MEETING DISRUPTION
Free speakers decided to disrupt the testimony of Donald Rumsfeld at noontime. They were expecting to leave, and left; but, not after shouting "FIRE RUMSFELD."
Under 10 people made a decision for their free speech which infringed on the rights of the millions of people who are watching to hear Rumsfeld and the Committee, not them. They forced those watching to listen to 10 voices, while disrupting the reason I was listening; thereby, disrupting my freedom! I resent it. They have a right to speak; they have no right to force me to listen.
This is an overlap of rights. Do I have a case? It's doubtful; but, I still resent the loudmouth minority forcing their rights, and ignoring my rights. I wanted to listen to the hearing. I could not change the channel and listen to the hearing--they were present on all channels airing the hearing. I was not there to listen to them. They slapped their rights in my face, at the expense of my rights.
We need some JUSTICE here!!
by Max
Friday, May 07, 2004
JUSTICE
We are human—huge groups of diverse humanity; but, we are not always humane. Justice is the line which divides US from much of humanity.
It is not that we are better, superior. It is that we seek justice for all, not just ourselves. We waddle along the Freedom Road swinging from side to side in our pursuit for fairness. Sometimes conservative, sometimes liberal, we look for the solutions to the injustices in our society and around the world; we try to remedy some of them and can not possibly fix them all.
We sway from selfishness to generosity while many are trying to stay away from greed. Nothing works all of the time; but we try to make the world a better place, and US a better people. Perfection is an unachievable goal; not seeking to improve ourselves is a human error (an imperfection.) In reaching for perfection we become a slightly improved people, stepping forward and backward on the Freedom Road. From time to time, we see justice along the road.
Justice is a rest-stop, a respite, a reinvigoration. Justice, sometimes, provides the fuel to continue on the road. Without justice we are less to ourselves and others. Where there is no justice, there is no progress. Where there is no justice, there is no freedom. Where there is NO JUSTICE. . . .THERE IS NO HOPE.
THE RIGHT TO JUSTICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE.
We are human—huge groups of diverse humanity; but, we are not always humane. Justice is the line which divides US from much of humanity.
It is not that we are better, superior. It is that we seek justice for all, not just ourselves. We waddle along the Freedom Road swinging from side to side in our pursuit for fairness. Sometimes conservative, sometimes liberal, we look for the solutions to the injustices in our society and around the world; we try to remedy some of them and can not possibly fix them all.
We sway from selfishness to generosity while many are trying to stay away from greed. Nothing works all of the time; but we try to make the world a better place, and US a better people. Perfection is an unachievable goal; not seeking to improve ourselves is a human error (an imperfection.) In reaching for perfection we become a slightly improved people, stepping forward and backward on the Freedom Road. From time to time, we see justice along the road.
Justice is a rest-stop, a respite, a reinvigoration. Justice, sometimes, provides the fuel to continue on the road. Without justice we are less to ourselves and others. Where there is no justice, there is no progress. Where there is no justice, there is no freedom. Where there is NO JUSTICE. . . .THERE IS NO HOPE.
THE RIGHT TO JUSTICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE.
NO RIGHT TO KNOW ALL?
We have no right (constitutionally) to know all of the events within our government. Many of US do not request this; we request to know truth—when and where available and as much as we can know.
We have the right . . . to be presented with the TRUTHS—NOT LIES. We have a right to expect that our media will give the facts, not twisted opinions. The fact must be clearly stated, and the opinions clearly labeled. There should be NO CONFUSION as to facts, opinions, twisting of the truth, and total fiction.
We have no right (constitutionally) to know all of the events within our government. Many of US do not request this; we request to know truth—when and where available and as much as we can know.
We have the right . . . to be presented with the TRUTHS—NOT LIES. We have a right to expect that our media will give the facts, not twisted opinions. The fact must be clearly stated, and the opinions clearly labeled. There should be NO CONFUSION as to facts, opinions, twisting of the truth, and total fiction.
Wednesday, May 05, 2004
PEACE or QUIET
Are we accepting quiet, thinking it is the peace we seek?
Quiet, with growing cancer, was the situation in 2000. We were at war, and we didn?t know it; we didn?t know how very important it was. We found out Sept. 11, 2001.
We had been living in quiet with a growing cancer. That cancer struck us and made us aware that the future was in doubt?the patient was severely ill. Without treatment, the patient would succumb to a ?wasting disease.? Because the condition was ignored for so long, the illness has taken hold and run rampant through vital systems.
Which operation will benefit the patient? Which literature will contain the information necessary to make knowledgeable decisions? Which people will prevent the operation that may save the patient? Which people are promoting non-intervention?
Are we accepting quiet, thinking it is the peace we seek?
Quiet, with growing cancer, was the situation in 2000. We were at war, and we didn?t know it; we didn?t know how very important it was. We found out Sept. 11, 2001.
We had been living in quiet with a growing cancer. That cancer struck us and made us aware that the future was in doubt?the patient was severely ill. Without treatment, the patient would succumb to a ?wasting disease.? Because the condition was ignored for so long, the illness has taken hold and run rampant through vital systems.
Which operation will benefit the patient? Which literature will contain the information necessary to make knowledgeable decisions? Which people will prevent the operation that may save the patient? Which people are promoting non-intervention?
MY REASONS
My reasons for agreeing with the War in Iraq are: Disarming Iraq; Verifying the Disarmament—including prevention of WMD and related technology/plans from movement within Iraq, into and out of Iraq; Removing Saddam Hussein and his regime; Removing/Preventing any and all Connections with Al Qaida; Freeing the People of Iraq; Providing the Stepping Stones to a more People-Friendly government in Iraq.
This would require assisting with Development and Reconstruction. And in the end, after the basics are provided, giving the people of Iraq the opportunity to decide for themselves which way they would like to live their lives. In other words, let the people go (at a designated point in time) which should be the time of the closely monitored elections.
My reasons for agreeing with the War in Iraq are: Disarming Iraq; Verifying the Disarmament—including prevention of WMD and related technology/plans from movement within Iraq, into and out of Iraq; Removing Saddam Hussein and his regime; Removing/Preventing any and all Connections with Al Qaida; Freeing the People of Iraq; Providing the Stepping Stones to a more People-Friendly government in Iraq.
This would require assisting with Development and Reconstruction. And in the end, after the basics are provided, giving the people of Iraq the opportunity to decide for themselves which way they would like to live their lives. In other words, let the people go (at a designated point in time) which should be the time of the closely monitored elections.
WWIII
I've heard some refer to this as WWIII. It seems to be accurate. We are going through the buildup and who knows where this will end.
This is not so much defense of Democracy; Democracy may not be the best form of government that people will have in the future. At any rate, our form of government is not Democracy; we are a Democratic Republic (at representative democracy without full control in the hands of the people, but controls enough to gradually change and deter.)
To me, this is a war AGAINST FREEDOM for much of the Middle East; and, a war FOR FREEDOM for much of the WEST. Freedom means viable choices for the people of the world. When you have a choice between Saddam Hussein and DEATH that is not a viable choice anyone wants and that is not freedom. Of course, there were some who willingly chose Saddam (and still choose Saddam); there is not much to be done for them--they will not change their minds.
I've heard some refer to this as WWIII. It seems to be accurate. We are going through the buildup and who knows where this will end.
This is not so much defense of Democracy; Democracy may not be the best form of government that people will have in the future. At any rate, our form of government is not Democracy; we are a Democratic Republic (at representative democracy without full control in the hands of the people, but controls enough to gradually change and deter.)
To me, this is a war AGAINST FREEDOM for much of the Middle East; and, a war FOR FREEDOM for much of the WEST. Freedom means viable choices for the people of the world. When you have a choice between Saddam Hussein and DEATH that is not a viable choice anyone wants and that is not freedom. Of course, there were some who willingly chose Saddam (and still choose Saddam); there is not much to be done for them--they will not change their minds.
Sunday, May 02, 2004
"SINGLE MOST DAMAGING. . .IN A DECADE"
That's what Joe Biden (D-DE) thinks. Apparently, it wasn't damaging to find that Iraq was working on NUKE WEAPONS. . .we found this out in 1995. Much to the surprise of the IAEA and UNSCOM, Iraq still had WMD, they were still being found, they were still being destroyed. This was not only DAMAGING is was DEADLY!!; and it was a SURPRISE to inspectors!!
Now, THIS WAS SEVERELY DAMAGING to the US and the UN and the WORLD. But, Joe needs to focus on the naked prisoners who are still among the living. Less than a decade ago, the UN inspectors FAILED and the mushroom cloud of that failure has spread, and infiltrated the respect for the UN.
The inspectors could not find the "ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM" even when it stepped on their toes. THAT WAS THE SINGLE EVENT wHICH MADE THE SEVERE DAMAGE POSSIBLE.
That was the event, confirmed by the Oil-for-UN scandal made it possible for the world to dissolve in the mire of DISTRUST. Thanks, Joe; but, NO THANKS.
That's what Joe Biden (D-DE) thinks. Apparently, it wasn't damaging to find that Iraq was working on NUKE WEAPONS. . .we found this out in 1995. Much to the surprise of the IAEA and UNSCOM, Iraq still had WMD, they were still being found, they were still being destroyed. This was not only DAMAGING is was DEADLY!!; and it was a SURPRISE to inspectors!!
Now, THIS WAS SEVERELY DAMAGING to the US and the UN and the WORLD. But, Joe needs to focus on the naked prisoners who are still among the living. Less than a decade ago, the UN inspectors FAILED and the mushroom cloud of that failure has spread, and infiltrated the respect for the UN.
The inspectors could not find the "ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM" even when it stepped on their toes. THAT WAS THE SINGLE EVENT wHICH MADE THE SEVERE DAMAGE POSSIBLE.
That was the event, confirmed by the Oil-for-UN scandal made it possible for the world to dissolve in the mire of DISTRUST. Thanks, Joe; but, NO THANKS.
EQUAL TIME????
I suggest, as a cure for the wide promotion of this very ugly situation, that we promote and spread the pictures of those poor souls who were shoved into the shredder feet first to prolong their agony!
This will not happen. There was no "FREE PRESS" to show the horrors of Saddam. The "FREE PRESS" can only show and promote ugliness on our side; they play it and they replay it. Maiming, mutilating, shredding does not require nearly the attention the pictures of Iraqis, or terrorists, or foreign fighters (or whoever they are) are getting in the world-wide press. Those naked people are still living. And, they can testify against their guards; but, we can not request the same of the shredded, and those in the mass-graves.
I suggest, as a cure for the wide promotion of this very ugly situation, that we promote and spread the pictures of those poor souls who were shoved into the shredder feet first to prolong their agony!
This will not happen. There was no "FREE PRESS" to show the horrors of Saddam. The "FREE PRESS" can only show and promote ugliness on our side; they play it and they replay it. Maiming, mutilating, shredding does not require nearly the attention the pictures of Iraqis, or terrorists, or foreign fighters (or whoever they are) are getting in the world-wide press. Those naked people are still living. And, they can testify against their guards; but, we can not request the same of the shredded, and those in the mass-graves.
Let’s Make Enemies: (NAOMI KLEIN)
ENEMIES
US occupation chief Paul Bremer hasn't started wearing a hijab yet, and is instead tackling the rise of anti-Americanism with his usual foresight. Baghdad is blanketed with inept psy-ops organs like Baghdad Now, filled with fawning articles about how Americans are teaching Iraqis about press freedom. "I never thought before that the Coalition could do a great thing for the Iraqi people," one trainee is quoted saying. "Now I can see it on my eyes what they are doing good things for my country and the accomplishment they made. I wish my people can see that, the way I see it."
**Of course, the quote must be targeted as “fawning” or some other label to convince the readers that the quote is unworthy of any reality. And Baghdad Now must be one of the inept psy-ops organs to nullify anything it prints. The mention of Paul Bremer wearing the Hijab is humorous and unrealistic. . . But, the anti-Americanism is a reality promoted by this author and many others. It is harmful, but no banned--which doesn't make it truth either.
**(read with SARCASM totally engaged:)Ah, but these people do not hate Americans….NEVER. They just want to destroy much of the hope, the work, and the fiber of America. Oh but, it has nothing to do with the people, ‘cause they love the people. The Western Journalists live under various forms of democracy; but NO, it’s not for the Iraqi people to be free because force is used. The Iraqi people have to be told what to believe and this author is there to tell you.
“Unfortunately, the Iraqi people recently saw another version of press freedom when Bremer ordered US troops to shut down a newspaper run by supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr. The militant Shiite cleric has been preaching that Americans are behind the attacks on Iraqi civilians and condemning the interim constitution as a "terrorist law." So far, al-Sadr has refrained from calling on his supporters to join the armed resistance, but many here are predicting that the closing down of the newspaper--a nonviolent means of resisting the occupation--was just the push he needed. But then, recruiting for the resistance has always been a specialty of the Presidential Envoy to Iraq: Bremer's first act after being tapped by Bush was to fire 400,000 Iraqi soldiers, refuse to give them their rightful pensions but allow them to hold on to their weapons--in case they needed them later.”
**Do you doubt the author’s feelings about Muqtada’s newspaper shut down? After all, Sadr is only”preaching that Americans are behind the attacks on civilians” and promoting the interim constitution as a “terrorist law.” Sadr has advocated violence against Americans, his people have attacked Americans, he hides in Najaf, and there is a warrant for his arrest in connection with the murder of another cleric. But NO, his paper should be able to continue organizing armed resistance against the “occupiers.” It has never been acceptable for US to incite violence, or the violent overthrow of the government. Why would it be accepted from Sadr and his group?
**There are almost 200 newspapers. Sadr’s newspaper was suspended for approximately 60-90 days. It was not closed down permanently—which could have been done as a consequence of the nature of the material printed. It was not closed down permanently—-but, Sadr might be closed down. If Sadr is supported, the Iraqi people may get their request. They may not like the results of their support.
**Bremer disbanded an army which had left the battlefield and disappeared, only to come back to seek a pension—-which was given. Where was the author? Did she miss the protests? Was she too busy looking for a hotel room? But, the Naomi Klein’s of the world just want you to see an alternative view, while they promote their articles, and seek their fame by distorting for profit.
**I, too, am offering an another view. It is not for fun—-this is not fun. It is not for profit; I seek no profit. It is not for fame; I do not seek fame or notoriety. I began writing while hoping to hear from Iraqis (whatever their view.) I continued writing to challenge the propaganda which does not seem to be the truth and sometimes is twisted beyond all reason; and, I am looking for TRUTH in this mess.
**When this is over, I hope to slide comfortably back into my unknown life of an average American, in middle America, of the moderate view—-the view of the voter who chooses with no loyalty to either Democrats or Republicans but great appreciation of living in America.
ENEMIES
US occupation chief Paul Bremer hasn't started wearing a hijab yet, and is instead tackling the rise of anti-Americanism with his usual foresight. Baghdad is blanketed with inept psy-ops organs like Baghdad Now, filled with fawning articles about how Americans are teaching Iraqis about press freedom. "I never thought before that the Coalition could do a great thing for the Iraqi people," one trainee is quoted saying. "Now I can see it on my eyes what they are doing good things for my country and the accomplishment they made. I wish my people can see that, the way I see it."
**Of course, the quote must be targeted as “fawning” or some other label to convince the readers that the quote is unworthy of any reality. And Baghdad Now must be one of the inept psy-ops organs to nullify anything it prints. The mention of Paul Bremer wearing the Hijab is humorous and unrealistic. . . But, the anti-Americanism is a reality promoted by this author and many others. It is harmful, but no banned--which doesn't make it truth either.
**(read with SARCASM totally engaged:)Ah, but these people do not hate Americans….NEVER. They just want to destroy much of the hope, the work, and the fiber of America. Oh but, it has nothing to do with the people, ‘cause they love the people. The Western Journalists live under various forms of democracy; but NO, it’s not for the Iraqi people to be free because force is used. The Iraqi people have to be told what to believe and this author is there to tell you.
“Unfortunately, the Iraqi people recently saw another version of press freedom when Bremer ordered US troops to shut down a newspaper run by supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr. The militant Shiite cleric has been preaching that Americans are behind the attacks on Iraqi civilians and condemning the interim constitution as a "terrorist law." So far, al-Sadr has refrained from calling on his supporters to join the armed resistance, but many here are predicting that the closing down of the newspaper--a nonviolent means of resisting the occupation--was just the push he needed. But then, recruiting for the resistance has always been a specialty of the Presidential Envoy to Iraq: Bremer's first act after being tapped by Bush was to fire 400,000 Iraqi soldiers, refuse to give them their rightful pensions but allow them to hold on to their weapons--in case they needed them later.”
**Do you doubt the author’s feelings about Muqtada’s newspaper shut down? After all, Sadr is only”preaching that Americans are behind the attacks on civilians” and promoting the interim constitution as a “terrorist law.” Sadr has advocated violence against Americans, his people have attacked Americans, he hides in Najaf, and there is a warrant for his arrest in connection with the murder of another cleric. But NO, his paper should be able to continue organizing armed resistance against the “occupiers.” It has never been acceptable for US to incite violence, or the violent overthrow of the government. Why would it be accepted from Sadr and his group?
**There are almost 200 newspapers. Sadr’s newspaper was suspended for approximately 60-90 days. It was not closed down permanently—which could have been done as a consequence of the nature of the material printed. It was not closed down permanently—-but, Sadr might be closed down. If Sadr is supported, the Iraqi people may get their request. They may not like the results of their support.
**Bremer disbanded an army which had left the battlefield and disappeared, only to come back to seek a pension—-which was given. Where was the author? Did she miss the protests? Was she too busy looking for a hotel room? But, the Naomi Klein’s of the world just want you to see an alternative view, while they promote their articles, and seek their fame by distorting for profit.
**I, too, am offering an another view. It is not for fun—-this is not fun. It is not for profit; I seek no profit. It is not for fame; I do not seek fame or notoriety. I began writing while hoping to hear from Iraqis (whatever their view.) I continued writing to challenge the propaganda which does not seem to be the truth and sometimes is twisted beyond all reason; and, I am looking for TRUTH in this mess.
**When this is over, I hope to slide comfortably back into my unknown life of an average American, in middle America, of the moderate view—-the view of the voter who chooses with no loyalty to either Democrats or Republicans but great appreciation of living in America.
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