop reading now and practice your abc's.
To those who say marriage is between a man and woman: not unless it isn't. Like in some European countries.
To those who say it is for procreation: what about the kids born outside of marriage? Marriage certainly wasn't required for them to procreate.
Gays are immoral: See first line.
It is an untried social experiment: Love between gays is nothing new. Giving them the same recognition for their love is the only new thing. No social experiment: only legal.
It will allow other forms of relationships (bestiality, polygamy, incest):
Bestiality: The animal can not speak and thus is unable to say "I do."
Polygamy: These relationships are often cult like in that it permits male dominance over many females. On such cultist basis, they can be refused.
Incest: The blood line boundary is a line that can not be crossed.
Pedophiles: Children are unable nor old enough to have the understanding an of age person does.
Giving gays marriage is a special right: Then if gays can't have it, why should straights? Special rights, if not givable to gays, shouldn't be granted to anyone else.
Churches would be forced to marry against their will: The law can be written so that religion has a choice. Seperation of church and state.
Homosexuality will be taught in schools: So is drug use. To say it would be promoted is simply ridiculous.
Undermine Western civilization: hasn't yet.
Lastly, same-sex couples are not the optimum environment to raise children: I was raised by two women. They are not lesbians, but still, I turned out just fine. This arguement is going to be the basis of my next post.
If common sense doesn't give you the conclusion to that one, stop reading now and practice your abc's.
To those who say marriage is between a man and woman: not unless it isn't. Like in some European countries.
To those who say it is for procreation: what about the kids born outside of marriage? Marriage certainly wasn't required for them to procreate.
Gays are immoral: See first line.
It is an untried social experiment: Love between gays is nothing new. Giving them the same recognition for their love is the only new thing. No social experiment: only legal.
It will allow other forms of relationships (bestiality, polygamy, incest):
Bestiality: The animal can not speak and thus is unable to say "I do."
Polygamy: These relationships are often cult like in that it permits male dominance over many females. On such cultist basis, they can be refused.
Incest: The blood line boundary is a line that can not be crossed.
Pedophiles: Children are unable nor old enough to have the understanding an of age person does.
Giving gays marriage is a special right: Then if gays can't have it, why should straights? Special rights, if not givable to gays, shouldn't be granted to anyone else.
Churches would be forced to marry against their will: The law can be written so that religion has a choice. Seperation of church and state.
Homosexuality will be taught in schools: So is drug use. To say it would be promoted is simply ridiculous.
Undermine Western civilization: hasn't yet.
Lastly, same-sex couples are not the optimum environment to raise children: I was raised by two women. They are not lesbians, but still, I turned out just fine. This arguement is going to be the basis of my next post.
Obama Fills The Template
I found a quote from Obama's campaign days. It is thus:
"We cannot continue to rely on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives we've set. We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded."
Excerpt over. Let us compare this to Hugo Chavez:
President Chavez has returned to speaking about the reserve or territorial force, proclaiming that the old model must end and revolutionary changes within the concept of integral defense deepened. The Bolivarian Militia, the President insists, must be the people-in-arms.
Everybody should be in the militia, Chavez continues, from commanders of the Bolivarian Armed Force (FAB) to leaders of community councils. "We must convert Venezuela into an impregnable country shielded on all sides, inside and outside ... it is necessary to give life and shape to the doctrine of the People’s War ... we are all soldiers." Outlining his policy, the President suggests that the militia should organized into combat units, logistical and intelligence units but he did indicate that not all were to have possession of weapons.
Excerpt over. What has Hugo Chavez used the forces under his command to do so far? Take a look:
National Guard troops in Curiepe, Venezuela, seized a police station controlled by a leading opponent of President Hugo Chavez on Wednesday, setting off clashes between troops and protesters that the police said left eight injured.
Excerpt over. Since such comparisons of Obama to Hitler would be completely out of line, lets compare Chavez' civilian military program to that of Hitler's instead. I refuse to quote Hitler on this blog, so I will simply let you know of the Waffen SS and the Hitler Youth. Secondary forces under control of Hitler, just like the National Gaurd is under the control of Chavez. In this country, our National Gaurd is controlled by states and the military jointly it seems.
So, since the states already have a force of their own that Obama can't control, he wants one of his own. I urge you to turn on the common sense sector of your brain and read everything except Obama's quote and then read Obama's quote.
Not only would this mean 500 billion for a new civilian army, but make a secondary force outside of control of the military. While this in premise is good if controlled by the states (like the National Gaurd is) it poses some problems. Obama said it would be the same as the military, in funding, size, and power. He didn't say who would control it. Americorps? ACORN? Obama? My money goes to Obama.
Those hard-liners will say "you support militias and gun rights." Yes, I do. When the states and the people have them with the purpose to defend their neighbors I support it. When it is used as a tool of competing power with the Armed Forces I oppose it.
Lastly, why does Obama doubt the ability of our forces? We have not been attacked since 9/11 so why does he believe our forces are failing to protect our security? If he didn't mean what he said, why did he say it?
Obama quote: http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=69601
Chavez quote 1: http://www.pr-inside.com/venezuela-s-president-chavez-turns-r1384104.htm
Chavez quote 2:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/16/world/americas/16venez-floater.html
"We cannot continue to rely on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives we've set. We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded."
Excerpt over. Let us compare this to Hugo Chavez:
President Chavez has returned to speaking about the reserve or territorial force, proclaiming that the old model must end and revolutionary changes within the concept of integral defense deepened. The Bolivarian Militia, the President insists, must be the people-in-arms.
Everybody should be in the militia, Chavez continues, from commanders of the Bolivarian Armed Force (FAB) to leaders of community councils. "We must convert Venezuela into an impregnable country shielded on all sides, inside and outside ... it is necessary to give life and shape to the doctrine of the People’s War ... we are all soldiers." Outlining his policy, the President suggests that the militia should organized into combat units, logistical and intelligence units but he did indicate that not all were to have possession of weapons.
Excerpt over. What has Hugo Chavez used the forces under his command to do so far? Take a look:
National Guard troops in Curiepe, Venezuela, seized a police station controlled by a leading opponent of President Hugo Chavez on Wednesday, setting off clashes between troops and protesters that the police said left eight injured.
Excerpt over. Since such comparisons of Obama to Hitler would be completely out of line, lets compare Chavez' civilian military program to that of Hitler's instead. I refuse to quote Hitler on this blog, so I will simply let you know of the Waffen SS and the Hitler Youth. Secondary forces under control of Hitler, just like the National Gaurd is under the control of Chavez. In this country, our National Gaurd is controlled by states and the military jointly it seems.
So, since the states already have a force of their own that Obama can't control, he wants one of his own. I urge you to turn on the common sense sector of your brain and read everything except Obama's quote and then read Obama's quote.
Not only would this mean 500 billion for a new civilian army, but make a secondary force outside of control of the military. While this in premise is good if controlled by the states (like the National Gaurd is) it poses some problems. Obama said it would be the same as the military, in funding, size, and power. He didn't say who would control it. Americorps? ACORN? Obama? My money goes to Obama.
Those hard-liners will say "you support militias and gun rights." Yes, I do. When the states and the people have them with the purpose to defend their neighbors I support it. When it is used as a tool of competing power with the Armed Forces I oppose it.
Lastly, why does Obama doubt the ability of our forces? We have not been attacked since 9/11 so why does he believe our forces are failing to protect our security? If he didn't mean what he said, why did he say it?
Obama quote: http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=69601
Chavez quote 1: http://www.pr-inside.com/venezuela-s-president-chavez-turns-r1384104.htm
Chavez quote 2:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/16/world/americas/16venez-floater.html
Truce With Taliban A Reality
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSSP509252
We will not attack the Taliban in one of Afghanistan's provinces. The Obama administration has not made a phone call that no truce with the Taliban is to be recognized. Al Qaeda was the radical wing of the Taliban and since our invasion merged into one entity. Regardless of the internal fractures of "moderates" in the Taliban to those who are hardline extremists, the Taliban should be recognized at all times as a terrorist organization and not be negotiated with unless it involves the laying down of arms.
This truce does not require the surrender, or even disbanding of the Taliban. It even allows them to vote in the upcoming election. Even when Pakistan agreed to allow the laws to be written by the Taliban the truces signed were broken every time. They used the truce to expand and support attacks in other areas. The truce has been tried, and they failed. Pakistan is now facing 8,000 more Taliban fighters than it would have at the time it signed the first truce.
This is a war of ideology. We need to talk to the people more, not the enemy. We get the support of the people, the enemy will lose. Iraq proved this, so why can't Afghanistan's leadership and Obama come to common sense? Letting these fighters vote in an election they want, vow, and fight to stop, destroy, and corrupt is the worst thing to do.
We will not attack the Taliban in one of Afghanistan's provinces. The Obama administration has not made a phone call that no truce with the Taliban is to be recognized. Al Qaeda was the radical wing of the Taliban and since our invasion merged into one entity. Regardless of the internal fractures of "moderates" in the Taliban to those who are hardline extremists, the Taliban should be recognized at all times as a terrorist organization and not be negotiated with unless it involves the laying down of arms.
This truce does not require the surrender, or even disbanding of the Taliban. It even allows them to vote in the upcoming election. Even when Pakistan agreed to allow the laws to be written by the Taliban the truces signed were broken every time. They used the truce to expand and support attacks in other areas. The truce has been tried, and they failed. Pakistan is now facing 8,000 more Taliban fighters than it would have at the time it signed the first truce.
This is a war of ideology. We need to talk to the people more, not the enemy. We get the support of the people, the enemy will lose. Iraq proved this, so why can't Afghanistan's leadership and Obama come to common sense? Letting these fighters vote in an election they want, vow, and fight to stop, destroy, and corrupt is the worst thing to do.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
NASCAR's Unluckiest Driver
Dale Earnhardt Junior, please, I know you sell a lot of t-shirts, but could you try to drive a bit better?
Every week I watch the race, and Gordon, Martin, Johnson do fairly well every week. Dale? Well, honestly, FAIL. He broke his car when he used the clutch incorrectly.
Side note: Is it me or was Montoya's rant the first time you've ever heard a driver threaten to kill NASCAR?
Every week I watch the race, and Gordon, Martin, Johnson do fairly well every week. Dale? Well, honestly, FAIL. He broke his car when he used the clutch incorrectly.
Side note: Is it me or was Montoya's rant the first time you've ever heard a driver threaten to kill NASCAR?
Coup In Venezuela?
The following article, although from a source I myself declare uncredible, has taken a full swing from its usual reporting to sound anti-Chavez, while still having Socialist leanings, in a difficult news situation in Venezuela. I can not confirm at this point, but it sounds like chaos is occuring in Venezuela right now:
http://www.vheadline.com/readnews.asp?id=82212
This is a very, well, the news/opinion piece falls apart about halfway through to anti-capitalism bantor with many adjectives of hate however, the pro-Chavez site rarely speaks of anything negative towards him (which is why for so long I discredited it) but this article goes against everything in the past. Either something broke in the capital, or this is big. I will continue to research this.
Update: From what I can confirm is little about the current situation. In the past week however, the judge ruling on a case against the owner of an anti-Chavez news outlet was fired after she claimed she was being pressured to rule against him in the case. The Chavez government is having 240 news outlets shut down and this created a major issue among the media groups as they said that it is clear what Chavez was doing now.
In the past two days the military was sent to a small down near Caracas and they took over the police station there. The reason was not given and the people have been peacefully protesting, but still an ominous sign. I can not figure out if the current media blackout is caused by a coup, or just no news happening. If there is something going on, it could go in two directions. This could either be a takeover by Chavez of the country, or a removal of Chavez. Either way, the sources I usually turn to for news on Venezuela were recently silenced (I followed three of the 240 shut down by the Chavez government recently). So, I'll continue trying, but it is odd to have no news out of a country for a whole day.
UPDATE: No coup. The source proved to be unreliable yet again. The previous events with the judge and the town are true however. So it looks like Chavez is solidifying his power, but a quick grab by anyone has yet to occur.
http://www.vheadline.com/readnews.asp?id=82212
This is a very, well, the news/opinion piece falls apart about halfway through to anti-capitalism bantor with many adjectives of hate however, the pro-Chavez site rarely speaks of anything negative towards him (which is why for so long I discredited it) but this article goes against everything in the past. Either something broke in the capital, or this is big. I will continue to research this.
Update: From what I can confirm is little about the current situation. In the past week however, the judge ruling on a case against the owner of an anti-Chavez news outlet was fired after she claimed she was being pressured to rule against him in the case. The Chavez government is having 240 news outlets shut down and this created a major issue among the media groups as they said that it is clear what Chavez was doing now.
In the past two days the military was sent to a small down near Caracas and they took over the police station there. The reason was not given and the people have been peacefully protesting, but still an ominous sign. I can not figure out if the current media blackout is caused by a coup, or just no news happening. If there is something going on, it could go in two directions. This could either be a takeover by Chavez of the country, or a removal of Chavez. Either way, the sources I usually turn to for news on Venezuela were recently silenced (I followed three of the 240 shut down by the Chavez government recently). So, I'll continue trying, but it is odd to have no news out of a country for a whole day.
UPDATE: No coup. The source proved to be unreliable yet again. The previous events with the judge and the town are true however. So it looks like Chavez is solidifying his power, but a quick grab by anyone has yet to occur.
Somalia
The situation in Somalia has for many years been one of shifting alliances and civil war. However, there may be hope for an end to the violence. It will certainly not be quick, nothing in Africa ever seems to be. However, with a major town in the north being taken without resistance by the government, following a tense stalemate in that town, the government has proven it has the forces to intimidate Al Shabaab.
Al Shabaab is seeking to merge with Hizbul radicals, showing they need backup. If their alliance goes through, I think it is too little too late. With battles consisting of twenty or so fighters on a regular basis, the victories are more about having the courage to hold territory and not retreat. Which is where I believe a new approach to international peacekeeping should be undertaken.
Peacekeepers should be deployed to areas held by nation's military forces with a vow to hold the territory for that country's government. However, if more territory is to come under the government control, that government will have to use its own forces to retake territory owned by the other factions. I speak in Somalia terms, as other situations (Palestine, Kosovo) require both sides to be defended. However, as Somalia fractures, the Islamic extremists would rather see the peacekeepers be hanged than on their side.
What this means is that defensive tactics, the ultimately best case scenario all militaries in the world could achieve to make peace on earth a reality, would be emphasized by this peacekeeping force.
-------------------------------------------------------
I believe the uproar about Obama's comments that the police who arrested Gates were acting stupidly places emphasis on the stereotypes against police in this country and the prejudice that police face from groups that wish to use race as a reason to resist cooperating with authorities. The reason most media talks about is how police racism is highlighted by this event, while I see it as racists using their own race as justification for their prejudices against the police. President Obama obviously ranks race above title in this incident. He said he didn't know the facts, yet decided to make a statement on it which sided with his race rather than the authorities.
Our country does not have as much issues of race as it does with those who are ignorant and ill tempered.
-----------------------------------------------
In other news (A glance at the headlines):
Russia opposes companies who sell weapons to Georgia.
Joe Biden says we support Ukraine and Georgia entering NATO.
Worldwide marches in support of the Iranian people took place today.
Venezuela will have to import coffee due to its government policies resulting in lower production (they have price controls and export caps). This is the first time the country has to import coffee (Venezuela grows a lot of coffee).
Hezbolla is claiming that there will be a war between the end of this year and next spring.
Ecuador will not follow a World Bank ruling if the ruling is not in favor of them.
North Korea executed a woman for distributing bibles.
WoW, next headline requires its own blog post.
Al Shabaab is seeking to merge with Hizbul radicals, showing they need backup. If their alliance goes through, I think it is too little too late. With battles consisting of twenty or so fighters on a regular basis, the victories are more about having the courage to hold territory and not retreat. Which is where I believe a new approach to international peacekeeping should be undertaken.
Peacekeepers should be deployed to areas held by nation's military forces with a vow to hold the territory for that country's government. However, if more territory is to come under the government control, that government will have to use its own forces to retake territory owned by the other factions. I speak in Somalia terms, as other situations (Palestine, Kosovo) require both sides to be defended. However, as Somalia fractures, the Islamic extremists would rather see the peacekeepers be hanged than on their side.
What this means is that defensive tactics, the ultimately best case scenario all militaries in the world could achieve to make peace on earth a reality, would be emphasized by this peacekeeping force.
-------------------------------------------------------
I believe the uproar about Obama's comments that the police who arrested Gates were acting stupidly places emphasis on the stereotypes against police in this country and the prejudice that police face from groups that wish to use race as a reason to resist cooperating with authorities. The reason most media talks about is how police racism is highlighted by this event, while I see it as racists using their own race as justification for their prejudices against the police. President Obama obviously ranks race above title in this incident. He said he didn't know the facts, yet decided to make a statement on it which sided with his race rather than the authorities.
Our country does not have as much issues of race as it does with those who are ignorant and ill tempered.
-----------------------------------------------
In other news (A glance at the headlines):
Russia opposes companies who sell weapons to Georgia.
Joe Biden says we support Ukraine and Georgia entering NATO.
Worldwide marches in support of the Iranian people took place today.
Venezuela will have to import coffee due to its government policies resulting in lower production (they have price controls and export caps). This is the first time the country has to import coffee (Venezuela grows a lot of coffee).
Hezbolla is claiming that there will be a war between the end of this year and next spring.
Ecuador will not follow a World Bank ruling if the ruling is not in favor of them.
North Korea executed a woman for distributing bibles.
WoW, next headline requires its own blog post.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Alvaro Uribe
As an American and ally of your people, accept the two term limit on presidency and advocate for your people outside of office. You can serve your people, leave your constitution alone, and accept your term limits like a true leader of free people.
Friday, July 24, 2009
I wish I had money
I would sue SYFY for everything they have done. The bait-and-switch they did with Primeval happened again tonight. I was angry, but I was going to give them hell on their forums, to find a thread or two had started recently. I found the threads were short, and that one of them talked about how their complaints were being removed from the forums. I can take the bait-and-switch and walk away from SYFY. I will not accept them violating the Constitution. (I can't get Obama, so I'm on a mission with this one.)
I am going to boycott SYFY programs. My parents, who I convinced to watch Scifi shows years ago, and they ended up liking them, will have to deal with SYFY themselves. I will not watch the new Caprica series, or Stargate Universal, and Eureka is an afterthought.
I endured NBC cancelling Surface, and Scifi cancelling Tremors, Painkiller Jane, Flash Gordon, Stargate Atlantis, Dresden Files, and thats just off the top of my head. However, the talk of making an edgier U.S. version of a show that was making $1.2 million profit in Britain per episode, that was cancelled to keep a 9 pm time slot for a drama, is simply unacceptable. They lied about the reason for it being cancelled, and the reason was petty. The channel ITV took something profitable, and because they wanted a drama, instead of an already successful show, I wish them the worst ratings in the future.
However, boycott SYFY. I urge you to do so. I'm actually leaning towards only watching tv series when they come out on DVD now, that way I watch when I want, and no hassels of commercials, and I get the full show (SYFY cut out scenes from Primeval to make time for MORE commercials).
I am going to boycott SYFY programs. My parents, who I convinced to watch Scifi shows years ago, and they ended up liking them, will have to deal with SYFY themselves. I will not watch the new Caprica series, or Stargate Universal, and Eureka is an afterthought.
I endured NBC cancelling Surface, and Scifi cancelling Tremors, Painkiller Jane, Flash Gordon, Stargate Atlantis, Dresden Files, and thats just off the top of my head. However, the talk of making an edgier U.S. version of a show that was making $1.2 million profit in Britain per episode, that was cancelled to keep a 9 pm time slot for a drama, is simply unacceptable. They lied about the reason for it being cancelled, and the reason was petty. The channel ITV took something profitable, and because they wanted a drama, instead of an already successful show, I wish them the worst ratings in the future.
However, boycott SYFY. I urge you to do so. I'm actually leaning towards only watching tv series when they come out on DVD now, that way I watch when I want, and no hassels of commercials, and I get the full show (SYFY cut out scenes from Primeval to make time for MORE commercials).
Zelaya's Return - Finally
After the "return any hour now" headline was tossed around for over a week, Zelaya returned to Honduras today, for about thirty seconds before hopping back into Nicaragua.
This is going to be manipulated in many ways. He was not arrested by the forces present, but they probably did not want to act with the reporters, probably outnumbering them, watching closely. Zelaya can say he has control because he wasn't arrested. The Honduran government can call Zelaya a coward for not entering and doing the march to the capital as promised.
Despite this, the crowd in favor of Zelaya had to be dispersed in Honduras with tear gas when they became belligerent. Now, the quick return is described as follows:
LAS MANOS, Nicaragua (Reuters) - Ousted President Manuel Zelaya took a symbolic step inside Honduras on Friday but he paused at the border, backing away from a confrontation with Honduran troops waiting to arrest him.
Accompanied by a pack of international reporters and television cameras, the ousted leader in his trademark cowboy hat took a step or two inside Honduran territory in the small town of Las Manos on the border with Nicaragua.
Pausing to give live telephone interviews, he approached the chain dividing the two central American nations, stepping briefly over and holding the chain over his head in triumph for a moment and touching a sign saying "Welcome to Honduras."
With troops standing just yards away, he said he did not want to proceed further out of "respect for the principles" of the military.
Excerpt over. Zelaya paused out of fear of the arrest order those soldiers have, not respect for their principles. If he respected their principles he would not have fired the top general before being removed because that general refused to go forward with distributing ballots for a vote declared illegal by the supreme court and congress of Honduras. If he respected them he would not have stormed a military base with his supports trying to force the vote a day before his removal.
He has no respect for the Honduras military or the rule of law. He did not march to the capital because he has fear, not respect.
Update: The article this was based on is here:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE56N4YL20090724
This is going to be manipulated in many ways. He was not arrested by the forces present, but they probably did not want to act with the reporters, probably outnumbering them, watching closely. Zelaya can say he has control because he wasn't arrested. The Honduran government can call Zelaya a coward for not entering and doing the march to the capital as promised.
Despite this, the crowd in favor of Zelaya had to be dispersed in Honduras with tear gas when they became belligerent. Now, the quick return is described as follows:
LAS MANOS, Nicaragua (Reuters) - Ousted President Manuel Zelaya took a symbolic step inside Honduras on Friday but he paused at the border, backing away from a confrontation with Honduran troops waiting to arrest him.
Accompanied by a pack of international reporters and television cameras, the ousted leader in his trademark cowboy hat took a step or two inside Honduran territory in the small town of Las Manos on the border with Nicaragua.
Pausing to give live telephone interviews, he approached the chain dividing the two central American nations, stepping briefly over and holding the chain over his head in triumph for a moment and touching a sign saying "Welcome to Honduras."
With troops standing just yards away, he said he did not want to proceed further out of "respect for the principles" of the military.
Excerpt over. Zelaya paused out of fear of the arrest order those soldiers have, not respect for their principles. If he respected their principles he would not have fired the top general before being removed because that general refused to go forward with distributing ballots for a vote declared illegal by the supreme court and congress of Honduras. If he respected them he would not have stormed a military base with his supports trying to force the vote a day before his removal.
He has no respect for the Honduras military or the rule of law. He did not march to the capital because he has fear, not respect.
Update: The article this was based on is here:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE56N4YL20090724
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Races - On Your Marks- Wait, New Entry For Governor
Peter Mills had decided to run for governor on the Republican ticket. He is the first GOP candidate to be a career politician. He does not yet have a website or a blog. However, if he represents your district you can read his congressional page here:
http://petermills.info/
Update: The Dawn Hill website is functional, but under development. Steve Rowe's website is uniquely designed, but is deceptively lacking in anything specific. It is basically an announcement speech with donate buttons.
Steve mentions the following:
Steve also knows that problems such as substance abuse, mental illness and domestic abuse are devastating to Maine people and to our state’s economy. Steve will work to eliminate these problems so that the true potential of Maine people and the state’s economy can be realized.
Excerpt over. Haven't seen that one often, and it is good to see. However, it lacks plans or facts or, well, basically anything substantial.
Dawn Hill's website:
http://www.dawnhillforgovernor.com/
Steve Rowe's website (I link to the more detailed page) :
http://www.roweforgovernor.com/about-steve
http://petermills.info/
Update: The Dawn Hill website is functional, but under development. Steve Rowe's website is uniquely designed, but is deceptively lacking in anything specific. It is basically an announcement speech with donate buttons.
Steve mentions the following:
Steve also knows that problems such as substance abuse, mental illness and domestic abuse are devastating to Maine people and to our state’s economy. Steve will work to eliminate these problems so that the true potential of Maine people and the state’s economy can be realized.
Excerpt over. Haven't seen that one often, and it is good to see. However, it lacks plans or facts or, well, basically anything substantial.
Dawn Hill's website:
http://www.dawnhillforgovernor.com/
Steve Rowe's website (I link to the more detailed page) :
http://www.roweforgovernor.com/about-steve
Zelaya's March
Manuel Zelaya is going to have a peaceful march to the border of Honduras from the Nicaraguan capital. It started earlier this day with him and his family. However, how peaceful it will be after that is questionable.
I urge non-violence in this entire situation. I recommend the Honduran border patrol or military or police (whoever monitors such things) to arrest Zelaya as the Supreme Court ordered them to do almost a month ago now.
I urge non-violence in this entire situation. I recommend the Honduran border patrol or military or police (whoever monitors such things) to arrest Zelaya as the Supreme Court ordered them to do almost a month ago now.
Surgery Today
I am going into surgery, oh, about thirty minutes from now to remove three very oddly impacted wisdom teeth. May not post for two days.
We Got bin Laden
Saad Bin Laden is dead. He is the son of Usama (Osama) bin Laden. He was killed by a U.S. airstrike in Pakistan. Next question: What are the odds Osama is also in Pakistan? I say 90% just on gut feeling.
Bad news is he wasn't very important. Also, we can't confirm if he was killed. Also, they say the strike occured earlier this year. Also, out of 50 airstrikes since our air campaign started, only 11 got their targets. Is this really the best that the world's undisputed best airforce can do? We have no enemies in the skies! Seriously, if we are being careful, we have the resources, lets try to make sure we have a 50% success rate. For the best armed forces in the world, I think that isn't asking too much.
Bad news is he wasn't very important. Also, we can't confirm if he was killed. Also, they say the strike occured earlier this year. Also, out of 50 airstrikes since our air campaign started, only 11 got their targets. Is this really the best that the world's undisputed best airforce can do? We have no enemies in the skies! Seriously, if we are being careful, we have the resources, lets try to make sure we have a 50% success rate. For the best armed forces in the world, I think that isn't asking too much.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Races - Rosa Scarcelli
This Democratic candidate has made accessing her website easier than the other candidates not on the Republican ticket (Alex Hammer, I mean you!). Here is the link to her issues page: http://www.rosaformaine.com/splash/Issues
Now, some say the colors are bold, and indeed they are. However, who cares? On to the actual issues. Lets take an excerpt:
State government can’t create jobs, but we can create a climate for businesses to grow and expand – and support the businesses that are the backbone of Maine. We do that by continuing recent efforts to make our tax rates more attractive, and by making state government more cost effective and efficient in order to have the needed resources to make strategic investments in education, workforce development, health care, transportation and alternative energy to lower our heating costs for homes and businesses.
Excerpt over. That is the clarity I have been looking for in a candidate. Knowing the limits, but also giving a plan (tax rates lower, better government) and what to do with the gains made by that plan. All in one paragraph. However, the detail I've been looking for is lacking.
I want to be clear, this is not perfect. However, it condensed the big thinking and philosophy other candidates always have, into a single paragraph. She continues:
We can offer the world what no other state can. That means focusing on our natural resources. We can embrace and revive our great traditions in wood and wood products, boatbuilding, agriculture, seafood, and recreation – but do it smarter and better than in the past, with new technologies, new products and new techniques.
Excerpt ceased. We have plenty of trees, but I doubt we can revitalize our logging industry to compete with Brazil. Otherwise this is a good statement. If only it had details. Her website lacks even facts to support having knowledge of the current situation in Maine.
The education segment and healthcare segment lack details and make a good speech. It however only gives a philosophy to a solution that isn't complete.
She does urge energy independance through weatherization. Otherwise she has little plans other than proposing green energy solutions. This could be hamsters on a wheel or solar energy, she just doesn't say.
Then a twist. She urges the promotion of eating locally grown foods and increasing farm production (and thus jobs, while using less energy transporting it.) This is the first I've heard of making the growth of farming in Maine as an issue of its own. She finishes by giving the clean air, water, earth line of every politician since "The Jungle".
Note: Still searching for other candidates websites. I check once a week. If it doesn't exist with an issues page, I don't bother. To Alex Hammer: give up already. You are the Al Gore of Maine's governor elections.
Now, some say the colors are bold, and indeed they are. However, who cares? On to the actual issues. Lets take an excerpt:
State government can’t create jobs, but we can create a climate for businesses to grow and expand – and support the businesses that are the backbone of Maine. We do that by continuing recent efforts to make our tax rates more attractive, and by making state government more cost effective and efficient in order to have the needed resources to make strategic investments in education, workforce development, health care, transportation and alternative energy to lower our heating costs for homes and businesses.
Excerpt over. That is the clarity I have been looking for in a candidate. Knowing the limits, but also giving a plan (tax rates lower, better government) and what to do with the gains made by that plan. All in one paragraph. However, the detail I've been looking for is lacking.
I want to be clear, this is not perfect. However, it condensed the big thinking and philosophy other candidates always have, into a single paragraph. She continues:
We can offer the world what no other state can. That means focusing on our natural resources. We can embrace and revive our great traditions in wood and wood products, boatbuilding, agriculture, seafood, and recreation – but do it smarter and better than in the past, with new technologies, new products and new techniques.
Excerpt ceased. We have plenty of trees, but I doubt we can revitalize our logging industry to compete with Brazil. Otherwise this is a good statement. If only it had details. Her website lacks even facts to support having knowledge of the current situation in Maine.
The education segment and healthcare segment lack details and make a good speech. It however only gives a philosophy to a solution that isn't complete.
She does urge energy independance through weatherization. Otherwise she has little plans other than proposing green energy solutions. This could be hamsters on a wheel or solar energy, she just doesn't say.
Then a twist. She urges the promotion of eating locally grown foods and increasing farm production (and thus jobs, while using less energy transporting it.) This is the first I've heard of making the growth of farming in Maine as an issue of its own. She finishes by giving the clean air, water, earth line of every politician since "The Jungle".
Note: Still searching for other candidates websites. I check once a week. If it doesn't exist with an issues page, I don't bother. To Alex Hammer: give up already. You are the Al Gore of Maine's governor elections.
"Maine Human Rights Referendum"
In 2010 there is going to be a referendum on the ballot in Maine. Despite speaking for human rights, it proposes that the following occur:
1. Clarify marriage law limiting the institution of marriage to one man and one woman.
2. Forbid the establishment of civil unions.
3. Clarify adoption law to allow only one person, or a married couple, to adopt.
4. Remove the designation "sexual orientation" from the Maine Human Rights Act.
5. Eliminate funding for the Maine attorney general’s school civil rights team program.
From: http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Maine_Human_Rights_Referendum_%282009%29
Seeing the efforts of a civil rights team this year address obesity, and homelessness (even having a successful fundraiser for the shelter) along with numerous other racial issues I know the importance they have in Maine. There is discrimination and hatred in Maine and this group brings awareness to such problems in our public schools by having students who see it first hand be the ones to move for a more civil society.
A teenager a few years ago was killed in downtown Bangor because he was gay. His sexual orientation was the reason he was killed. Crimes of hatred should have stronger punishments and the MHRA provides for that.
The new rules for adoption would have prevented me from growing up in the best family in the world. I was adopted by two women. (They are simply lifelong friends, not lesbians; it is like the Golden Girls.) Preventing such adoption would remove so many options kids need to have in order for the best chance to grow up in a loving, providing family.
Not only preventing equal marriage, they would take away the provisions that allow some recognition to the love that same-sex couples have in the law. This vote places a civil society on the line from one of respect and equal opportunity to one of discrimination that permits hatred. This referendum must fail. Every point it makes is an insult to the cause of human rights.
The name itself could be misleading to those who vote. Seeing the title one has the internal gut reaction to support human rights and could vote yes without knowing it will actually remove rights that citizens in a country where all men are equal deserve.
This is not to be confused with the referendum this year to repeal the law which allows same-sex marriage. My views on same-sex marriage are posted months ago, but I will clarify and refresh memories soon.
1. Clarify marriage law limiting the institution of marriage to one man and one woman.
2. Forbid the establishment of civil unions.
3. Clarify adoption law to allow only one person, or a married couple, to adopt.
4. Remove the designation "sexual orientation" from the Maine Human Rights Act.
5. Eliminate funding for the Maine attorney general’s school civil rights team program.
From: http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Maine_Human_Rights_Referendum_%282009%29
Seeing the efforts of a civil rights team this year address obesity, and homelessness (even having a successful fundraiser for the shelter) along with numerous other racial issues I know the importance they have in Maine. There is discrimination and hatred in Maine and this group brings awareness to such problems in our public schools by having students who see it first hand be the ones to move for a more civil society.
A teenager a few years ago was killed in downtown Bangor because he was gay. His sexual orientation was the reason he was killed. Crimes of hatred should have stronger punishments and the MHRA provides for that.
The new rules for adoption would have prevented me from growing up in the best family in the world. I was adopted by two women. (They are simply lifelong friends, not lesbians; it is like the Golden Girls.) Preventing such adoption would remove so many options kids need to have in order for the best chance to grow up in a loving, providing family.
Not only preventing equal marriage, they would take away the provisions that allow some recognition to the love that same-sex couples have in the law. This vote places a civil society on the line from one of respect and equal opportunity to one of discrimination that permits hatred. This referendum must fail. Every point it makes is an insult to the cause of human rights.
The name itself could be misleading to those who vote. Seeing the title one has the internal gut reaction to support human rights and could vote yes without knowing it will actually remove rights that citizens in a country where all men are equal deserve.
This is not to be confused with the referendum this year to repeal the law which allows same-sex marriage. My views on same-sex marriage are posted months ago, but I will clarify and refresh memories soon.
Russia's Navy in Syria
Right now there is a naval base in Syria with 50 Russian's currently operating it. Now there are plans to expand it. The facility, fully operational, can have up to twelve ships, what kind the article did not specify.
From: http://www.upi.com/Emerging_Threats/2009/07/21/Russia-to-upgrade-its-naval-base-in-Syria/UPI-25841248210937/
Meanwhile Sudan and Southern Sudan are closer to civil war in 2011. An international court ruling that certain oil fields are in Southern Sudan give economic reason for Sudan to ensure that in 2011 Southern Sudan does not secede. The reason 2011 is important is because in 2005 the two sides signed a 6 year peace deal after which, in 2011, a referendum on independance in Southern Sudan would be held.
Southern Sudan's government has been purchasing military supplies in a slow, but steady build up. In the past few years. So beward the unrest in Sudan in 2011.
From: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/23/world/africa/23sudan.html?hpw
From: http://www.upi.com/Emerging_Threats/2009/07/21/Russia-to-upgrade-its-naval-base-in-Syria/UPI-25841248210937/
Meanwhile Sudan and Southern Sudan are closer to civil war in 2011. An international court ruling that certain oil fields are in Southern Sudan give economic reason for Sudan to ensure that in 2011 Southern Sudan does not secede. The reason 2011 is important is because in 2005 the two sides signed a 6 year peace deal after which, in 2011, a referendum on independance in Southern Sudan would be held.
Southern Sudan's government has been purchasing military supplies in a slow, but steady build up. In the past few years. So beward the unrest in Sudan in 2011.
From: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/23/world/africa/23sudan.html?hpw
ALBA A Gathering Of Conspiracy Nuts
The continuous statements about an American empire that come out of South America are obviously false. However, they continue to claim we are trying to control them. Anytime something does not go in their favor, we must be behind it. This goes against logic, and clearly the leaders in the ALBA nations have become sheep, and fallen for the Chavez flock.
It is difficult to fight a conspiracy. Anyone who truly believes is going to believe and just expand the scope whenever they are given evidence to the contrary. This means eventually, except for the few who believe with them, the entire world is in on the conspiracy. Eventually it becomes a road of isolation and there is the possibility that the people will one day snap and lash out against the world.
I have absolutely no clue how close any of the ALBA leaders are to that moment of radicalism. I hope it is far, far from it. I fear it may be closer than any of us think. I know that I do not know.
It is difficult to fight a conspiracy. Anyone who truly believes is going to believe and just expand the scope whenever they are given evidence to the contrary. This means eventually, except for the few who believe with them, the entire world is in on the conspiracy. Eventually it becomes a road of isolation and there is the possibility that the people will one day snap and lash out against the world.
I have absolutely no clue how close any of the ALBA leaders are to that moment of radicalism. I hope it is far, far from it. I fear it may be closer than any of us think. I know that I do not know.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
North Korea / Myanmar (Burma) Alliance Highlighted By Clinton
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.)
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