mousemusings...multimedia, music, progressive politics, video, web design and general rants
Human beings will be happier - not when they cure cancer or get to Mars or eliminate racial prejudice or flush Lake Erie but when they find ways to inhabit primitive communities again. That's my utopia.
~Kurt Vonnegut
Monday, May 31, 2004

SF gallery owner becomes target after showcasing painting of Iraqi prisoner abuse

An UPDATE to the plight of the gallery owner Tish wrote about the other day.

Haigh says she has decided to throw away her life-long dream to own an art gallery. "I'm disillusioned," she says."I'm disheartened".

So am I.
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Saturday, May 29, 2004

With Trembling Fingers

By Hal Crowther
The irreducible truth is that the invasion of Iraq was the worst blunder, the most staggering miscarriage of judgment, the most fateful, egregious, deceitful abuse of power in the history of American foreign policy. If you don't believe it yet, just keep watching. Apologists strain to dismiss parallels with Vietnam, but the similarities are stunning. In every action our soldiers kill innocent civilians, and in every other action apparent innocents kill our soldiers -- and there's never any way to sort them out. And now these acts of subhuman sadism, these little My Lais.

Since the defining moment of the Bush presidency, the preposterous flight-suit, Fox News-produced photo-op on the USS Abraham Lincoln in front of the banner that read "Mission Accomplished," the shaming truth is that everything has gone wrong. Just as it was bound to go wrong, as many of us predicted it would go wrong -- if anything, more hopelessly wrong than any of us would have dared to prophesy. Iraq is an epic trainwreck, and there's not a single American citizen who's going to walk away unscathed. [ much more ]

posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Friday, May 28, 2004

The Official US Army Game

A recruiting tool for kids?
"Bans on overbearing campus recruiters became so common that President Bush addressed the issue in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The bill stated: "Any secondary school that receives federal funds under this Act shall permit regular United States Armed Services recruitment activities on school grounds, in a manner reasonably accessible to all students of such school."
[ more about recruitment ]
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Thursday, May 27, 2004

What Will Kerry Do?

After listening to Gore yesterday I was hopeful that Kerry's position on Iraq might be changing. ABCNEWS : The Note states: "Though Gore himself gave Kerry an out of sorts, the contrast between the former veep's speech, which clearly excited Democrats, and Senator Kerry's speech, which must at least appease them, could not be more striking."
Sigh...
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


Last Lefty Standing

"In a small pond of political orphans, his easy-to-agree-with populist message--a sea change in American governance for the benefit of American citizens--can pack real punch."
And it apparently did. One small excerpt in one fantastic article:
The heart and soul of the Democratic Party wore brown shoes, blue pants, a salmon-colored buttoned-down shirt and a dark blue blazer. He is a short, trim man with a boyish haircut, but he is not nearly so elfin in person as photographs sometimes make him seem. He is coming off recent surges—he picked up at least eight delegates in Oregon last week and another 17 in Colorado and Alaska—and he seems easier now in front of a crowd than the dry and wonkish persona he conveyed earlier in the campaign. The punctuation points of his pitch, when his voice rose and his sentences started rolling toward their conclusion, drew standing cheers. [ read it all! ]
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


not watching television: This just in . . .

a link to an audio postcard from Dennis Kucinich. He's on a roll and the media is paying attention (a little) after he began picking up some good numbers, including the 50% in Alaska. If you don't get the postcards sent to you, go listen, or read the text of the message complete with links to media coverage.
Indeed he has a chance to influence this election!
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


Voting is Sexy

Little Diary is sexy and single but she feels her vote would be wasted.
Stop by and persuade her. If you need help with arguments maybe the following links will help:
Sex and the single voter
Why Single Women Must Vote
Single Women May Decide 2004 Election
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Wednesday, May 26, 2004

Fundamentals of Bush and Religion, Manipulating Minds

 
First things first.

Thank you Al Gore!


I'm expecting the video to be linked here soon. The C-Span link doesn't seem to work.

Now, on to what has been keeping me occupied today.
I sent this article to a discussion group;

War, religion and national interests

It sparked the following replies which I found quite interesting:

"Regardless of the reasons mentioned so far for the war in Iraq, the step
towards claiming it is a religious war is a bit extreme. That is
someone who is just too damned paranoid trying to make a connection that
isn't there.

I guess the cry of "war for oil" and all the others are too played out,
now there has to be a different cry???

and this:

I've always had trouble with that notion too. If this war was motivated by Bush's relgious interests, why has he aligned himself so tightly with the Israelis? It appears to be more about strategic interests and empire...

and this:

Another Crusade it is not. What is there in Iraq to warrant a religious
Crusade there? If you honestly believe this, then you are confusing his
domestic agenda for his international one.

I think that someone sending you a bunch of hoax mail has finally gotten
you to bite...
"

In my attempt to demonstrate that this isn't a "different cry", but was there before the war, I gathered the following links from my archives dated February and March of 2003 and before. The warnings were there. I added links to show why some believe Bush is so aligned with Israel. I know it's difficult for some people to understand the passion of an extreme fundamental Christian.

Whether it is they who are being manipulated by Bush, or Bush being manipulated by the quest for their support really doesn't matter. The rhetoric, the changes that have happened in this country that threaten to dismantle our Constitution, and the merging of (Bush's) church and state are highly visible and extremely dangerous. Since I went through the trouble to collect these links, I decided to post them here so I can find them easily next time I feel the urge to argue. I hope others are arguing too. Once people see the manipulation in addition to the lies, perhaps Bush will be toast.

Bush's Messiah Complex Feb 3, 2003

Bush talking more about religion Feb 18, 2003

Gergan Says: Bush May Be Religious Fanatic Feb 25, 2003

Mr. Conventional Wisdom Gergen had described Dubya, with obvious shock and dismay, as a "radical" right-winger who may well be operating under fanatic religious delusions of grandeur.

When U.S. Foreign Policy Meets Biblical Prophecy Feb 20, 2003
excellent and includes supporting links

The "Bush & God" Scam: Don't Buy It March 10, 2003

War out of compassion
How the rest of the World sees Americans:
By attacking Baghdad, US president George W. Bush wants to fulfill a divine order. In the highly religious United States, there has rarely been such a deep connection between national power interests and fundamentalist false piety. Christian fanatics are calling for a crusade against Islam.

The Unannounced Reason Behind American Fundamentalism's Support for the State of Israel written by Christian Reconstructionist July 19, 2000
Gary North

Jewish Conservatives Join Forces With Christian Evangelicals
How seriously do American Christians consider the "end times"? According to Time: 36 percent of Americans believe "the Bible is the word of God and is to be taken literally"; 59 percent believe "the prophecies in the Book of Revelation will come true"; 35 percent "say they are paying closer attention to news events and how they relate to the coming end of the world since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11"; and 36 percent "support Israel...because they believe in biblical prophecies that Jews must control Israel before Christ will come again."

The Rise of the Religious Right in the Republican Party

A faith-by-faith guide to where the major religious denominations stand on war with Iraq
Only the Southern Baptist Convention supported the war

The President's Rhetoric Worries Even Some Evangelicals March 17, 2003

I hope you find those links helpful when you argue too.
For a powerful visual demonstration, share this video from Eric Blumrich:

Church and State

posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Tuesday, May 25, 2004

Our Darkest Days Are Here

by Andy Rooney
you can also see the video here (real player)
If you were going to make a list of the great times in American history, you'd start with the day in 1492, when Columbus got here.

The Revolution when we won our independence would be on the list.

Beating Hitler.

Putting Americans on the moon.

We've had a lot of great days.

Our darkest days up until now have been things like presidential assassinations, the stock market crash in 1929, Pearl Harbor, and 9-11, of course.

The day the world learned that American soldiers had tortured Iraqi prisoners belongs high on the list of worst things that ever happened to our country. It's a black mark that will be in the history books in a hundred languages for as long as there are history books. I hate to think of it.

The image of one bad young woman with a naked man on a leash did more to damage America's reputation than all the good things we've done over the years ever helped our reputation.

What were the secrets they were trying to get from captured Iraqis? What important information did that poor devil on the leash have that he wouldn't have given to anyone in exchange for a crust of bread or a sip of water?

Where were your officers? If someone told you to do it, tell us who told you. If your officers were told – we should know who told them.

One general said our guards were "untrained." Well, untrained at what? Being human beings? Did the man who chopped off Nicholas Berg's head do it because he was untrained?

The guards who tortured prisoners are faced with a year in prison. Well, great. A year for destroying our reputation as decent people.

I don't want them in prison, anyway. We shouldn't have to feed them. Take away their right to call themselves American - that's what I’d do. You aren't one of us. Get out. We don't want you. Find yourself another country or a desert island somewhere. If the order came from someone higher up, take him with you.

In the history of the world, several great civilizations that seemed immortal have deteriorated and died. I don't want to seem dramatic tonight, but I've lived a long while, and for the first time in my life, I have this faint, faraway fear that it could happen to us here in America as it happened to the Greek and Roman civilizations.

Too many Americans don't understand what we have here, or how to keep it. I worry for my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren. I want them to have what I've had, and I sense it slipping away.

Have a nice day.
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


Alaska Democrats split between Kerry, Kucinich

Close to half of Alaska's elected delegates to the Democratic National Convention will cast their votes for Dennis Kucinich.
Thirteen of Alaska's delegates are elected at the convention, with two of those seats going to elected officials. Seven of those are pledged to Kerry and six to Kucinich.
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Monday, May 24, 2004

Freedom, Art and Outrage

Tish writes about the power of art and the outrage it can evoke when we are forced to face what we are.
If this were happening anyhere else I wouldn't be surprised, but the outrage is aimed at a gallery and artist based in San Francisco.
Tish has written an extremely reflective post about the artistic image and the images that inspired the painting.
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


ChristianExodus.org

When I lived in South Carolina 10 years ago there were serious ramblings of this. Of course, you understand, it's 'for whites only'. Let Bush go run that nation!
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


An Eye on Power

by Bill Moyers
This speech was delivered at a Newspaper Guild/Communication Workers of America dinner on May 19, 2004.

...The secrecy today is so thick as to be all but impenetrable.

...)as secrecy grows, and media conglomerates put more and more power in fewer and fewer hands, we have witnessed the rise of a new phenomenon—a quasi-official partisan press ideologically linked to an authoritarian administration that is in turn the ally and agent of powerful financial and economic interests that consider transparencies a threat to their hegemony over public opinion. [ read it all ]
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


The Most Important Thing I Learned in School This Year

This made me laugh as I recalled doodles of my own.
I learned that drawing pictures of the President with his arms growing out of his head is no laughing matter. It's bad to make the President look stupider than he already is. You can't draw him writing memos on wide-ruled paper with a crayon, or dressed up like a cowboy and playing with toy pistols in the Awful Office. That type of humor isn't funny. [ read it ]

I guess doodling goes the way of free speech in high school anymore. We're all learning a lot this year.
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Sunday, May 23, 2004

It?s Armageddon time; Bush and his loyal Christian fundamentalists want you to have a front row seat! (Whether you want one or not).

We “bleeding heart liberals” are nothing but a bunch of peaceniks standing in God’s way.
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Saturday, May 22, 2004

Hard lessons from poetry class: Speech is free unless it's critical

After firing Nevins and terminating the teaching and reading of poetry in the school, the principal and the military liaison read a poem of their own as they raised the flag outside the school. When the principal had the flag at full staff, he applauded the action he'd taken in concert with the military liaison.

Then to all students and faculty who did not share his political opinions, the principal shouted: "Shut your faces." What a wonderful lesson he gave those 3,000 students at the largest public high school in New Mexico. In his mind, only certain opinions are to be allowed.

The message is plain. Critical thinking, questioning of public policies and freedom of speech are not to be allowed to anyone who does not share the thinking of the school principal. [ more ]
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


Where Else But Texas (or maybe Florida)?

Unitarian group denied tax status
AUSTIN - Unitarian Universalists have for decades presided over births, marriages and memorials. The church operates in every state, with more than 5,000 members in Texas alone.

But according to the office of Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, a Denison Unitarian church isn't really a religious organization -- at least for tax purposes. Its reasoning: the organization "does not have one system of belief."
Never before -- not in this state or any other -- has a government agency denied Unitarians tax-exempt status because of the group's religious philosophy, church officials say. Strayhorn's ruling clearly infringes upon religious liberties, said Dan Althoff, board president for the Denison congregation that was rejected for tax exemption by the comptroller's office. [ more ] registration req'd

I saved this article if you'd rather not register to read it. I'll forward if you ask.
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


Kucinich address enlivens Democratic unity tableau

"I think it's an understatement to say that was an electrifying speech," former Maine House of Representatives Speaker Michael Saxl told a crowd still buzzing from Kucinich's turn at the microphone.
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


A Letter to the Editor

In my local paper Thursday May 20:
Repeat images of 9-11 not of Iraqi prisioners
I know we should hold ourselves higher than the animals we are watching. I do not have any compassion for these terrorists who are being held and 'humiliated'. I don't care. I hold "60 Minutes" responsible for any additional Americans killed by terrorists.

I think we should be showing daily the planes flying into the World Trade Center towers. We should never forget the horrors of that day. I am a supporter of the president and I am sorry that a few incidents have sullied the reputation of the many soldiers who are serving. How do you think our people would be treated if they were held?
Bonnie Barbieri, Ann Arbor

I can't speculate on the intelligence or age of this person or what her news sources happen to be, however, the attitude and misunderstandings are far too common. How did we get here and how do we move beyond? Here's a start.
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


Waste-To-Oil Company Selling Oil Commercially

Thermal Conversion Process
"TCP is the first commercially viable method of reforming organic waste into a high-value energy resource."
TCP is more than 80% energy efficient. In addition, it generates its own energy to power the plant, and uses the steam naturally created by the process to heat incoming feedstock, In addition, TCP produces no emissions and no secondary hazardous waste streams.
Renewable Environmental Solutions
At full capacity, the plant will convert 200 tons of low-value organic food and agricultural waste by-products per day into renewable energy and other valuable products.
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Thursday, May 20, 2004

Ashcroft vs. Greenpeace

Case Dismissed!
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Wednesday, May 19, 2004

"Bliss" Drug May Fight Depression

posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


How Does Cowboy Bush Ride Into the Sunset?

American Leftist points to a piece by USA Today founder Al Neuharth:Should cowboy Bush ride into the sunset?
A first for a major newspaper opposing Iraq policies and the Bush bid for re-selection. "he believes he can be re-elected as a tough-talking, self-proclaimed "War President."
Now, I'm not one to believe that Bush would be so noble as to ride off on his own into the sunset, but I do think that the drumbeat toward prosecution of war crimes will continue to get stronger.

Reminder of the Crimes of War Project
"under international law, responsibility for these actions may go further than coalition leaders would like to admit.

Under the principle of command responsibility, officers are liable for crimes committed by soldiers under them if they knew or should have known that they were taking place and did nothing to stop them. According to the internal U.S. Army report on Abu Ghraib, leaked to the New Yorker, the criminal abuses at the prison were “blatant and wanton”, suggesting that little attempt was made to hide what was happening."

Under principle of command responsibility, this would mean our "Commander in Chief", he, who is so quick to don his military garb for photo ops and declarations of 'Mission Accomplished'. This is our War President, mightier than thou who feigns stupidity when it's convienient and invokes his fundamental god when it earns him votes. Riding into the sunset shouldn't be an option even if he were inclined to saddle up. How will this play out in history?
Repetition has been effective (Iraq-9-11) for his objectives.
It's time for repetition on another level:
War Crimes
War Crimes Act of 1996
Amnesty demands US 'war crimes' inquiry
Gulf War crimes?
US demands total impunity on war crimes
U.S. Seeks Exemption from War Crimes Court
People have the Power.
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


The Appeal of Conspiracy Theories

Great article with links to tempt the conspiracy theorist in you.

"I do understand why so many Americans are quick to believe that the government formulates intricate plots behind closed doors. It is because the government has lied to the American people so many times about all kinds of things, and often enough that the conspiracy theories have been proven to be true."
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


Progressive Vote - Progressive Democrats of America

The progressive voters rallied behind their candidate in the primary season. Now what?

It has never been just about the individual candidate, it has always been about the message, about the movement, and about the people that want to reclaim their democracy. We are here to embrace the power of the grassroots, and to organize toward progressive change.

posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Tuesday, May 18, 2004

WeCount.org

posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


Less is Moore in subdued, effective '9/11'

By Roger Ebert
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


Too much soda may raise cancer risk

A team at Tata Memorial Hospital in India found a strong correlation between the rise in per capita consumption of carbonated soft drinks in the past 50 years and a documented increase in rates of esophageal cancer in the United States.

And over the past 25 years, the incidence rates of esophageal cancer have risen by more than 570 percent in white American men. Esophageal cancer affected 13,900 U.S. men and women in 2003 -- more than 10,000 men -- and killed almost all of them, according to the American Cancer Society. see:Esophageal disease could be connected to carbonated beverages
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


From Ancient Greece to Iraq, the Power of Words in Wartime

NYTimes
by Robin Tolmach Lakoff
The terrors and uncertainties of war make learning this kind of language especially compelling for soldiers on the front. But civilians back home also need to believe that what their country is doing is just and necessary, and that the killing they are supporting is in some way different from the killing in civilian life that is rightly punished by the criminal justice system. The use of the language developed for military purposes by civilians reassures them that war is not murder.[ more ]
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


Go Oregon! Down but Not Out, Kucinich Keeps Fighting

"I understand that Kerry has enough delegates to be nominated. I can count, but I can also figure."

And this is how Dennis Kucinich - the former boy mayor of Cleveland whose half-forgotten, dead-but-still-twitching presidential campaign is now focusing on Tuesday's Oregon primary - figures it:
[ more ]
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Monday, May 17, 2004

Don't Follow the Jerk

I found this streaming song hidden in my junk mail folder, a plea from Andre in Germany, who wrote:
"I am a 36 years old German professional musician/singer and song writer. I wrote music, text, played all instruments, sang and recorded this song on my own.

G.Bush is very dangerous to my world, so i decided to do something to stop him."

His style surprised me when I listened to it. Not quite what I was expecting from a protest song, but it has a sincere appeal which just might speak to someone. All creative forms of eye-opening are surely needed.

posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


A First Look at "Fahrenheit 9/11"

A few years ago, Michael Moore spoke with then-Governor George W. Bush, who told the muckraker: “Behave yourself, will ya? Go find real work.”
Though made over the past two years, the film has scenes that seem ripped from recent headlines. Last week, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld visited Iraq and, to the cheers of his military audience, defiantly called himself “a survivor” (a word traditionally reserved for those who have lived through the Holocaust or cancer, not for someone enduring political difficulties). In the film, a soldier tells Moore’s field team: “If Donald Rumsfeld was here, I’d ask for his resignation.” [ more ]
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


Freedom to Flounder

I'm still wandering around lost. I find myself listening but not wanting to say much myself. It takes too much energy.

Friday, as I was just about to walk out the door to head to the musician's tribute at RubberSoul for Craig, my dad phoned. My mom had fallen, fractured some spinal bones and is in the hospital. I was able to put that news aside and enjoy a wonderful evening with people who cared about Craig and demonstrated it beautifully through music, smiles and memories. Why do I feel like there is an unspoken finality?

Decisions, direction, Dylan, dvd's, depression

Saturday was the day of DylanFest. I think it was the 7th annual show. I rarely miss it. I couldn't do it this year. It's a collaboration of various local musicians playing Dylan songs. Craig would have played this year.
WDET had a promo spot. During the set, Chris Buhalis dedicated the song he was about to play to Craig. At the end of the set the Marty Robbins song "El Paso" was played. It said something to me. An alternate lyric to Craig's Pillow from the Moon is:

Strange songs from another star
thru the antenna of my car tonight


Those strange songs keep reaching my ears. My parents live about 45 miles from El Paso. My parents aren't going to be able to do this themselves. I have decisions to make. Direction isn't coming easily. I found it much easier to just sleep all day avoiding it all.

Another decision/direction I've been playing with is what to do with this blog. I've been playing around with MoveableType here and here. I could continue and just keep this old installation because I can't afford to upgrade.

There are others exploring alternatives. It seems that MoveableType has alienated quite a few of us who seek freedom

I could continue with Blogger, with its nice shiny interface, tempting templates and commenting. Instead, as a diversion and a learning exercise, I've installed three alternatives to play with. All are simple standard installs at the moment, but feel free to check them out, register as users to play yourself, and give feedback.

The three I'm experimenting with, as installed on my server are; pMachine free, the very robust PostNuke (which would be wonderful if I felt there were enough content to manage or multiple users) and WordPress which looks promising.

As long as I can flounder without pressure and have the freedom to withdraw and find my own way, I'm ok.
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


Nothing is as it appears

New World Disorder has a vast collection of links which explore the questions, mysteries and inconsistencies regarding Nick Berg's incarceration, movements and death. The links raise more questions than they answer but are questions that need to be asked.
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


Seymour Hersh: May 24 New Yorker

The Gray Zone
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Wednesday, May 12, 2004

Celebrate the Creativity of Craig Baker


On Friday, May 14, at 7:00pm, there will be a celebration and tribute to Craig at Rubber Soul Music Local musicians will interpret their own versions of his songs or play music that otherwise reminds them of Craig. Film highlights of some of his past performances will also be shown. Food, drink and fun! Craig wanted a party. We're giving him one.

FiddlerBob, Dave Boutette, Dan Worley, Michael Richard, Laura MacKimmie, Jack The-TrashCan-Man, and Dave Weber will be among the musicians playing. Mike Tanner is editing the film.

For our friends who live too far away, or for the curious, YpsiRadio will be streaming his music during the celebration and you can listen online! If you're just curious about Craig's music and live close, please join us!

posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


The Dark Art of Interrogation

A chilling excerpt:
"Torture is a crime against humanity, but coercion is an issue that is rightly handled with a wink, or even a touch of hypocrisy; it should be banned but also quietly practiced."

"And how does one define "coercion," as opposed to "torture"? If making a man sit in a tiny chair that forces him to hang painfully by his bound hands when he slides forward is okay, then what about applying a little pressure to the base of his neck to aggravate that pain? When does shaking or pushing a prisoner, which can become violent enough to kill or seriously injure a man, cross the line from coercion to torture?" read detailed interrogation techniques or, what any normal person would consider to be; "torture"
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Monday, May 10, 2004

Mowing Down the World With Daisy Cutters

Oh my! My landlord just came by and, first off, mowed down my daisys which were growing great from seed I sowed two years ago, then he noticed my Dennis Kucinich sign in my window and asked who he was.
He then proceeded to wonder how Kerry got up there. I told him it was because people felt a need to get Bush outta office and rallyed behind who they thought was had the strongest chance. . He said ah..but Kerry's rich, he married a Dupont! (I did correct him on that one)

The conversation went further and he asked why we bothered to even take prisioners, if it were up to him everyone over there would be dead. Why would we even try to salvage religious sites? We tortured prisioners because of what they did to us! 9-11 = Iraq? I couldn't bear to ask if he were on of the 57% who still believe the connection. I did try to explain that the prison abuses were happening before the mercenaries were dragged through the streets. Ah..if but Bush was vindicating his Daddy that was just fine with him! I tried to explain that there are Geneva Conventions and International Law but, to him, might is right!

I mentioned how I thought that by now we could have become more civilized, that attacking someone for manufactured reasons was wrong. The whole time I'm aghast! This whole country has gone insane! We are a sick society. I want out! I want my daisys back but it appears that any seeds that are planted with goodwill are getting trampled or mowed.

posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


Seymour Hersh: May 10 and 17 New Yorker

TORTURE AT ABU GHRAIB

CHAIN OF COMMAND
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Saturday, May 08, 2004

Which American?

The Mission of the Philadelphia Society reads:
"To sponsor the interchange of ideas through discussion and writing, in the interest of deepening the intellectual foundation of a free and ordered society, and of broadening the understanding of its basic principles and traditions. In pursuit of this end we shall examine a wide range of issues: economic, political, cultural, religious, and philosophic. We shall seek understanding, not conformity."

Midge Decter, the controversial new president of the society, praised the United States as embodying universally applicable principles, and endorsed the aggressive foreign policy that is the hallmark of the Bush administration. On the same panel, Claes Ryn, the 2001-2002 president of the Society and the author of the recently released America the Virtuous, criticized this kind of universalism as "neo-Jacobin" and as incompatible with traditional American views on government, not to mention peace in the world.

Please read Professor Ryn's remarks. It's a long read. I wish there were an audio file to point to for those who would rather listen. I feel depressed and overpowered by the powers-that-be after reading it but perhaps his words can spark some consideration/reconsideration in those who just can't/won't see it.


US diplomats' letter to Bush
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Friday, May 07, 2004

DRAFT REGISTRATION: United States Armed Forces

posted by Cyndy | link |   | |


From the Progress Report

Exactly what I was trying to say in my entry below:
BOTTOM LINE - THE BUCK STOPS WITH BUSH: One thing to keep in mind: At the end of the day, ultimate responsibility lies with the Commander-in-Chief, George Bush. EJ Dionne writes in the WP, "[D]umping Rumsfeld...is not enough. Ultimately the buck stops with President Bush. No, I don't think for an instant that Bush knew anything about this. That's the problem. Reports of prisoner abuse have been around since the war in Afghanistan and the opening of the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The president needs to explain why he wasn't more curious about what was happening, and whether his management style delegates so much authority that the White House could be caught so unprepared for this catastrophe."
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Wednesday, May 05, 2004

Call it what it is

It is NOT a SCANDAL as I keep hearing in the media. It is a WAR CRIME and the buck stops at the top, with the Commander in Chief.
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line
Tuesday, May 04, 2004

Tin Soldiers and We are Coming

The following remarks were delivered by William Rivers Pitt on May 4th on the campus of Kent State University, at a ceremony to mark the 34th anniversary of the Kent State Shootings.read it
posted by Cyndy | link |   | |

line



Feeds and Info

xml

Subscribe with Bloglines

Blogroll Me!

email


xml pill


feedburner

FeedBurner.com Logo

add to my yahoo



Google
Web
mousemusings


www.flickr.com
Cyndy's photos More of Cyndy's photos


Via BuzzFeed

Recent Comments




My Del.icio.us


subscribe to
my del.icio.us feed






Categories


My




Archives

2000
8, 9, 10, 11

2001
2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

2002
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

2003
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

2004
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

2005
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

2006
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

2007
1, 2, 3



Links
Green
Political
Progressive Blog Alliance


sTaRe Network

blogger pro



blogrank
LS Blogs

www.blogwise.com

blogarama
Blogarama


Listed on BlogShares


blogstreet

Progressive Women's Blog Ring
Join | List | Previous | Next | Random | Previous 5 | Next 5 | Skip Previous | Skip Next