Clipmarks

Torturing Democracy

2008-12-11T19:08:00.001Z

PART ONE
From 9/11 to waterboarding

PART TWO
From the CIA to Guantanamo
Copying harsh Communist interrogation methods

PART THREE
While hundreds of men remain imprisoned in Guantanamo, Congress grants immunity to U.S. officials who may have ordered torture

http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/torturingdemocracy/program/

clipped from www.gwu.edu

Annotated Transcript

The annotated transcript of "Torturing Democracy" provides the script of every word spoken during the 90-minute documentary, backed up with specific citations, footnotes and links, and includes documentation for the dramatizations in the film. Posting the annotated transcript allows viewers to check the facts for themselves, and enables researchers to build on the reporting to take the story even further.

To download this 385k file in PDF format, click here.

clipped from www.gwu.edu

watch the program: Part one | part two | part three

clipped from www.gwu.edu

Entire Archive

The goal of the Torture Archive is to become the online institutional memory for essential evidence on torture. Specifically, the Torture Archive seeks to catalog and publish on the Web all primary source documents related to the detention and interrogation of individuals by the United States, in connection with the conduct of hostilities in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as in the broader context of the "global war on terror."

MASADA: Another MYTH Exploded.

2008-11-10T07:03:00.001Z

All the remains were reburied at Masada as Jewish with full military honours on July 7, 1969. There's no doubt but that these were the remains of Roman soldiers, the enemy.

clipped from en.wikipedia.org

Masada

Josephus, a first-century Jewish Roman historian

significant disagreement among historians as to the veracity of the Josephus story

There is also considerable controversy in the archaeological reporting

The primary archeologist, Yigael Yadin, has recently come under charges of professional misconduct

After extensively studying Yadin's work documents, transcripts, and conversations, Ben-Yehuda concluded that Yadin conducted "a scheme of distortion which was aimed at providing Israelis with a spurious historical narrative of heroism"

The actual record shows evidence of "different factions of Jews fighting and killing each other, of collective suicide by a group of terrorists and assassins whose "fighting spirit" was questionable

there are the admissions of falsification by Yadin himself

he later admitted he was pressured by the Israeli government to make that connection, even though the cave contained pig bones among the skeletons, a common sacrificial burial practice for Roman dead

V

Pl

A

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Bombshell Lawsuit: Obama Not U.S. Citizen--Democrat Files Injunction

2008-11-09T00:40:00.001Z

Democrat and former Asst. Attorney General of PA has filed a lawsuit saying that the republicans are waiting to launch this same attack after his nomination, i.e. a justifiable legal objection he claims disqualifying Obama for President per the Constitution and the laws that applied at the time of his birth and early life.

Berg argues that Barack Obama was born in Kenya in 1961 to an American woman, Stanley Ann Dunham, and a Kenyan man, Barack Hussein Obama Senior, as reportedly shown by a birth certificate from Mombasa Maternity Hospital. According to the law at that time, a parent could pass US citizenship on to a child born abroad if the parent was at least 19 years old. Obama's mother was only 18.

No hospital birth certificate has been produced to show Obama was born in Hawaii, only a certificate of birth registry after the fact, which forensics experts have denounced as a forgery.

McCain's citizenship has also been questioned in the past making this an issu

clipped from disc.yourwebapps.com

BOMBSHELL: Barack Obama Is Not a US Citizen, Not Eligible to be US President.

Birth Certificate Found in Kenya. Citizen of Kenya and Indonesia. Hawaiian Certificate Forged.

Attorney Phil Berg on Federal Suit to Stop Obama, CoastToCoast AM Aug 23rd ca. 1 AM Eastern, plus Aug. 23rd, 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. EST World Crisis Radio with Webster Tarpley, http://www.gcnlive.com (and On Demand for the week following at http://gcnlive.com/Programs/WorldCrisisRadio/On_Demand.html ).

On Aug. 21st attorney Philip J. Berg requested an injunction in Federal Court against the nomination of Barack Obama, citing evidence that candidate Barack Obama is not a US citizen, and "the obvious problems that will occur when the Republican Party raises these issues after Obama is nominated." See Berg's website, http://www.ObamaCrimes.com .

See http://www.waronfreedom.org/dox/BO-NO-Citizen-BriefFacts.htm for factual background of Berg's suit.

Chavez

2008-03-09T14:53:00.001Z

clipped from news.xinhuanet.com

Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe (R)
and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega talk after they agreed to resolve a
territorial dispute at the 20th Group of Rio Summit in Santo Domingo March
7, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

SANTO DOMINGO, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of the
four Andean nations, whose relations were bruised by Colombia's cross-border
raid on rebels, broke off their diplomatic tensions on Friday with handshakes at
a regional summit here.

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe apologized for his
country's cross-border attack on rebels to Ecuadorian counterpart Rafeal Correa,
who accepted Uribe's apology and shook hands with Uribe.

Later on, Uribe shook hands with his Venezuelan and
Nicaraguan counterparts Hugo Chavez and Daniel Ortega.

But Uribe denied Correa's charge
that Colombia violated Ecuador's territory, saying Colombia had informed Ecuador
of the attack.

The Truth About Republican Economics and American Debt

2008-01-23T00:57:00.001Z

The chart will SHOCK you into reality about the Conservative agenda to borrow until the dollar is completely worthless and America is owned by foreigners.

clipped from www.lafn.org

Back in the 1980s Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan repeatedly complained that Ronald Reagan was running up the national debt in order to bankrupt the USA so that the Federal government could no longer afford any of its social programs, from Aid to Families with Dependent Children to Social Security to Medicare to veterans' benefits. He was right, but hardly anyone listened.

The Republicans are still trying to bankrupt the Federal government and they're still trying to eliminate every Federal social program, not only the remnants of FDR's New Deal but even going back to Teddy Roosevelt's conservationist programs.

Now, after 18 years of huge Republican deficits and Republican recessions, the National Debt has increased from $937 Billion -- LESS than $1 Trillion -- when Ronald Reagan took office to OVER $8.5 TRILLION !!! We will be paying off the debt added by Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush for the next 100 years and more!

The 6 Most Unsettling Medication Side Effects

2008-01-18T01:55:00.001Z

Most of them only happen to an infinitesimally small group of people, but they can still happen.

clipped from www.cracked.com

Alli

Alli is a weight-loss medication that prevents fat absorption.

Side effects may include ...

nothing major, mind you, just things like "gas with oily spotting."

a polite way of describing a fart that spackles your chair with a greasy stain of ass buckshot

Requip

Side effects may include ...

"an unusual urge to gamble or increased sexual urges and/or behaviors."

Propecia

The fear of hair loss grips many a man

Side effects may include ...

"gynecomastia,"

means boobs

that can make milk

clipped from www.cracked.com

Accutane

acne treatments

Side effects may include ...

Side effects can include crying spells, rectal bleeding and bone fractures.

hepatitis, psychosis and hirsutism

Zoloft

Anti-depressant

Side effects may include...

a "persistent, painful erection."

This awful wood you're sporting also has the advantage of shooting blanks

"ejaculation failure"

Levaquin

Treating bacterial infections

Side effects may include ...

It can turn you into a vampire.

it can kill your ability to handle sunlight

called "phototoxicity,"

Ex-CIA Official: Israel will Attack Iran

2008-01-11T12:08:00.001Z

...and then drag U.S. into it. This is why the neoconservatives (in league with militant Zionists) need to be driven out of U.S. government.

clipped from www.jpost.com

Ex-CIA official: Israel will attack Iran on its own

"I came back from a trip to Israel in November convinced that Israel would attack Iran," Bruce Riedel, a former CIA official and senior adviser to three US presidents, George W. Bush among them, told the American Newsweek magazine in an article published Friday.

Citing conversations he had in Israel with officials in Mossad and the Israeli defense establishment, Riedel concluded that "Israel is not going to allow its nuclear monopoly to be threatened."

Riedel told the magazine his impression that Israel would venture a strike on Iran on its own was formed before the publication of the joint US intelligence agencies' report, the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE). "This [the NIE] makes it [a strike on Iran] even more likely," he said.

In Israel, responses to the report ranged from subtle criticism of the report's conclusions to outright slamming of the US intelligence community's capabilities

Sense of Smell and Mental Health

2008-01-10T19:17:00.001Z

clipped from psychcentral.com

Depression May Affect Smell

clipped from psychcentral.com

--
Can’t smell the roses? Maybe you’re depressed, say researchers from Tel Aviv University. Scientists recently linked depression to a biological mechanism that affects the olfactory glands.
It might explain why some women, without realizing it, wear too much perfume.

“We also believe that depression has biological roots and may be an immune system response to certain physiological cues.”

Scientists today widely accept the fact that people with Alzheimer’s disease lose their sense of smell. Prof. Shoenfeld’s research is the first that links depression to smell in lupus patients, however.

“There may be an organic cause to these disorders, and if this is the case, clinicians might have to change their attitude about current therapies they use,” Prof. Shoenfeld says.

“I think that science is able to show that aromatherapy might not be just for quacks. After all, some of these remedies have been used since the time of the Egyptians to treat organic diseases.”

Nagasaki : A Graphic Testimony by Yosuke Yamahata

2008-01-10T13:02:00.001Z

"The human memory, has a tendency to stray and the criticism to fade with the years with changes in lifestyle and circumstances. But the camera, capturing the reality of the time, brings us to the irrefutable facts that occurred seven years ago, without any makeup. Today, with the remarkable recovery of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, it is difficult to recall the past, but these pictures will continue showing in unequivocal testimony the reality of that time. "

Yosuke Yamahata
Photographer
1952

clipped from www.nnc.cubaweb.cu

The Return of the Swiftboaters

2008-01-09T16:35:00.001Z

clipped from www.alternet.org

The Return of the SwiftBoaters
The Return of the Swiftboaters

The shadowy group that smeared John Kerry in 2004 is ready to do its dirty work again.

More than three years after John Kerry's bitter defeat, at the dawn of what looks like a far more promising campaign cycle for the Democrats, the party is still haunted by the specter of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. Once upon a time, "Swift boat" denoted an obscure military vessel, but thanks to the activities of this group it has come to represent movement conservatism's penchant for ruthlessly (and effectively) smearing any and all political opponents, from a sitting senator and war hero to an 11-year-old boy with a cranial fracture.
Research by The Nation into Federal Election Commission records of the group's top twenty donors reveals that they've been remarkably active in this cycle, contributing and bundling nearly $200,000 to presidential candidates. This does not bode well. During the last presidential campaign, the wealthy backers of Swift Boat Veterans for Truth--now rebranded as Swift Vets and POWs for Truth--didn't do their real dirty work until the general election, where as a tax-exempt 527 group they operated outside the restraints of direct campaign contributions. We may wish we were done with the Swift Boaters, but they aren't done with us.
In 2004 the top twenty donors all gave (with one exception) at least $50,000 to the group. The top three--Houston home builder Bob Perry, Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens and billionaire drugstore impresario and investor Harold Simmons--gave a combined $9.5 million ($4.45 million, $3 million and $2 million, respectively). Calculating the influence of these and the slightly less wealthy Swift Boat donors during this cycle is a touch more complicated than simply adding up their contributions. Each one exerts far more influence as a bundler, given the federal restrictions on individual giving, which limit donors to a maximum of $4,600 per cycle. So The Nation looked not only at the contributions of the donors themselves but also at those of their family members and employees. It's an imperfect method, since some employees are clearly contributing of their own volition (such as one employee of a Simmons company who gave money to Hillary Clinton), but it gives a rough estimate of who's backing whom and to what extent.
The most notable recipient of Swift Boat largesse is John McCain, erstwhile front-runner and Stand Up Guy. When the Swift Boat ads were first unleashed, McCain was alone among his Republican colleagues to condemn them. A fellow Vietnam veteran, a good friend of Kerry's and a former target of smears about his own service, McCain called the ads "dishonest and dishonorable," a "cheap stunt," and he urged Bush to condemn them. But in pursuit of the GOP nomination, McCain ditched the mantle of maverick for that of hack, and his once-floundering, possibly rejuvenated campaign has been aided along the way by $61,650 from Swift Boat donors and their associates. "There is such a thing as dirty money," said Senator Kerry in a statement, after The Nation informed him of McCain's FEC records. "I'm surprised that the John McCain I knew who was smeared in 2000 and thought so-called Swift Boating was wrong in 2004 would feel comfortable taking their money after seeing the way it was used to hurt the veterans I know he loves." (McCain's office did not return calls for comment.)
McCain's Swift Boat bounty is exceeded only by that of Mitt Romney, who has raked in $70,550. Romney's success with Swift Boat donors is significant because he has surpassed even McCain in his demonstrated willingness to do or say anything in pursuit of the presidency and because he has emerged as the GOP establishment's favored candidate. Last year, when McCain held that position, the Arizona senator received significant backing from Swift Boat donors. But many have subsequently switched their allegiance. Pickens, who donated to McCain in June 2006, is now an enthusiastic Giuliani donor and fundraiser (Giuliani ranks third in Swift Boat funding, with $47,950). Perry, who also recorded several donations to McCain's PAC in 2005 and 2006, is now a major donor and fundraiser for Romney. If the list of top Swift Boat donors is expanded to fifty, Romney's fundraising edge is even more pronounced. (Neither Romney nor Giuliani's campaign returned calls for comment.)
Also noticeable among the recipients of Swift Boat largesse is one who received only a single donation: Mike Huckabee. Despite meager fundraising and little national name recognition, the former Arkansas governor has experienced a bubble-like expansion of support and media attention, taking the lead in Iowa and approaching a steady lead in national polls. But the lack of Swift Boat contributions lends credence to the claim that Huckabee is viewed warily by the money men who call the shots in the modern GOP. Despite proposing a radically regressive tax change and taking Grover Norquist's antitax pledge, he's been attacked savagely by the Club for Growth and eviscerated by columnist George Will for "comprehensive apostasy against core Republican beliefs," among them "free trade, low taxes, the essential legitimacy of America's corporate entities and the market system allocating wealth and opportunity."
This all supports the notion that the people behind the Swift Boat operation are chiefly concerned with the continued upward redistribution of wealth that is, more or less, the contemporary GOP's raison d'être. In 2006 Perry ponied up $5 million to start the Economic Freedom Fund, a 527 group devoted to attacking Democratic incumbents, and landed a large donation from prominent Swift Boat donor Carl Lindner. All of which is to say that the Swift Boaters aren't some kind of side show, a coterie of vicious mudslingers operating at the edges of respectability. They are the show. They are modern conservatism's core funders and beneficiaries. With conservatives staring straight into the abyss, their activities in this election cycle could very well make the Swift Boat smears look tame by comparison.
This report was produced with support of The Nation Institute Investigative Fund. Additional research was provided by Nicholas Jahr.

USA

2007-08-28T22:00:00.000+01:00

When Will American's Have Had Enough?

Righthand 8-24-2007 5:09 PM

What we like about it, cherish about it, is it ability to insure that the power of the government is always in check. Often linked with the right to bear arms, somehow. But where is the recent evidence for this? Millions vote in a 'democratic' election and after chads etc, 5 politically elected judges get to decide the outcome.

...Ezsparky

You have played about on the margins with reform but it is more a case of one step forward then two backwards. You spend so much time naval gazing at the FF that any real chance of progress is impossible.

For a country founded without previous baggage, you have done everything possible to stifle progress.

You were blessed with brilliant FF but their brilliance for their time now seem to be a burden against progress in a modern world!

If your system was so perfect, why, when virtually imposing 'democracy' on liberated states, is it not your version of democracy that you impose. The reality is that why would impose a broken system on others that you are 'helping', so allow them have something that has some reasonable chance of success. Don't say theirs is a simpler system for an unsophisticated people. My evidence is based on voter participation. What's yours?

Having to trek many miles on none existent public transport to be challenged as to my right to vote often based on my skin colour, only to eventually be told that I'm in the wrong site, well, it's not my idea of democracy for all the people.

Justice Vs. Power - Chomsky Vs. Foucault, Part 2

2007-08-22T00:18:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.youtube.com

Justice Vs. Power - Chomsky Vs. Foucault, Part 2

The Oil Factor: Behind the War on Terror

2007-08-22T00:15:00.001+01:00

clipped from video.google.com

The Oil Factor: Behind the War on Terror

Free-Will Productions
1 hr 29 min 17 sec - 2/09/2006
KenSolar.com

Chomsky on liberal media 1

2007-08-22T00:14:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.youtube.com

Chomsky on liberal media 2

2007-08-22T00:13:00.003+01:00

clipped from www.youtube.com

Chomsky on liberal media 3

2007-08-22T00:13:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.youtube.com

Religion

2007-08-21T19:49:00.000+01:00

One Atheist's Take on Christianity
by Faberglas

righthand 8-21-2007 7.46pm

The real problem with believing in god or not, is the desire to convert others to your point of view.

First, I believe it may be morally wrong, to even try.
Second, you are more likely to reinforce the other in their belief. Religion does not lend itself to debate, particularly if you have widely varying view points.
Third, it is easier to believe in no god so those that do believe are at a big disadvantage when you require them to utilise logic. So have faith and fight fair.

---------------------------

"The Great Communicator" Comments On "The Decider"
by BartendingBear

righthand 8-23-2007 1:45 PM

Ye, but the truth never got in George &Co's way in invading Iraq or any other issue. He's of the school that believes that if it's repeated often enough and by him in particular, then it becomes the truth. Think swift boats and Kerry.

Of course, what had it easier was the inability of his followers to use even the minimum amount of brain matter to discern what might be untrue. Blindly following an earthly leader is an easy progression from following an unearthly one!

---------------------------

anti-Bush T-shirt ACLU case settled

2007-08-18T18:00:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.msnbc.msn.com

ACLU: Settlement in anti-Bush T-shirt case
Federal government to pay $80,000 to Texas couple arrested at rally

Nicole and Jeffery Rank of Corpus Christi, Texas, were handcuffed and removed from the July 4, 2004, rally at the state Capitol, where Bush gave a speech. A judge dismissed trespassing charges against them, and an order closing the case was filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Charleston.

“This settlement is a real victory not only for our clients but for the First Amendment,” said Andrew Schneider, executive director of the ACLU of West Virginia. “As a result of the Ranks’ courageous stand, public officials will think twice before they eject peaceful protesters from public events for exercising their right to dissent.”

The ACLU said in a statement that a presidential advance manual makes it clear that the government tries to exclude dissenters from the president’s appearances. “As a last resort,” the manual says, “security should remove the demonstrators from the event.”

I always thought that the right to protest was not challenged in this country. I guess I was a little naive on this point. Amazing how you can just assume that you have rights in a free America......then, something comes along that makes you realize not to let your guard down, or you might find yourself in an America that you don't recognize anymore. Good thing we got the ACLU to counteract the bullies who want control over the masses....at any cost......including the degradation of the U.S. Constitution. Bush and the boys have been doing this sort of thing for the past seven years.

How Much Jail Time?

2007-08-14T09:40:00.000+01:00

How Much Jail Time?

By Anna Quindlen

Newsweek

Aug. 6, 2007 issue - Buried among prairie dogs and amateur animation shorts on YouTube is a curious little mini-documentary shot in front of an abortion clinic in Libertyville, Ill. The man behind the camera is asking demonstrators who want abortion criminalized what the penalty should be for a woman who has one nonetheless. You have rarely seen people look more gobsmacked. It's as though the guy has asked them to solve quadratic equations. Here are a range of responses: "I've never really thought about it." "I don't have an answer for that." "I don't know." "Just pray for them."

You have to hand it to the questioner; he struggles manfully. "Usually when things are illegal there's a penalty attached," he explains patiently. But he can't get a single person to be decisive about the crux of a matter they have been approaching with absolute certainty.

............

Europe

2007-08-12T12:13:00.000+01:00

EU and US miles of sensibility apart?
www.signandsight.com
righthand 8-07-2007 1.36pm

Many Europeans have seen the writing on the wall some time ago. "Go East, young man" is the way to go now for Europe. We have much better chances of arriving at full peace with our Arab neighbours when apart from the US ties with Israel. Our relationship with our Russian neighbour will determine our economic future. A good relationship with India and China may be more important that distant America.

When America shows itself to be capable of moral leadership then we could reconsider. I'm far for convince that whatever, if any, change of leadership happens in 2008 that there will be any real change in how the US 'leads'!

An ability to raise huge sum of money - and being an eunuch - is the first requirement for to be elected in both parties. This, combines with the necessity to receive funds from the gun and Zionist lobby, ensures that the majority of candidates are corruptible. This is the 'democracy' that America wishes to impose on the unfree world!?

Italian TV Examines WTC 7 Collapse - Dramatic Footage

2007-08-09T01:55:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.youtube.com

Can We Pursue Terrorists Without Becoming Like Them?

2007-08-08T23:11:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.alternet.org

From torture to warrantless wiretapping, the Bush administration's approach to terrorism has defied legal standards at all levels.

Maher Arar's story illustrates the key problems with the Bush administration's approach to terrorism and how it has defied legal standards at all levels. In the United States, the administration suspended key civil liberties. It imprisoned over 5,000 foreign nationals, subjected 80,000 Arab and Muslim immigrants to fingerprinting and registration, sent 30,000 "national security letters "every year to U.S. businesses demanding information about their customers, and justified the large-scale, warrantless wiretapping of citizens. It denied the right of habeas corpus to both American and non-American detainees and plans to continue to restrict the legal rights of terrorism suspects by trying them in military tribunals rather than civilian courts.
At the international level, the administration rationalized the use of torture and rendition.

Israel: Time has come to demand Pollard's release; US envoy's foolish words

2007-08-08T13:27:00.001+01:00

clipped from digg.com

Nearly true. Tenet's supposed threatened resignation was a concoction dreamt up by Clinton and Tenet so Bill could appear to get out of the pickle over Pollard's release. Pollard's release was not as exchange for Palestine prisoner release. Pollard's release deal was as the result of another Israeli spy's 'accomplishments' in blowing out a US president and blackmailing him.

Pollard was responsible for the death of MANY MANY CIA agents, nearly all, from behind the Iron Curtain. Virtually the entire network was rolled up. More than a decade of very pains taken work by the CIA was wiped out based on the information supplied from Pollard. But not from him, DIRECTLY. He had NO knowledge or part in supplying the Soviets.

The State of ISRAEL was directly responsible for the CIA agents' deaths. Or its agent Mossad. But Pollard is the fall guy. So what is new when it involves the state of Israel? You wer not expecting justice or fair play, were you?

"The declaration submitted to the court by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger, who claimed that the Israeli spy gravely undermined America's national security. President Clinton promised Prime Minister Netanyahu to release Pollard in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The former US president changed his mind after CIA Director George Tenet threatened to resign should the president proceed with the plan. Meanwhile, almost 10 years have passed and Pollard is still imprisoned."...YnetNews
"Ambassador Jones said that Pollard was spared execution. Those are foolish words."...Ynetnet

Pollard only Indirectly responsible for 100s CIA agents deaths. Who's fully?

2007-08-08T13:26:00.001+01:00

clipped from digg.com

Yes, Pollard was responsible for the deaths of a GREAT MANY CIA agents -all- behind the Iron Curtain. BUT, he was not responsible DIRECTLY! Direct responsibility lay with the State of Israel, which knowingly traded the information of the agents names to the USSR in return for Russian Jewish emigree to bring to Israel. They were needed to counter the Arab population increases. Many turned out to have no Jewish pedigree , but proven criminal backgrounds.

http://www.sefer-torah.com/blog/2007/05/02/i-prevented-pollard-deal-excerpt-from-ex-cia-chief-tenets

Recently, the former CIA supremo, Tenet claimed that he vetoed the release of Pollard. Again, there is some truth in his version but it is not the full or all the truth as he knows it. I suspect that this is a concoction dreamed up by both Tenet and Clinton to explain Clinton's about face on the release of Pollard. The idea of the president being countermanded by the CIA chief is not plausible. So, how did it come about that a real smart cookie like Bill Clinton needed to have a plausible deniable excuse not to release Pollard as he had previously agreed with Israel. How did he agree the release in the first place for him to need Tenet to take the blame?

He was being BLACKMAILED in effect by little sweet Monica and her sidekick working for Mossad!

bring "Em Home

2007-08-07T19:03:00.001+01:00

clipped from youtube.com

That voice and these images cut right to your heart, if you have one! Awful, but brilliant!

Pipe Dreams: U.S. checking possibility of pumping oil from northern Iraq to Haifa, via Jordan

2007-08-07T18:48:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.haaretz.com

The United States has asked Israel to check the possibility of pumping oil from Iraq to the oil refineries in Haifa. The request came in a telegram last week from a senior Pentagon official to a top Foreign Ministry official in Jerusalem.

The Prime Minister's Office, which views the pipeline to Haifa as a "bonus" the U.S. could give to Israel in return for its unequivocal support for the American-led campaign in Iraq, had asked the Americans for the official telegram.

The new pipeline would take oil from the Kirkuk area, where some 40 percent of Iraqi oil is produced, and transport it via Mosul, and then across Jordan to Israel. The U.S. telegram included a request for a cost estimate for repairing the Mosul-Haifa pipeline that was in use prior to 1948. During the War of Independence, the Iraqis stopped the flow of oil to Haifa and the pipeline fell into disrepair over the years.

I always held the view that the war in Iraq is about more than oil, its really about Empire, but darnit, the oil makes for a nice bonus!

No, Jimmy, tell us what you REALLY think about Bush

2007-08-07T18:43:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.cbsnews.com

(AP) Former President Carter says President Bush's administration is "the worst in history" in international relations, taking aim at the White House's policy of pre-emptive war and its Middle East diplomacy.

"I think as far as the adverse impact on the nation around the world, this administration has been the worst in history,"
Carter told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

"We now have endorsed the concept of pre-emptive war where we go to war with another nation militarily, even though our own security is not directly threatened, if we want to change the regime there or if we fear that some time in the future our security might be endangered," he said. "But that's been a radical departure from all previous administration policies."

Douglas Brinkley, a Tulane University presidential historian and Carter biographer, described Carter's comments as unprecedented.

"When you call somebody the worst president, that's volatile. Those are fighting words."

Not exactly a courteous endorsement of the Bush Legacy.

Oh, wait, it is.

Slavery and JP Morgan Chase

2007-08-07T18:36:00.001+01:00

clipped from academic.udayton.edu

Many insurance companies practiced the writing of slave life insurance policies in 19th Century United States. The effect of this practice was to provide the financial backing necessary to give
potential slave owners motivation to purchase human chattel – a very expensive investment. The policies gave slave owners the security necessary to employ enslaved Africans in ultra-hazardous capacities.

If there is no connection between JP Morgan Chase and slavery, what do we make of the circular from Aetna’s archives? What about the $2.5 million capital investment advertised in the 1852 circular – what became of that? Also, would fifty-five bankers, doctors, insurers,
shippers, and others advertise a venture that was never launched?

You inherit what your ancestors experienced, both the rich and the poor. If people enslave your family, you inherit the aftermath. Why not apologize for being the beneficiary of slavery, even if the benefit may be diluted through the generations?

Bush Won't Allow Staff to Even Talk About Their Job Descriptions

2007-08-07T18:33:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.truthdig.com

Posted on Aug 2, 2007

Bush lackey Scott Jennings gives Sen. Pat Leahy the broken-record treatment, which has become so familiar. Witness Leahy’s frustration break as Jennings refuses even to describe his duties: “Let’s not be too contemptuous of this committee. ... You work at the White House. You’re paid for by taxpayers. You work for the American people. I’m just asking you what kind of work you do.”

Straight Talk from a lover of Roe

2007-08-07T18:02:00.005+01:00

clipped from www.rhrealitycheck.org

It is time to substitute straight talk for rights talk. Straight talk acknowledges that women themselves don't want to need abortions. They want to prevent pregnancies they can't bring to term. Legislatively that means an all out effort to increase funding for family planning and to end the idiocy of abstinence-only sexuality education. It means saying over and over again, that if you can't afford financially or emotionally to bring a child into the world, if you simply do not want children or a child, you have a responsibility to use contraception. Straight talk means accepting that however justifiable and whatever good comes from the decision to end a pregnancy, the act of abortion involves a departure from our common desire to live in a world where all positive forms of life can be nourished. On those grounds, it would be a better world if abortion were less frequently necessary. The Clinton formulation of "safe, legal and rare" is good ethics.

A lot of folks might find the whole article an interesting and possibly illuminating read.

Cutting Through Bush Propaganda

2007-08-07T18:02:00.003+01:00

clipped from impolitical.blogspot.com

Olbermann on Bush's veto and the anniversary of "mission accomplished"

Classic clear thinking by Keith Olbermann on the anniversary of "Mission Accomplished". I cannot imagine a rational and cogent conservative rebuttal of Keith's incisive commentary. Spin can't spin this truth in the hard light of day.

Condi Rice's inaccurate statements

2007-08-07T18:02:00.001+01:00

clipped from youtube.com

Olbermann kicks O'Reilly's ass

2007-08-07T18:01:00.003+01:00

clipped from www.youtube.com

Bill O'Reilly gets the smack down by Keith Olbermann.

Olbermann Debunks White House E-Mail Claims

2007-08-07T18:01:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.truthdig.com

Keith Olbermann interviews a computer forensics expert, who explains various ways the White House might uncover those pesky missing e-mails. All in all, the chances that up to 5 million e-mails have completely disappeared are very slim.

The moral of the story: If you’re going to blame technology, you’d better know what you’re talking about first.

George W. Bush (must see)

2007-08-07T18:00:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.metacafe.com

George Bush's watch stolen in Albania video+photos

2007-08-03T23:24:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.washingtonmonthly.com

THE PRESIDENT'S WRISTWATCH....Conspiracy theory of the day: Was George Bush's watch stolen while he was working the crowd in Albania this weekend? Or did he take it off himself?

You be the judge! YouTube video is here. Selected frame grabs are below. At 51 seconds in, Bush has a watch. At 56 seconds he still has a watch. At 57 seconds hands are grabbing at his wrist. His hands are then obscured for a few seconds, and at 1:05 he doesn't have a watch.

Bruce Schneier has collected three different denials that Bush was robbed. Denial 1: At about the one minute mark Bush put his hands behind his back so a bodyguard could remove his watch. Denial 2: It fell off. Denial 3: Bush took it off himself.

On U.S. Congress Mandate Part 2

2007-08-03T23:21:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.prospect.org

At this rate, Republicans will reach 153 filibusters by the end of the 110th Congress -- nearly three times the previous high of 58

the GOP has succeeded in sinking a popular agenda in this way without paying any real political price.

In early July, Democrats began to demonstrate some understanding that Republican obstructionism would continue indefinitely

"there's a growing consensus that we ought to" force Republicans to carry out their filibuster threats. The logic was clear. If Republicans were forced to actually filibuster these bills for 24 hours a day, the press would converge on a piece of true political drama: the spectacle of GOP senators standing up all day long in support of Big Oil, or Gonzales, or the president's war in Iraq

Democrats now find

The DOD appropriations bill has not passed the Senate and no Republican filibuster has been broken

Democrats will have the perfect opportunity to make Republicans pay a political price for their intransigence

European lawmakers accuse CIA of running secret prisions

2007-08-03T23:17:00.001+01:00

clipped from rawstory.com

European lawmakers in the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly

overwhelmingly approved a report that accused the CIA of having run secret prisons in Poland and Romania where terror suspects were interrogated from 2003 to 2005.
The report also criticized Germany and Italy for having invoked a defense of state secrets to obstruct the investigation into the covert program.

Marty claimed that NATO and the United States had reached a secret framework deal after the September 11, 2001 attacks

CIA director Michael Hayden explained that the release of the previously secret report was part of the agency's "social contract with the American people," which included an obligation to "share with the public the information we can."

taking exception to criticism, Hayden said the CIA of old is a far cry from the agency of today.

"I don't think Americans need to look at these documents and say, 'Oh my God, what are they doing now?"

Poor and Sick? Too Bad You're An American!!

2007-08-02T01:41:00.001+01:00

clipped from kucinich.us

Citizens of 34 nations live longer than Americans.

Same-day access to primary-care physicians in the U.S. (33%) is far less available than in the United Kingdom (41%), Australia (54%) and New Zealand (60%). Per capita spending for health care averaged $2,696 in countries without waiting lists and $5,267 in the U.S.

"Health care costs are not just a burden and barrier to care for individuals; they are taking a heavy toll on American businesses." The strain on employers in 2005 was staggering. "The average total premiums for an employer-based family plan was $9,979 in 2005 ..."

"The underlying problem is that we treat health care like a market commodity instead of a social service. Health care is targeted not to medical need, but to the ability to pay. Markets are good for many things, but they are not a good way to distribute health care. To understand what's happening, let's look at how the health care market works ... "

Go ahead ignore it....buy your HMO Doctor his new Lexus with your hard-earned cash....oh, well, that is if you can AFFORD the insurance! Otherwise, crawl away and get sick someplace else...its about profit here, not people.

The Pefect Limo for an Iraqi Prom

2007-08-01T10:42:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.ebaumsworld.com

George Bush's Al Qaeda Lies Exposed

2007-08-01T10:41:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.alternet.org

President Bush makes fallacious connections between Al Qaeda in Iraq and the Al Qaeda who attacked the US on 9/11.

The nation's 16 intelligence agencies agree that Al Qaeda has regenerated its ability to strike at the United States through its bases on the Afghan-Pakistan Border.

Al Qaeda in Iraq is not the same as Al Qaeda in Afghanistan.

President Bush argues that "Al Qaeda is public enemy number one in Iraq.

Al Qaeda in Iraq accounts for 15% of the violence in Iraq.

Foreign Jihadist fighters make up less than 10% of the insurgency.

The Al Qaeda Threat: Myth vs. Reality

The nation's 16 intelligence agencies agree that Al Qaeda has regenerated its ability to strike at the United States through its bases on the Afghan-Pakistan Border.

Pakistan bombings raise fears of Taliban, al Qaeda resurgence.

The invasion of Iraq has created a new focal point for recruitment, fundraising, training and indoctrination of terrorists.

Al Qaeda had no significant foothold in Iraq before the invasion.

101 Reasons Not To Go to WAR with IRAQ - Sum Up

2007-08-01T10:39:00.001+01:00

clipped from work.colum.edu

It's not moral. War can never be a moral act, not even as a "last
resort." In the best case, war is a necessary evil. What is the moral
difference between a crusade and a jihad?

A war on Iraq would not qualify as a just war, conforming to
a set of principles that have evolved among civilized societies. A just cause should not be confused with a
just war.

A war on Iraq for the purpose of
"regime change" would not be a legal war under international law. Article 2(4)
of the UN Charter states: “All Members shall refrain in their international
relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or
political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with
the Purposes of the United Nations."

What is Corporatism? Part 3 (final)

2007-07-31T13:52:00.003+01:00

clipped from www.corporatism.org

Quotes

"Of course the people don't want war. That's understandable. But it's always very easy to influence the people, whether it's currently a democracy or a fascist dictator, a parliament or a communist dictator. No matter which way, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country." -- Hermann Goering, Nazi Reichmarshall

"How does one man assert his power over another, Winston? By making him suffer. Obedience is not enough. Unless he is suffering, how can you be sure that he is obeying your will and not his own? Power is in inflicting pain and humiliation... Progress in our world will be progress towards more pain." -- George Orwell

What is Corporatism? Part 2

2007-07-31T13:52:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.corporatism.org

At the root of the issue is the lust for power and money, and the insufficient checks and balances in a society to prevent the abuse of this power.

A government is responsible for its people, and with a democracy the people have a say in who their government is.

A corporation only has to answer to its shareholders, and its only purpose is to make money for them. The problem is that through the use of money, power can be gained. With enough money corporations can influence Government policy and lawmaking to ends that benefit them, and often don't benefit society at large.

Root Causes of Corporatism

What is Corporation? Part 1

2007-07-31T13:51:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.corporatism.org

fascism (fâsh'iz'em) n.

A system of government that exercises a dictatorship of the extreme right, typically through the merging of state and business leadership, together with belligerent nationalism. [Ital. fascio, group.] -fas'cist n. -fas-cis'tic (fa-shis'tik) adj.

Fundamentally, corporatism is a new name for an old face - that of fascism. Most dictionary definitions you'll find nowadays exclude the "typically through the merging of state and business leadership" theme, whereas previously they might've.

The Italians, who invented the term Fascism, also called it the Estato Corporativo: the corporatist state. GeorgeOrwell described it as an extension of Capitalism.

Symptoms of Corporatism

Fervent nationalism/patriotism - the country is more important than the individual!

Public agencies being run like businesses, segregated and less accountable.

Large corporations successfully lobbying Governments.

The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

Favours given to campaign contributors.

Righthand comments: Female

2007-07-30T05:33:00.000+01:00

Your Guide to Infidelity and Extramarital Etiquette."
7-29-2007 11.06am

You are aware that women are still oppressed in many parts of the world??

Redhead328
I'm against oppression in any guise. So for me if it's male or female, young or old, black or white or whatever then I support the oppressed, and male or female is irrelevant. Where I support the 'hoods' while apart from them, is that it is easier to achieve from within a 'hood' than without.

Always remember that every 'hood' has a natural tendency to be itself repressive! That natural tendency to be itself repressive can be to a very strong personality, to a central majority, the 'them' and 'us' tendencies of all committees, and on and on. So all 'hoods' have a fascist leaning. You can even see it here on Clipmarks where certain of the 'hood' believe that their particular view has a value in excess of any other single person's view. That is fascism! Fascism in the 'hood' ?!?

And 'hood' here is interchangeable with gang. And as I've written there the gang leader can be the Pope! If any one had expected him to say different than his recent proclamation, then they have no understanding of the 'hood' or gang membership.

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Redhead328 7-29-2007 8.31pm

I'm against oppression in any guise. So for me if it's male or female, young or old, black or white or whatever then I support the oppressed, and male or female is irrelevant. Where I support the 'hoods' while apart from them, is that it is easier to achieve from within a 'hood' than without."

Its not irrelevant if you are a member of the oppressed group. How can any one member of an oppressed group triumph over oppression without forming an alliance with other members of that class and acknowledging similar experiences and goals?

"Always remember that every 'hood' has a natural tendency to be itself repressive! That natural tendency to be itself repressive can be to a very strong personality, to a central majority, the 'them' and 'us' tendencies of all committees, and on and on. So all 'hoods' have a fascist leaning. You can even see it here on Clipmarks where certain of the 'hood' believe that their particular view has a value in excess of any other single person's view. That is fascism! Fascism in the 'hood."

Well, I don't think anybody should put their brain on shelf when they decide to form a political alliance. The process for all thinking people by necessity would involve identifying common goals, experiences and values. If you remain true to yourself and your ideals you will not surrender yourself to fascism which is a fear based phenomena.

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Study: Americans Don't Understand Others

2007-07-30T04:14:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.livescience.com

Rugged American individualism could hinder our ability to understand other peoples' point of view, a new study suggests.

And in contrast, the researchers found that Chinese are more skilled at understanding other people's perspectives, possibly because they live in a more "collectivist" society.

"This cultural difference affects the way we communicate," said study co-author and cognitive psychologist Boaz Keysar of the University of Chicago.

Simple study

The study, though oversimplified compared to real life, was instructive. Keysar and his colleagues arranged two blocks on a table so participants could see both. However, a piece of cardboard obstructed the view of one block so a "director," sitting across from the participant, could only see one block.

When the director asked 20 American participants (none of Asian descent) to move a block, most were confused as to which block to move and did not take into account the director's perspective

by Wildcat 07-18-2007 11.38 660 views

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RecordSage 07-18-2007 9.34pm

That explains everything... (amazing, how time gets wasted on some things)

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BlarneyChef 07-19-2007 7.40am

What is this all about? I just don't get it. WAY over my head. Oh well guess I'll grab a Big Mac, Fries and a coke/

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Amergin 07-19-2007 5.01pm

Who needs a study to point this out. Most Americans [not all] I have met do not want to understand other people unless it involves their point of view. Hollywood has a lot to answer for, most Americans receive their cultural education from television. P.S. the planet most Americans live on is the U.S. all the other countries on the maps are for decoration.

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RecordSage 07-20-2007 6.01pm

@Amergin, and what exactly, in your opinion, they should be understanding? One could just as easily make the same argument by flipping the tables - do you think other countries 'understand' Americans? Where's the evidence of such?

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Amergin 07-20-2007 9.32pm

Religious tolerance, respect for other peoples views, cultural tolerance. Most Americans having no culture of their own, except t.v. lack any world view. What they need to understand is that America is not the centre of the world.

The reality is that most people around the world admire America for it's get up and go, however you are like spoilt children who throw a temper tantrum when things don't go your way.You can't even handle criticism. It's your way or no way. You don't know how good you have it and that is because you are so wrapped up in yourselves that you always fail to see the bigger picture. Narcissism is a terrible affliction.

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RecordSage 07-21-2007 8.45am

So, if all of that was true, why is it that all these people from all these countries that we don't understand want to come here? Because of our 'get up and go'? Give me a break! We have no culture and somehow all kinds of people follow fashion, music, sports - you name it, as it is here. How's that?

What do you consider "things don't go our way"? 9/11? And what's the 'tantrum'? Driving taliban into mountains or saddam into a hole in the ground?

And who the hell are you to criticize us?

America is one of the youngest nations on the planet, yet it's been able to accomplish in it's puny 200 years much more than your country would ever hope to achieve, in just about any area. America helped liberate Europe in WW2 and certainly rebuilt it. America rebuilt Japan and made it a world economic powerhouse. Has your country done anything of the kind?

I'll bet millions of people don't jump borders to get into your country as they do to ours. Can you name me any other country in the world that has the same phenomenon? And that's considering all of the problems America has.

When something tragic happens in the world, like the earthquakes in Indonesia as an example - who gave the most money and assistance to them? Was it your country? I'm sure it wasn't. How much has your country given to fight AIDS in Africa? Who in your citizenry gave $1billion (that's with a B) to vaccinate children worldwide?

Is your country member of the UN? I'll bet it is... but is it paying 22% of the cost of UN as US does?

Everyone seems to feed off America, despite the fact that most of them don't appreciate it, as can be so eloquently seen in your words.

As for us not knowing how good we have it - you're somewhat correct, some here don't know, although I certainly do, because I have something else to compare it to. But just because others don't - that doesn't make them have any less credit for building this great country. It's YOU who don't get it!

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Amergin 07-21-2007 5.55pm

Very Touchy. The Republic of Ireland is a much Younger country , but a lot more mature. As for refugees coming to our country we have the highest percentage per head of population in the world. The Irish as a nation has always been the first to most disaster spots and always leading the way in helping those afflicted by famine and disease. As for fashion and music you must be joking. American football is non existent outside the USA, baseball is called rounders in Europe, by the way a very popular children's game.

In regards to fashion baseball hats and short pants are all the rage with toddlers.

As to music all I have to say is U2.
Worlds most popular band.
As for membership of the UN , you are correct. However the USA is in arrears at the moment so we might have to kick you out.
As for feeding off your country it was the Irish and Chinese who built it for you.
In regards to Aids and vaccinations in Africa it was American multinationals who hindered the distribution of generic drugs to help the African nations , because it would upset their profits.
And yes my small nation of less than 5 million have given more than a billion in aid, but that was in Euro's,
a stronger currency than the dollar I believe.

A billion from a nation of 300 million, the richest in the world, HOW GENEROUS.
As for what my nation achieved, well the men of Ireland liberated South America. Fought in every major war in the last thousand years. An Irishman defeated Napoleon in the war for Europe. Educated most of the African nations, when no-one else cared.

An Irishman inspired Mahatma Gandhi to follow the path to free his nation. We also brought about the downfall of the British Empire after the men of Ireland built it for them [ 60% of the army was Irish ]. We gathered the knowledge of Europe after the fall of Rome and then went forth hundreds of years later to educate the nations of the known world and brought them back from the brink of darkness.

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Amergin 07-21-2007 5.59pm

So to answer the question of why people all over the world want to go to the USA.
Is it because you are so naive and easy to make a buck off of ?

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Amergin 07-21-2007 6.45pm

As for Saddam in a hole, you put him in power in the first place. The Taliban are still not defeated, surprise surprise. The American way is to bomb the hell out of them. But when it comes to fighting man to man you haven't got it and they know it. That is why you will withdraw or be stuck there for another 20 years.

As for liberating Europe, in the Great war the Germans had maybe a year left in them, as their families were starving at home. You fought in very little actions and brought the Spanish Flu with you killing over twenty million people.

In WW2 the Russians did all the real fighting. Only third rate troops faced you with old equipment and Eisenhower nearly got his ass handed to him, only for Montgomery [ an Irishman ] foreseeing the danger and preparing his armies against the onslaught in the Battle of the Bulge.

All the elite German forces were on the Russian front trying to hold back the inevitable tide of Russian might.

As for rebuilding Europe you did nothing for free and Europe paid a heavy price in having American military bases and Interest placed on all their loans. It suited the USA to have a weakened Europe.

As for rebuilding Japan, why not? You nuked it twice.

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RecordSage 07-22-2007 8.50pm

You're right, I didn't think about the number of Irish pubs we have in the US, that explains your state and the stuff you threw in there... There are so many inaccuracies... anyway, cheers - keep it up.

Once you get a little more sober - read some history, the real kind, not the fictionalized version.

As Bill O'Reilly, an American Irishman of course, likes to say 'lay off the Cool-Aid'...

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RecordSage 07-22-2007 8.53am

Oh, yeah... and kudos on Riverdance - an excellent production. That I would actually pay to see... U2 - not in my lifetime, even though that's the only band that amounted to something from Ireland.

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Amergin 07-22-2007 11.31am

When you actually have something meaningful to reply give me a shout. If all you can do is throw up the old chestnuts about pubs and Riverdance, well give me a break.
Very mature. Well if you don't want to discuss it, that is your loss. In regard to Bill O' Reilly he is nothing but hot air, more American than Irish.

As for the inaccurate history maybe you should check it out. If you want to walk around with blinkers that is fine by me.
Have a nice blinkered life and give yourself a pat on the back for being so witty.

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RecordSage 07-22-2007 6.33pm

Look, I recan rebuke just about any point you made, because your points are either flat out unthuths or semi-fabrications, having nothing to do with reality. You don't even take enough time to read what was stated well enough... US didn't contribute $1Billion, Bill Gates - the sole American did (non-Irish as far as I know, but I'm sure he had some Irish relatives somewhere going back).

O'Reilly is indeed American, as he should be. He doesn't shun from his Irish background, which is great, but he is American, because that's his country.

Your comments about Americans show very clearly to people who actually know America and Americans just how screwed up your opinion is. I don't blame you for being pro-Ireland, nothing wrong with being patriotic about your country, but dumping on others when you clearly have no clue is a perfect example of the fact that it's not Americans who are ignorant and don't get it - it's the opposite - it's people like you who don't.

The only reason I didn't go point by point to show your fantasy-land, left-wing, 'responses' is because... well, to be totally honest - the kids want to eat breakfast and since you're not cooking it for them, I better...

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Amergin 07-22-2007 10.53pm

What a lame reply. What kind of man uses his innocent children to hide from a debate.
Obviously a man not comfortable enough with his knowledge of world history {not your history}.
So as I said above;
Have a nice blinkered life.
P.S. I hope your kids enjoyed their waffles, as much as I enjoyed your waffling.

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RecordSage 7-23-2007 8.10am

Nobody's hiding behind anyone, the man is certainly comfortable enough, so don't BS about the man or his kids when you have no clue.

Speaking of your lacks, here's a blow-by-blow, since you asked (and the kids are asleep):

1) "Republic of Ireland more mature" - what exactly are you basing that on? Do you not count the Ireland before 1937 when it wasn't called a 'republic'? Is that because you're ashamed of your king or there's another reason. Perhaps your dabbling with IRA is what you consider to be 'mature'... Show me some accomplishments, back them up by facts, by the Republic of Ireland since its inception 70 years ago? Let's see where and how it outshines the USA.

2) Refugees... First of all, I talked about immigration, not refugees, but let's look at refugees. The top country in the world there is Canada, not Ireland. If we do get back to immigration as I was pointing out - USA certainly is #1 world wide. You want some backup here - feed the old eyes.

3) In terms of driving pop culture worldwide and exporting it - US has always been in front. Ask your favorite band members who their inspiration was - I'll bet you they grew up listening to band from US, possibly England, which is the only other country that has enough good band (or had anyway) to compete with the US. Even the world's most popular bands, like the Beatles, Stones etc. all listened to US music like gospel. Granted, the Beatles was a British band, but it's silly to even try to contemplate any band in the world, much less in Ireland, being of the same stature. When Starbucks released their first CD, it was McCartney and it played worldwide for a few days exclusively in every store. And if you're wondering if that was due to his touring Ireland occasionally - think again. It's because he's a former Beatle and even today that has a huge clout and all of their music came from listening to American roc

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RecordSage 7-23-2--7 8.50am

...came from listening to American rock'n'roll, blues, jazz... all genres that came from America.

(sorry, small Clipmarks bug, it let me add the comment, telling me I was long by a few characters somehow)... moving on...

4) US contributions to various disasters in last year alone were at about $3billion. How much did Ireland contribute last year?

5) US Sports - I wasn't talking about American Football, actually it's one of the sports I'm not into myself. Funny how you mention that and baseball, why didn't you mention basketball? How about tennis, volleyball and bunch of other sports. Just look at the Olympics and how the medals get split. I remember a ton of US gold, Russia, China... can't recall Ireland though...let's check... and since we're on the subject, we'll just use the Athens 2004 games... let's see USA was #1, followed by China, Russia, Australia & Japan. Where was Ireland... with it's 1 Gold medal (no silver or bronze)? Well, I'll let you count it, it's too far down the list for me... here's the link.

6) Not that I want to be redundant, but that $1billion donation was my example of 1 American, Mr. Gates, which of course has nothing to do with what the USA donates as a nation. That's not his only donation, btw to worldwide efforts. Do you have anyone coming even close to someone of Gates stature and philantropy?

7) In terms of wars you shouldn't even open your mouth considering Ireland's side in WW2. An Irishman defeated Napoleon? That's like saying that Mona Lisa was painted by a bastard. You make that kind of point and call it part of 'debate'?
It certainly wasn't Ireland who beat Napoleon into submission, that's for sure.

8) And for the record... Irish didn't build America. There were many ethnic groups, including the Irish, that certainly made a huge contribution, but you can easily place all kinds of other people in that group. Nothing outsta

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RecordSage 7-23-2007 9.05 am

...outstanding about the Irish in USA... except perhaps New York, which was so well shown in the movie Gangs of New York... perhaps that's what you're referring to...

9) Ghandi, inspired by an Irishman - that's another of your classics. At least you're not claiming he was Irish. I'll bet there's every normal living person on this planet who was inspired by an Irishman... and an Englishman and a Russian etc. etc. etc. - what a silly comment to make, you're really pulling straws here.

10) You "brought nations back from the brink of darkness"? Which were those? You made some comment about South American countries... if you had your and there, certainly didn't accomplish much... oh yes, and you mentioned Africa. There's a civilized, peaceful & enlightened continent. Which nations exactly are you referring to and what exactly were your accomplishments there?

11) Back to WW2 - what the heck are you hallucinating about? "The Germans had a year left"? Are you totally nuts? The Germans were about 6 months away from getting their own nuke going and if they were able to get it done - that might have ended the war much differently. No question that if one looks at overall effort - the Russians won the war. Many in the US are of the opinion that they won the war, which is totally inaccurate. However, don't diminish the US efforts in the war. Who conquered the Germans in Africa? The Irish? Or perhaps someone inspired by an Irishman? It was the US and they defeated one of the best generals, if not THE best, in hitler's army. When US landed in Normandy - they lost over 40,000 boys in ONE DAY! You call fighting in 'little actions'. What a moronic statement to make. Like I said - read your history. Do you what 'irish' vehicles the Russians used? They were called 'jeeps' and they sure the hell didn't come from Ireland, which decided to sit this one out without taking sides in the conflict.

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RecordSage 7-23-2007 9.22am

Considering your statement about fighting in practically all wars of the past 1000 years, you sure picked a good one to 'not take sides'. The WW2 was ended much earlier with much fewer lives lost, mostly due to the opening of the 2nd Front, which was in a large part manned by the USA. USA made enormous contributions to the Russians in terms of economic and physical help, even before the troops landed and it was the US who rebuilt Europe after the fact, whether you want to acknowledge it or not. Same with Japan.

12) You say 'taliban is not defeated'. How do you figure that? Because some of them are sucking moss in the mountains? They sure the hell aren't running things in Afghanistan. Same with saddam in Iraq. As for 'US bombing the hell out of' comment - I wish we did... that would've ended the war in Iraq a long time ago. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Bush is trying to reason with murderous savages and he is unable to do so... I wish we did bomb as you say, but we don't and that's another point where you're totally false.

13) Yes, and Bill O'Reilly is an American, of an Irish descent and you should be proud to have him be the number one cable TV talk show host on any network.

You can diminish what USA accomplished, brought to the world in the past and continues to bring to the world all day long... that doesn't change history. You're sitting typing your BS on a computer that was invented in the USA, using the OS that was invented here as well... connecting to a network that was invented in the USA (although I'm sure they were inspired and maybe had some Irish descendants in there somewhere) and using Clipmarks - another American invention. Can you give me one item in the chain there, that's used worldwide that's invented and came from Ireland? I have some British software that I'm fond of (Xara) and even use some Russian web applications which aren't bad... but I haven't seen anything from Ireland?

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RecordSage 07-23-2007 9.34 am

There's another O'Reilly whom I respect immensely. Tim O'Reilly, the man publishes the best computer books on the planet, and does many other great things for computer industry. I'm sure he's got Irish ancestors, although he's certainly an American. Do you have someone of that caliber in the old country? I'll bet you don't, but I'll bet in just about every country this O'Reilly is known (at least in civilized one). That's what America does that no other country seems to. It's a melting pot of people from everywhere that built this incredible country with the kind of life that few countries can boast about (certainly not Ireland). It gives people opportunities that other countries simply don't... one example being a guy that came from the same hellhole, as I like to affectionately call my 'motherland' and build a company like Google... and that's because he's an American, living in America... regardless of his inspirations or place of birth.

That's the part that people who haven't been here don't seem to get... At least some people, such as yourself (I'm assuming you haven't been here based on your comments... because if you had and interacted with Americans and seen the lifestyle/culture etc. - you'd never make the comments you did... unless of course you were, as you say, blinkered or were simply pushing inane ideology, closing your eyes on facts and reality). There are plenty of others who do get it and that's why they flock here in huge numbers. There are Green Card lotteries being conducted yearly and tens of thousands win, although millions apply.

They apply because they know that they'll have a shot, a shot at a better life than their own country gives them and so they take it and take it and take it, and they're right. Not all succeed, it's nowhere near as easy as you claim in your statements, in fact it's not easy at all... and the country has a ton of problems all over and still, when you weigh and compare it to others -

_____________________

RecordSage 7-23-2007 9.34am

it's THE country on the planet.

______________________

Amergin 07-23-2007 9.47am

Let me work Backwards here.
Point 13 So what ?

Point 12 Check out the BBC coverage this week by John Simpson, you might get a real idea.

Point 11 If you actually read what I had written I referred to Great War , which is what we called WW1 in Europe.And yes they had less than a year left in them.
As for your erroneous comments about WW2 , the Germans were not 6 months away from a nuclear weapon as the Norwegians destroyed their heavy water plant and this scuppered all development of a nuclear programme. Yes the Russians did do the majority of the fighting.
As for fighting in Africa, the Irish leadership of General Wavell { an Irishman } defeated a numerically superior Italian force and drove them up the coast, until Il Duce asked Hitler for help. As a matter of fact 2 out of 3 of the Professional army officer group was Irish. As for American involvement in Africa all I have to say is Kasserine Pass. I believe the British had to bail them out.

The Victory at El Alamein was entirely to Montgomery { an Irishman } and that was attributed to by Rommel.
As for jeeps they did not do very well in Russia and I believe it was the T34 that did the real work.

Point 10 As for bringing nations back from the darkness of Ignorance. Two of Europe's greatest schools were based here in Ireland and right through the dark Ages the Best and brightest of all of Europe's leaders came here to be educated. One example was England's Alfred the Great.
As for Africa, we were one small group against a merciless hoard of Imperial Land grabbers, and if it was not for the missionaries there it could have been far worse.

Point 9 Gandhi was inspired by the hunger strike of a great Irishman Thomas McCurtain. Who resisted Imperial might with the means he had left.The hunger strike became a key component of Gandhi's strategy in keeping the peace between Muslim and Hindu.

Point 8 I did mention another ethnic group, the Chinese.

________________

Amergin 7-23-2007 9.50am

Point 7 Wellington was born in Dublin Ireland and if it wasn't for his leadership, we all would have been speaking French. Also a lot of the men who took the brunt of the fighting were of Irish stock, the Inniskillings cavalry and thousands of other Irishmen. As a matter of fact Irish was the spoken language in the British army at that time.

As for WW2 we repatriated all Allied soldiers and interned the Germans. We reported submarine sightings and supplied weather data.

____________

Amergin 7-23-2007 9.51am

Not to mention all the Irish who worked in Britain and fought in the Armed forces.

_________________

Amergin 7-23-2007 9.55am

Point 6 Bill Gates built his software platform on an Apple system whilst working for them and then proceeded to undercut anyone who got in his way. Anyway it is trendy to donate at the moment among the wealthy, never mind the tax breaks and free publicity it incurs.

_________________

Amergin 7-23-2007 9.59am

Point 5 the massive drugs programme you are running to thank for that. And seeing as we won one at all was a great achievement for a small nation. For if you understood the pro-rata qualification system you would understand the realities.

________________

Amergin 7-23-2007 10-03 am

Point 4 Is the sum of three billion 7% of the USA GDP.
Because that is what my nation gives. Not bad for a small nation. But we actually help on the ground as well. You just throw money at it.

What about Bob Geldof and Live Aid ?

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Amergin 7-23-2007 10.11am

As for music the blues was formed by an amalgamation of Irish traditional and Gospel music.
Thin Lizzy was the Inspiration of nearly all the major rock and metal groups in the states including Metallica. Rory Gallagher a gifted guitarist inspired Guns n' Roses, check out the song shotgun Blues. He also outplayed Jimi Hendrix at a gig.

As for the Beatles well they are all from Liverpool, which means they definitely have Irish Blood in them. As the majority of Liverpudlians are of Irish descent, dating back to early 1700's.

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Amergin 7-23-2007 10.16am

And then we have John Mc Cormack the greatest and most popular tenor of all time.

________________

10.18am

As for America being a melting pot of culture, well it has been done countless times before.
London has a base of over 300 languages spoken everyday on it's streets right now. Not even New York has that diversity.

10.24am

It's been a long long time since we had a king.
But as a small nation we certainly promote more peaceful endeavours, than any other country. We do what we can with what we have.
As for BS on an American computer, mine was made here in Ireland and the Computer was an English invention. As for software development we are way ahead, just because it is cheap and mass produced does not make it better.

10.29am

As for the two people who built Google, well their largest operation is here in Ireland

10.30am

As for the gangs of new York well we were the nice guys fighting against racist and fascist abuse.

10.32am

And Charles Babbage was an Irishman.

10.37am

And as for America being the forerunner of technology design,another misconception. The US space programme was developed by Nazi Scientists. All the Best Cars are made in Europe. The Television was invented by a Scot. The Satellite was conceived by an Englishman and built by the Russians. And the man who dragged the USA out of it's doldrums was Kennedy an Irish American.

10.43am

Did you ever learn Geography ?
it's THE country on the planet.
Well China is the rising star, along with India.
As for being progressive you are going backwards. The European Union will be the guiding light in the future.

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RecordSage 07-23-2007 12.06pm

I thought you'd stop with bloodlines going back hundreds of years to get some Irish in there, but you just can't... Gates working for Apple - this is lunacy beyond even being in a drunk state. That one statement qualifies you for... it's family show here, so I better not. But it did bring a little chuckle here... hopefully everyone else would read your stuff with the same level of amusement.

I'm sure there are lots of Irish who are to be respected for their wisdom, accomplishments and contributions... it's just amazing that you're in the same ethnic group... enough said...

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Amergin 07-23-2007 1.09pm

Thanks for the comments, very mature.
If you check it out you will find he did indeed work for Apple in his early days.

As for being drunk, again an old one and hardly an accurate one.
Would you like to ask me next what my pet leprechaun is called or how big my shilleagh is ?

As for the childish comments on my bloodlines, I am very proud of my heritage and history.
Well at least I didn't jump ship and run away.

At least I am a true Irishman,not a wannabe American.
You were born in the wrong country, it shows.

At least most of the true Americans I have spoken with have had manners and open minds.

Again I hope you have a nice blinkered life and if the American dream doesn't work out for y...

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RecordSage 07-23-2007 4.29pm

You were wrong on just about everything else, except for me being born in the wrong country and about continuing to smile. 2 out several dozen isn't great, but it's something.

I have zero problems with you being proud of your country, I have the same feelings about mine and as for 'jumping ship', nothing wrong with attempting to better one's life, kind of like huge numbers of Irish after the famine and at other times. So, you either blame those very same Irish Americans whom you just finished boasting about or.. be a hypocrite... take your pick. Me - I'll stick to America, being a very proud USA citizen and all for so many years.
I don't think we will agree on anything... and to the arguing with a closed mind - didn't expect any self-criticism from you, but since you offered...

And for the record, Gates never worked for Apple. If you're going to argue with someone, at least back your statements up with real facts, not invent them on the fly.

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Amergin 7-23-2007 6.14pm

Thanks for the memories Man.
Sorry I took so long to reply had to wipe the tears from my eyes due to the uncontrolled laughter. You sound like a broken record.

Go n-eiri an bothar i t'aghaidh.
Is mise le meas,
Amergin.

__________________

RecordSage 7-23-2007 9.15pm

No need to apologize. By broken record you mean that I continue to correct your errors, like calling WW1 "great war" in Europe... certainly not in the republics of the old USSR they didn't, which is a pretty large chunk of Europe. And no, I wasn't referring to T34 tanks, but Jeeps that US gave to Russia and that were used for a long time even after the war. And the credit for first real TV was given to another American... who was actually Russian by birth (here, educate yourself a bit). Perhaps you meant that it means I'm being consistent. Whatever you meant, keep laughing - there are many useful idiots out there who do just that.

Russian is a very colourful language, but I'll refrain from responding in it because I'm sure your level of comprehension of it is probably on par with my level of comprehension of the Irish language.

Cheers... or whatever they say in Ireland...

________________

Amergin 7-24-2007 9.49am

Yeah we can believe everything on the Internet. I prefer more reputable and reliable sources,such as books. At least they are proof read before publishing, for legal reasons. There is no such legal requirement for a website.
Hell maybe you should set up The world according to Recordsage. Guaranteed hit with every dumb ass out there.
I suppose you don't read much, it is pretty obvious from your comments. Your education is rudimentary at best and it shows.
As for my comprehension of Russian, I know you are a Ilgun.
So again spajisibo for your time.

Mise Le Meas Amergin

9.04am

Check out;
Reap what you sow.Terror History.
It might help you understand the country you live in a bit better.

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RecordSage 7-27-2007 6.59pm

Well, you check out your history. Using your own logic - it'll help you to understand the country you live a bit better and if we should reap what we sow - sounds like you're to expect the very same.

Of course recently IRA did roll over. But then again, we in the US also have IRA rollover, used for totally different purpose (ours is a lot more peaceful and useful) but certainly spelled the same way.

P.S. Can't recall the Irishman who inspired me to come up with the comparison, but whoever did, I'm sure somewhere somehow was Irish... not doubt.

P.P.S. And since you seem to know Russian, here's how I'd describe you 'nedodelaniy chlen'.

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Amergin 7-29-2007 7.36pm

Ah yes, the waffle continues.
Wikipedia to prove a point, ha ha ha ha.

As for the IRA rolling over as you call it. They succeeded in their initial objectives of bringing the British government to the negotiating table and now the community they represent share power in government.

Did Bush free Iraq yet ? What about rebuilding the country into a Democratic Society ?

But, lets be fair the surge is working.
The surge of bullshit more like.

As for an Irishman inspiring you,that was me.
No thanks necessary.

As for arguing with someone who looks and thinks like Junior Gorg from Fraggle Rock.
I really shouldn't be wasting my time.

And finally to reply to your Russian, I have a suggestion.
A kalorshnik of the truth like you, should Job tvojemadj.
And if that doesn't appeal to you, well go tell Babuschka Bush.

____________________

Amergin 7-29-2007 7.50pm

Don't bother replying.

I have decided to use the ignore option as you are beyond all hope.

You will never see the truth, even if it hit you in the face.
And when you decide to insult someone, try to put some imagination into it.

So as they say in my country,
Is Arastatail gaotaire / gealt thu.

Mise le Meas, Amergin.

+++++++++++++++++++++

============================

Nuclear FACTS for "Idiots on the March". Devil's helpers.

2007-07-29T11:20:00.001+01:00

www.antiwar.com

clipped from:

Iran signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Israel refuses to sign it.

Iran allowed international inspectors. Israel never has.

Israel has nuclear weapons – and apparently a lot of them. Iran doesn't have any, not one.

If you are worried about an Islamic nuke, I remind you that Pakistan already has them.

A Hindu nuke? India has them.

So Israel, Pakistan, and India all have nuclear weapons, all refused to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and all are warmly held allies of the idiots in Washington

Suppose Iran is lying about peaceful uses and does build a bomb (even the Israelis say it will take until 2009). So what? The world is full of nuclear weapons.

That act of insanity is launching a military attack against Iran because the idiots and their followers believe, despite a total lack of evidence, that Iran is pursuing a nuclear bomb. If you think the Middle East is in turmoil now, just watch what happens if idiocy prevails

Idiots on the March

July 16, 2007

Charley Reese

The neocons in the U.S. and their pet bully, Israel, intend to dominate the Middle East and its oil. That means any country not run by a servile suck-up (Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, etc.) must be weakened or destroyed.

We've pretty much destroyed Iraq and Lebanon, so that leaves Syria and Iran. I imagine the neocons plan on Israel taking out Syria while the U.S. carpet-bombs Iran. The neocons are not only idiots, they are evil. They show a complete disdain for peace, a callous disregard for human life, and utter contempt for the rule of law. If that ain't evil, the devil had better retire.

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Sohil 07-19-2007 10.29pm

So Israel, Pakistan, and India all have nuclear weapons, all refused to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and all are warmly held allies of the idiots in Washington.

Since when was India an ally of America again?

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Righthand 07-19-2007 10.38pm

You are right. They were not my words. Technically America has NO allies, not even Israel although it tries to infer that it is. And yet it dictates American policy so it has ever reason for believing what it wishes.

The point of my replying is to say that on the face of it, that in a two horse race, America appears to always back the wrong horse, even from its own interest!

__________________

Video: 4 Part Talk On Light and Quantum Mechanics by: Richard Feynman

2007-07-27T17:44:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.vega.org.uk

A set of four priceless archival recordings from the University of Auckland (New Zealand) of the outstanding Nobel prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman - arguably the greatest science lecturer ever. Although the recording is of modest technical quality the exceptional personal style and unique delivery shine through

The Douglas Robb Memorial Lectures: Part 1 : Photons - Corpuscles of Light

A gentle lead-in to the subject, Feynman starts by discussing photons and their properties.

clipped from www.vega.org.uk

This is a great 4 part video series of the famous physicist Richard Feynman. He gives a talk on the physics of light and quantum mechanics. The subject is difficult but Feynman does a great job making it understandable. His talk is geared toward the layman.

Here is the link to see all 4 Videos:
http://www.vega.org.uk/video/subseries/8

Islamo-Fascists?

2007-07-27T17:40:00.001+01:00

clipped from en.wikipedia.org

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Fascism is an authoritarian political ideology (generally tied to a mass movement) that considers individual and other societal interests subordinate to the needs of the state, and seeks to forge a type of national unity, usually based on, but not limited to, ethnic, cultural, or racial attributes. Various scholars attribute different characteristics to fascism, but the following elements are usually seen as its integral parts: nationalism, authoritarianism, statism, militarism, corporatism, populism, totalitarianism, anti-communism, racism and opposition to economic and political liberalism. Nevertheless, contrary to popular belief, racism is not a requirement of Fascism.^[1]^[2]^[3]

Some have argued that the term fascist has become hopelessly vague over the years and that it has become little more than a pejorative epithet. George Orwell wrote in 1944:

Quit being fooled by the talking heads.

Fascist America, in 10 easy steps

2007-07-27T17:39:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.guardian.co.uk

Because Americans like me were born in freedom, we have a hard time even considering that it is possible for us to become as unfree - domestically - as many other nations.

It is my argument that, beneath our very noses, George Bush and his administration are using time-tested tactics to close down an open society. It is time for us to be willing to think the unthinkable - as the author and political journalist Joe Conason, has put it, that it can happen here. And that we are further along than we realise.

1. Invoke a terrifying internal and external enemy

2. Create a gulag

3. Develop a thug caste

4. Set up an internal surveillance system

5. Harass citizens' groups

6. Engage in arbitrary detention and release

7. Target key individuals

8. Control the press

The Committee to Protect Journalists says arrests of US journalists are at an all-time high

9. Dissent equals treason

Cast dissent as "treason" and criticism as "espionage'.

10. Suspend the rule of law

Naomi Wolf'

Al Gore's new book: a book report in 90 seconds

2007-07-27T10:14:00.001+01:00

clipped from youtube.com

Take two minutes to watch this chilling synopsis of what has happened to America since GWB took over.

14 Points of fascism (part 1)

2007-07-27T09:11:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.oldamericancentury.org

14 Points of fascism

1.) Powerful and Continuing Nationalism:
Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, songs, and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.

2.) Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights:
Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of "need." The people tend to look the other way or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc.

3.) Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause:
The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial, ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.

14 Points of fascism (part 2)

2007-07-27T09:06:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.oldamericancentury.org

4.) Supremacy of the Military:
Even when there are widespread domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.

5.) Rampant Sexism:
The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Opposition to abortion is high, as is homophobia and anti-gay legislation and national policy.

6.) Controlled Mass Media:
Sometimes the media is directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media is indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in war time, is very common.

7.) Obsession with National Security:
Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masse

8.) Religion and Government are Intertwined:

9.) Corporate Power is Protected:

14 Points of fascism (part 3)

2007-07-27T08:58:00.001+01:00

clipped from www.oldamericancentury.org

10.) Labor Power is Suppressed:
Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely, or are severely suppressed.

11.) Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts:
Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education, and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts is openly attacked, and governments often refuse to fund the arts.

12.) Obsession with Crime and Punishment:
Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses and even forego civil liberties in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist
nations

13.) Rampant Cronyism and Corruption:

14. Fraudulent Elections:

America is headed for a soft dictatorship by the end of Bush’s second term.

Considering the military capacity of the powerbrokers, this regime is making all other terrorist organizations pale into insignificance. What is most antagonistic about the situation is the way they appear to gloat. When they say George W is clutching at straws, they will mean straws with an axe concealed, a bundle the Romans knew as Fasces. When did the President stop being one of the people ? When he was elected. You can avoid the Law, ignore the law, 'be' above the Law, or even believe the Law is yours to write, but the Law of Nature will overrule.
Remember King Canute ? By insulating themselves from the people, and the problems of every day life, the elite become weak in body and spirit, preferring to let money talk for them. When they have to face the reality of survival, they are left defenceless. People can go deaf to the sound of paper.

If Fascism is to be overcome, we have to show that it is maintained by fiction, and fear. Like a horror story that people are prepared to believe. More and more people are refusing to believe lies that are contrary to known facts, as their only validation is in the reputation of a politician with a vested interest, or an 'Official' Government Report.

WashPost: Gore Inspires Energy Consumption; Paper Leaves Out Mammoth Electric Bill

2007-07-22T09:32:00.001+01:00

clipped from newsbusters.org

The summer of media love for Al Gore continues in the Washington Post today. An article by Lori Aratani boasts in the sub-heading that “Al Gore’s film has raised awareness of energy conservation, officials say.”

The piece is actually on John Morrill, an Arlington County bureaucrat who has, for years, been “touting the cost saving benefits and environmentally friendly nature” of compact fluorescent lamps. He says in the past people ignored him but now, “thanks in part to ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ the issue has a higher profile.”

While the article stumbles over itself bestowing platitudes on Al Gore’s “documentary,” it – of course – fails to mention that while Al was busy lecturing America about the evils of carbon emissions, his own house in Tennessee was using over 20 times more energy than the national average.

berating people like you and me for not using the right kind of light bulb, Al, the green guru himself, was racking up electric bills of $1,300 dollars per month.

Can't make this stuff up!

Posted by Doreen1722
with the tags al gore, media, gloral warming, double standard

_________________

Sohil 07-14-2007 2.14am

Well at least he's inspiring other people, as opposed to millions others.

____________

Filby 07-14-2007 2.33am

"Dorine1722 Writes Deceptively-Selective Popurl Post; Post Leaves Out Gore's Carbon Credit Participation"

Unlike you, Dorine, Gore takes actions to offset his energy usage by various measures (like planting more trees to produce more oxygen from co2). Its well-documented and you've no excuse whatsoever for not knowing it if you're so 'well-informed' on the topic that you post about it.

Dorine1722, you and your slimy type aren't getting away with your usual slandering Swift Boat bullshitting half-truths this time around, not by a long shot. Be forewarned that you're telling your lies in a very, very exposed setting where you can be revealed for what you truly are in an instant.

Like now for example.

Gore is far more responsible than any other politician could hope to be, and you partisan loons try to lie by omission to obscure the fact? Since when did he ever state he was the perfect human being you apparently think needs to be cut down? What exactly is wrong with spreading the word about better ways to live that you find so objectionable?

Don't you have a war-hero-multiple-amputee to slander or something, you scumbag? Or is war hero Max Cleland off your radar to make room for this latest brain dead, sure to backfire character smear attempt on a popular Vice President?

Go back under your bridge, Dorine. Chalk this one up as your failure to 'get away with it'.

________________

Sohil 07-14-2007 2.35am

Sorry Filby, those aren't very nice things to say about people. If you read dorine's clips, you'll notice that her affiliation with the right does very little to influence her clips and be a participant of Clipmarks unlike many here (who I need not name and am sure you met).

______________

Doreen1722 07-14-2007 2.42pm

Thanks, sohil.

__________________

Michellezm 07-14-2007 4.44pm

Filby, you are nothing but a nasty vicious troll. You are attacking, undeservedly, the nicest person on Clipmarks. How dare you!!! You coward. You hide behind your anonymity and hurl judgments at someone you don't even know But you have displayed to us all the type of person you are and it's not a pleasant sight. If there's a slimy person on Clipmarks, it's you. I notice you haven't CLIPPED ONE SINGLE ITEM, yet you've had the nerve to comment on 28. Clipmarks is the poorer for having you on.

___________

Doreen1722 07-14-2007 5.07pm

Thanks, michelle. I was taken by surprise at this clipper's response to my clip. Pointing out media bias or double standards brings out the wackos. Looks like I struck a nerve. Thanks for your support.

___________________

Michellezn 07-14-2007 5.23pm

Dorine, I just want to let you know that I appreciate your clips and your comments so much. You have demonstrated your good and gentle nature. The quality of your clips are consistently good and interesting and informative. Please don't let this 'creature from the night' disrupt their flow. You are a lady of substance and a decent and courteous human being. Clipmarks would be the poorer if you were not one part of it. I cannot recall when last I felt this much anger. I am enraged at the absolute injustice of those words aimed at you. One nice thing though, we have the power to screen out or censor another clipper and this individual can be shunned and shut out if he/she does not, or cannot control themselves. Filby's rant was so bizarre that I wonder if he/she is not actually mentally ill or of sub-normal intelligence. It's a distinct possibility.

Clip on, Dorine.

________________

Dorine1722 07-14-2007 5.50pm

Michelle, your kind and encouraging words have left speechless. Thank you so much!

______________

Righthand 07-21-2007 4.00pm

http://youtube.com/watch?v=P6nTAR2MVYQ
Al Gore's new book: report in 90 seconds

==========================

WashPost: Gore Inspires Energy Conservation; Paper Leaves Out Mammoth Electric Bill
By Joe Steigerwald | July 13, 2007 - 17:47 ET

The summer of media love for Al Gore continues in the Washington Post today. An article by Lori Aratani boasts in the sub-heading that “Al Gore’s film has raised awareness of energy conservation, officials say.”

The piece is actually on John Morrill, an Arlington County bureaucrat who has, for years, been “touting the cost saving benefits and environmentally friendly nature” of compact fluorescent lamps. He says in the past people ignored him but now, “thanks in part to ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ the issue has a higher profile.”

While the article stumbles over itself bestowing platitudes on Al Gore’s “documentary,” it – of course – fails to mention that while Al was busy lecturing America about the evils of carbon emissions, his own house in Tennessee was using over 20 times more energy than the national average.

That’s right folks! While Al was criss-crossing the country, berating people like you and me for not using the right kind of light bulb, Al, the green guru himself, was racking up electric bills of $1,300 dollars per month.

In contrast to Al’s house of energy horrors, George W. Bush’s Crawford ranch has called an “eco-friendly haven.”

What, did Al accidentally leave a light on during all those cross-country trips?

Of course people caught up in the hysteria of the green movement constantly “forget” to include little things like that in their stories. Mentioning such a thing about their hero Albert is obviously off-limits.

=====================

racist, apartheid supporter,

patronised by a sexist bigot.

disloyal

Michellezm, Xenophobia,

2007-07-22T01:16:00.000+01:00

WashPost: Gore inspires energy conservation

Michellezm 07-14.2007 4.44pm

Filby, you are nothing but a nasty vicious troll. You are attacking, undeservedly, the nicest person on Clipmarks. How dare you!!! You coward. You hide behind your anonymity and hurl judgments at someone you don't even know But you have displayed to us all the type of person you are and it's not a pleasant sight. If there's a slimy person on Clipmarks, it's you. I notice you haven't CLIPPED ONE SINGLE ITEM, yet you've had the nerve to comment on 28. Clipmarks is the poorer for having you on.

Dorine, I just want to let you know that I appreciate your clips and your comments so much. You have demonstrated your good and gentle nature. The quality of your clips are consistently good and interesting and informative. Please don't let this 'creature from the night' disrupt their flow. You are a lady of substance and a decent and courteous human being. Clipmarks would be the poorer if you were not one part of it. I cannot recall when last I felt this much anger. I am enraged at the absolute injustice of those words aimed at you. One nice thing though, we have the power to screen out or censor another clipper and this individual can be shunned and shut out if he/she does not, or cannot control themselves. Filby's rant was so bizarre that I wonder if he/she is not actually mentally ill or of sub-normal intelligence. It's a distinct possibility.

__________________

I will rape, kill your wives" says South African police chief

Michellezm 07-20-2007

"Mr Robert MCBRIDE
Synopsis Chief of the Metropolitan (metro) Police: Chief of Ekurhuleni Municipality, Ekurhuleni Municipality; He was convicted for the "Durban Bombing" 1986, he was released from prison in 1992. He was granted amnesty by the TRC for his actions.; In 1998 he was arrested by the Mozambican police for alleged gun smuggling, he was later released".

This man, under the apartheid era, planted a bomb in a nightclub and killed and maimed several people. He is now our Metro Police Chief. Fine country we live in hey?

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Thunderscot 07-20-2007 3.07 pm

But at least he's not a racist...

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Anyone for crocodile?

Thunderscot

We eat Gators here in Jawja.

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Apartheid's Victims as Victimizers - zenophobia in South Africa

Michellezm 07-10-2007

www.time.com
In a tiny room at the back of a Somali restaurant near Port Elizabeth's harbor, Abdi Maolin, 26, has spent 11 months lying on a dirty mattress, eating kitchen leftovers and urinating through a tube attached to his bladder. Propping himself up on his elbows, Abdi digs out a police report that describes how on June 6 last year, six men stormed a Somali grocery store where Abdi and his elder brother Mohammed worked. One shot Mohammed in the forehead, killing him. When Abdi ran, another shot him in the spinal chord, paralyzing him from the chest down. Abdi says the killers wanted him to know why. They told him he was stealing South African land, taking South African money. They called him "kuwara" — nigger. "But they were black," says Abdi. "They were African, like me."
As the richest nation in a blighted continent, South Africa is a magnet for immigrants. And, as in Western Europe and the U.S., the more foreigners arrive, the greater the hostility to their presence.

Righthand 07-10-2007 5.05pm

African immigrants in South Africa are not unaware of the irony of their treatment in the self-proclaimed "Rainbow Nation," whose constitution declares "that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity." But for Betri Jama, 21, whose shop in Motherwell was razed in February, South Africans are not learning from their own history: "The same people who know oppression, who know dehumanization, they are the people who are oppressing us now," she says.

This is a very hostile article. You get the strong impression that the writer would prefer the old apartheid white rule was back!!

"The same people who know oppression, who know dehumanization, they are the people who are oppressing us now," she says.

These words would be more appropriately applied to the US's client state where the oppressed certainly have become the oppressors of totally innocent victims. A case of the camp inmates becoming the guards!!!

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Michellezm 07-10-2007 7.55pm

This is a very hostile article. You get the strong impression that the
writer would prefer the old apartheid white rule was back!!!

I disagree with your judgment. There is no hostility and I certainly don't get the impression that the writer would prefer apartheid white rule back. Frankly, if you knew the extent and severity of zenophobia in SA you may rethink that statement.

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Axelsenzon 07-11-2007 7.51pm

you spelled xenophobia wrong. btw

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Michellezm 07-11-2007 8-06pm

You are so right. I am so wrong. Thanks for the correction. Spelling isn't my strong point.

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Postcard from Port Elizabeth

Apartheid's Victims as Victimizers

Monday, Jul. 09, 2007

By ALEX PERRY

Thirteen years after the country's first democratic election, the constitution's promise of a nation united in its diversity may remain more an aspiration than a reality. In today's South Africa, whites, coloreds and blacks still segregate themselves into single-race neighborhoods — not by law, but consent and economic circumstance. "It's the continuation of the apartheid mindset," says Lefko-Everett. And apartheid's saddest legacy turns out to be this: it didn't just make racists out of whites.

America's Wildest Weather Cities
Michellezm 07-23-2007 9.07 pm

Why do I remember Yuma, Arizona? It was hell-hot, the tarmac was melting and I had a babbalas (hangover) from a wild night in Las Vegas. I stepped out of the mini-van, slammed the automatically locking van door and found myself key-less and barefoot. My melting feet left yeti-like imprints as I hopped, skipped, jumped and sprinted (screeching all the way) across a busy road to find relief in a supermarket. My feet were blistered. Yuma is deeply burned into my memory!

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fingers as credit cards
Michellezm 07-23-2007 11.12pm
That's no lie, Haraya. In South Africa, where many people are illiterate, thumb prints are accepted. Though it's rare, It's been known for family members to retain the thumbs of deceased pensioners in order to continue claiming their benefits.

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Vendor arrested for selling "Impeach Him" buttons

Michellezm 07-24-2007 10.34am

Shades of South Africa under the Apartheid Regime. You have no idea how bad it can get.

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Bulger's boy killer 'to get married'

Righthand 07-23-2007 9.09pm

we have the power to screen out or censor another clipper and this individual can be shunned and shut out if he/she does not, or cannot control themselves.

Please explain. Who is the 'we' that you write of?

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Michellezm 07-23-2007 9.41pm

The comment was directed at Dorine and the "we" I was referring to was the both of us (but that, obviously, doesn't preclude anyone else from doing the same). Some people are so persistently offensive that in order to enjoy the experience of Clipmarks one has to take drastic action. It's always a pity to have to do it, but necessary at times. So, righthand, if you ever find me offensive, you have the power to stop seeing my clips, stop me from commenting on your clips and hide my comments on other people's clips. I thought it was a brilliant Clipmark idea and gives each clipper the right to banish the horrible and focus on the enjoyable.

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Dorine1722 07-23-2007 9.45pm

I'm confused. Was this meant for another clip?

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Michellezm 07-24-2007 2.07am

Not sure myself Dorine, or why the "we" part should be an issue. But, nevertheless .....

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Kkcapricorn 07-24-2007 2.07am

I am totally out of the zone!
But, my comment is "Why do we afford protection to this monster?" (we in the collective sense). Who protected the poor little boy they killed?
I am always ready to give a second chance & not to judge, but I have seen up close & dirty, when kids are that sociopathic, they are 99% beyond redemption.
One can only hope the girl friend reads the internet avidly.
If not, I hope they never have children.

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Righthand 07-25-2007 12.17pm

I love Clipmarks. I'm only a relative newbie on Clipmarks. It is less than two months. I got attacked by rightwing fascist early on.

I'll always watch our for the bullied. It's in my nature. When I see an attack on a newbie then I'll try to aid him/her. Else where will be no newbies. So I'll try anyway. When I read...

we have the power to screen out or censor another clipper and this individual can be shunned and shut out if he/she does not, or cannot control themselves.

..then I get very worried. It infers that there is some hidden censorship or power in operation. Your explanation ...

The comment was directed at Dorine and the "we" I was referring to was the both of us (but that, obviously, doesn't preclude anyone else from doing the same).

...does not hold up. If you did not intend others to read your 'private' message then an email would have been proper and not for all to see.

If there's a slimy person on Clipmarks, it's you. I notice you haven't CLIPPED ONE SINGLE ITEM, yet you've had the nerve to comment on 28. Clipmarks is the poorer for having you on

...is excessive, IMO. If I was that newbie then I'd think for a long time before I'd get involved further with Clipmarks. I've pondered the correct manner of handling this. Should I have posted a separate clip?

@Kkcapricorn

I am always ready to give a second chance & not to judge, but I have seen up close & dirty, when kids are that sociopathic, they are 99% beyond redemption.

Agreed. And they did do their time. The UK is not yet a fascist state. Hopefully under Brown, it will be less so. God got Blair and f----ed him up.

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Dorine1722 07-25-2007 3.53pm

@ righthand, I've been confused by all of this. The newbie you were referring to had made a direct attack on me for reasons I still don't understand. Although I was taken aback by his comment, I just chocked it up to him being a troll.

I have never censored anyone at Clipmarks. I'm here to learn, share, and have fun. Occasionally, I clip a political piece that I find interesting, ironic, loaded with bias, or double standard, otherwise, I leave the friendly banter to those who are better at it than I am.

As to the contents of this clip, I'm appalled that the woman is being kept from the truth about her soon-to-be husband. She should know what he did. I'd want to know, wouldn't everybody?

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Michellezm 07-25-2007 4.17pm

Righthand, you're just spoiling for an argument and I won't bite. As for my discussion with Dorine, I'm entitled to say what I want, when I want to, provided I don't deliberately set out to hurt people. I don't need you to tell me when and how I communicate. I suggest you go trawling/trolling/badgering someone else. You're splitting hairs over inconsequential things - things that don't even concern you and I suspect your motive is to provoke an argument Don't start with me, bud! And yes, I have banished people and will do it again if necessary.

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Righthand 07-25-2007 7.17pm

Doreen1722, I have absolutely no problem with any part you had. You were unjustly attacked for no reason. Other came to your defence in fair ways. One did not and threatens repeat performances in the future.

Only on a very minor level do I question your judgment in accepting the content of any newspaper as fact and particularly a rag. You can be certain that if this bloke's intended does not know by now, then the rag will be the first to broadcast it to the world, in the public interest of course.

As to the contents of this clip, I'm appalled that the woman is being kept from the truth about her soon-to-be husband. She should know what he did. I'd want to know, wouldn't everybody?

+++++++++++++++

You're splitting hairs over inconsequential things - things that don't even concern you and I suspect your motive is to provoke an argument Don't start with me, bud! And yes, I have banished people and will do it again if necessary.

Bullying will always concern me. Obviously it is admitted that this is repeat behaviour. Very unladylike. I cannot remember ever being threatened in this fashion by a real female.

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Michellezm 07-25-2007 7.42pm

Righthand, I've seen your clips. I've read your comments, and I've come to the conclusion that the only bully is you. You are aggressive and argumentative.

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Michellezm 07-25-2007 8.23pm

Because you have chosen to continue badgering and have now resorted to insults, I have decided to utilize the censorship option. I can tell, you're not the sort that will stop - you're too aggressive. I refuse to allow an individual like you to spoil my experience on Clipmarks.

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Bush

2007-07-22T01:00:00.000+01:00

Is George Bush an agent of a Foreign Power

Kkcapricorn 07-17-2007 8.23pm

I may be paranoid,, but I cannot see Bush giving up his power. All this recent "talk" about an Al-Queda attack in the US, seems to me, a possible strategy for him to enforce one of his "secretly signed policies" and call for a state of emergency; then he would cancel the 2008 election.

Even worse, there are those who think that he was involved in the 9/11 attacks. If so, he could arrange another disaster in the US and and use it for his own purposes.
That is why we must IMPEACH, Arrest,Prosecute and incarcerate.

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Religion

2007-07-22T00:30:00.000+01:00

Religious Extremists disrupt Senate prayer

Righthand 07-13-2007

As a former Christian, may I comment and say that their behaviour has nothing to do with the Christianity of JESUS CHRIST as I knew the faith.

It is these pseudo Christians Retributionists that the Lord would have thrown out of the temple.

Love god, Love thy neighbour. All of them. And if they can love an idea so much, then it should be easy to love any red blooded neighbour. All of them.

Pope correcting Jesus

Righthand 07-20-2007 1.16pm

@yptim

Johanna G I don't think you can place this joke squarely at protestant's feet (although that maybe where it originates). The pope in this picture could be replaced by hundreds of leaders from different protestant denominations and still would be accurate.
PS - and I'm a protestant

Yes, very Christian. Dread to think what bilge there would be if he said something nice about say, Muslims. Hang him high!?

At one level this is the gang leader saying only our gang, as virtually every gang leader does. BUT, on another, there are issues for some people who believe they are Christian who really have not a Christian bone in their body!
This from an interested, godless, former catholic, with no axe to grind, who believes in the words of Jesus Christ as worthy of practice by man.

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The Gospel Quiz - prove your knowledge
8-05-2007 11.26pm

It amazes me the lengths of denial you people go. You believe because you want to believe.

Well, it doesn't amaze me. They are also the Bush supporters even while everyone else SAYS that the emperor has NO CLOTHES on! They know little of what JC said and practice less, but they KNOW THEIR BIBLE! They're the type of people that you want on your side, AWAY AWAY out to the side! And they know they're right. VERY VERY RIGHT.

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No, Rivkele, The Jews Weren't Driven into Exile by the Romans

righthand 8-09-2007 8.04 am

Then there are those that even if their god appeared to them to revel the truth, they would deny him too. How often have they denied Jesus Christ? How often do they speak his words? Do they ever live his words? Love?

The emperor has no cloths!!! Can you not see?

Retribution is mine alone, said the lord. Mankind cannot be trusted while your heart is not pure.

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