http://tequilaexpress.blogspot.com/ View Blog

A Voice in the Wilderness

As nightfall does not come at once, neither does oppression. In both instances, there's a twilight where everything remains seemingly unchanged, and it is in such twilight that we must be aware of change in the air, however slight, lest we become unwitting victims of the darkness. -- William O. Douglas

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Wrapped Around Your Finger

* Sting

You consider me the young apprentice
Caught between the Scylla and Charybdis
Hypnotized by you if I should linger
Staring at the ring around your finger
I have only come here seeking knowledge
Things they would not teach me of in college
I can see the destiny you sold
Turned into a shining band of gold

I'll be wrapped around your finger
I'll be wrapped around your finger

Mephistopheles is not your name
But I know what you're up to just the same
I will listen hard to your tuition
And you will see it come to it's fruition

I'll be wrapped around your finger
I'll be wrapped around your finger

Devil and the deep blue sea behind me
Vanish in the air, you'll never find me
I will turn your face to alabaster
Then you'll find your servant is your master

You'll be wrapped around my finger
You'll be wrapped around my finger
You'll be wrapped around my finger

* I have received several e-mails asking why I picked the person in the above picture for this post - asking me if I am nuts. For any of you who have seen Mel Gibson's, "Passion of the Christ," you will recognize the face in this picture as the character of Satan - which is neither male or female. To me, evil is an entity that has no gender.

As I interpret Sting's lyrics, this song is about the evil of avarice. It is a caution to those who worship money because they are at risk of eventually succumbing to its potentially darker effects. To me, greediness is an evil which can compromise one's soul. My interpretation of this song is that 'evil' is telling us about just what the trade off it is for those willing to be subsumed by the phenomenon called, 'avarice.'

The reality is that people commit terrible sins against one another and such sins carry over as sins against Humanity directly because of greed. I maintain that money in itself is not evil. That said, I have witnessed greed and selfishness as being easy enough to tap into by Humans who are acquisitive
by nature. Money has the capacity to turn otherwise good and decent people into monsters. Money does not make us liars and thieves. Greed does.

For those of you who are further interested in what I have to say about this song or would like a little more background I am willing to do that but I want to do it in the 'comments' section.

Thanks for the e-mails folks,. I welcome them but, I rarely return a response unless I know and trust the sender.


Tuesday, August 30, 2005

US Census: 37 Million Americans are Poor - fourth straight year in a row for increases

According to the AP press release regarding Census figures for '03-'04, America's poverty rate has risen for the fourth straight year in a row. The year's poverty rate has now risen to 12.7%.

That's an increase of 1.1 million more poor people over 2003.


"By JENNIFER C. KERR, Associated Press Writer
43 minutes ago


WASHINGTON - Even with a robust economy that was adding jobs last year, the number of Americans who fell into poverty rose to 37 million — up 1.1 million from 2003 — according to Census Bureau figures released Tuesday.


It marks the fourth straight increase in the government's annual poverty measure.

The Census Bureau also said household income remained flat, and that the number of people without health insurance edged up by about 800,000 to 45.8 million people."

I suppose 37 million will not be as lucky as our current president who now holds the record as most vacationing president of all time.

Spam Bots and Anonymous comments - Some Friendly Advice

Here's some helpful information for any of you using 'Blogger.' I found out about this feature on Blogger Buzz.

I've already forwarded this to a couple of fellow bloggers and I have now decided to share it with you all. Use it if you can.

You can activate the, 'word verification' feature under the comments section of your template to cut down on the spam bots. These spammers have a program that looks up key words and then link to your site automatically.

If you use the ‘word verification’ option, the spam bots cannot 'read' and therefore cannot ‘type’ in the code word and that keeps them from posting on your thread.

This feature keeps anonymous spam bot programmers from cluttering up your site with inappropriate or off-topic posts aimed at advertising their sites on your blog. This way you don’t have to continually delete posts from the spammers. Personally I find them annoying. At any rate this is just a suggestion for you to consider.

I hope you find this suggestion useful.

Note: the picture I have posted of Bart Simpson really has nothing to do with this post but, it is just my way of providing some entertainment for those of you reading this post - On second thought it is kind of apropos in that those inane anonymous solicitors never have anything to do with the posts either! What a save... It's always nice to take a jab at the neo-cons.

I Love Taxes?

Alicia, over at 'Last Left Before Hootervillle' has posted a brilliant piece of work regarding taxes. I agree with her, I love taxes too.

Now, before you get to thinking my cheese slipped off it’s cracker, read the sample of her post that I have provided here and then please, please go visit her blog.

I must say she makes some brilliant arguments and I strongly suggest you read what she has to say in its entirety.

Here is a sample which will hopefully entice you into clicking on the link to her post right here. Her post is called, ‘I Love taxes.’

“The impetus for our nationhood was rebellion against unjust taxation. There is a deep-seated distrust of taxes built into the American psyche for this reason. And acquisitiveness is a primal survival mechanism. Babies are born selfish out of necessity. But we are not babies. We learn that sharing is not only kind, it's necessary to our way of life. We have to give if we want to get. If we want something, we have to pay for it. Americans believe in hard work, and making your own way. But Warren Buffet acknowledges that "There's no way I would enjoy what I enjoy if I had been born in West Africa." Part of being successful in America is the resources that America has to offer, and these don't just come out of thin air. If we want the benefit of all these resources, we need to pay for it. No matter how hard a person works, no matter what sort of entrepreneurial spirit and determination you have, it doesn't matter if the infrastructure and resources are not there to work with. Babies expect to be given everything without having to pay for it. Adults should know better…

...Call for taxing the rich, and the howls of 'class warfare' are heard from the right. But it is a privilege to be able to do business in the United States, and poor people pay a much larger proportion of their income in taxes that benefit the rich when you figure in the taxes that are paid on everything they consume. There is already class warfare, and it's the war of the rich against the poor, and of the corporation against the individual. For all the reminiscing about how great life was in the 50's, and how family life was so fantastic because moms stayed home, one big reason was the high tax rate of the well-off, and of corporations. The overall economy was prosperous enough that a shoe salesman could own a home, a car, and support a wife and large family - on one job! And a not-especially high-paying or prestigious one at that! Never mind that much of the idealization of the 50s conveniently forgets about racism and sexism, and the fact that many dads missed out on their kids' entire childhoods and moms were often tied up in a pink ruffled straitjacket, but speaking in economic terms, the dollar went a whole lot farther than it does today. Plus, decent-paying blue-collar jobs have gone the way of the 45 record, college tuition is through the roof, and social mobility is more stratified and frozen than ever. The good-paying jobs for those without a college degree (and those with one!) have been replaced by service jobs - McJobs, if you will, without benefits, where you can work full-time and not be able to support yourself. Think about that - you work as hard as you can for 40 hours or more a week, and not make enough money to supply even the basic necessities of life. That's not work - that's indentured servitude. Folks, the trickle-down theory does not work. It's just a race to the bottom for the poor, and the formerly-middle-class that is rapidly becoming poor. More money might be made for those at the top - Wall Street shows that - but it's staying there, siphoned to offshore accounts and tax shelters. We've seen the results, and we're living with it now. And with the elimination of the estate tax, money that would have gone to charitable giving as a tax shelter is now unnecessary.”

Alicia goes on and on about this and it is just incredible how she has put this post together. I am sorry that I lifted so much of Alicia's work to post here but my intention is to share it with everyone who reads my blog because what she has to say is compelling and important.

By the way, do not worry - her post is not one of those that makes you furrow your eyebrows, cross your eyes and scratch your head. Actually it's more akin to looking at the Statue of Liberty or the Golden Gate Bridge in person - a 'wow' experience. On second thought, maybe I am loopy. Oh well.

Please give her blog a visit and read her post in its entirety – she is one of my daily reads - I am convinced you will see why this is so once you have visited her site. This woman is witty, funny and brilliant.

Folks this is one of those pieces of work that is a keeper. If Alicia ever decides to run for President, she has my vote. Alicia makes me proud to be an American because she makes total sense. A refreshing change in comparison to the lack-luster fuddy duddys in the Whitehouse these days.

Monday, August 29, 2005

Hypocrisy of Chickenhawks

If George Bush believes the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are such a just war - the kind that he is calling young Americans to shed their blood for - Why isn't nephew George Bush III, Brother-Florida Governor Jeb Bush's son enlisted as a soldier?

Why isn’t either of his daughters Jenna or Barbara enlisted in military service for their nation?

How ironic that our Commander in Chief is willing to shed the blood of other Americans and yet, none of his family is enlisted in any military branch.

Surely the military could find a 'safe' place say like a National Guard position for members of the Bush dynasty to serve their country - if even symbolically right?

This just serves as another example of the hypocrisy that runs rampant among the neo-con elites. They start wars that poor people with little chance of opportunity are forced to fight because they have no other options available to them. They are not children of privilege so their lives are expendable.

Wait, maybe Jenna is serving her country on the party circuit. Indeed, the fruit never falls far from the tree.


Sunday, August 28, 2005

I Have a Dream


I Have A Dream

by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.


Delivered 42 years ago - on the steps at the Lincoln Memorial
in Washington D.C. on 28 August 1963






I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity.

But one hundred years later, we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is still not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize an shameful condition.

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men yes, black men as well as white men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check -- a check that will give us upon demand -- the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to to make real the promises of Democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment and to underestimate the determination of the Negro. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to, 'business as usual.' There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.


I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties [and frustrations] of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a [desert] state, sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day down in [the state of] Alabama, with its vicious racists, with it's governor having his lips [presently] dripping with the words of interposition and nullification - one day right there in Alabama [will be transformed into a situation where] - little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls [and walk together] as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith with which I return to the South. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true.

So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.

Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring - and when this happens;

When we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

On April 3rd, 1968 - he delivered his prophetic, 'I've Been to the Mountain Top' speech in Memphis, Tennessee;

It really doesn't matter what happens now.... some began to... talk about the threats that were out -- what would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers.... Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place, but I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over, and I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. And so I'm happy tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.

The following day, Reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was silenced by a sniper's bullet as he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Hotel where he was preparing to lead a march in support of strikinig Memphis sanitation workers.

Saturday, August 27, 2005

When

When I cried, you told me I shouldn't
When it was time to forgive, you couldn't
When it was time to let go, I wouldn't
Now you are gone

Bush vs. Sheehan


Lips are easier to move than hearts
J. Abran

Friday, August 26, 2005

Angel - Sarah McLachlan


Angel
Sarah McLachlan

Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay
There's always some reason
To feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
Oh beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins
Let me be empty
And weightless and maybe,
I'll find some peace tonight

In the arms of the angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here

So tired of the straight line
And everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
And the storm keeps on twisting
You keep on building the lies
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference
Escaping one last time
It's easier to believe in this sweet madness oh
This glorious sadness that brings me to my knees

In the arms of the angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here

You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here

Labels:

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Moron Alert

Does anyone know this pinhead?
Apparently I have gotten this moron's attention - you van check out his site by clicking on the highlighted area - apparently he is trying to muster up support to inundate me with his sophopmoric locker-room variety of patriotism.

Here is a direct quote of his posting on punk.blogspot.com

MMark said...

chris, sorry to use your blog as a launching pad for war, but i need as many as possible to help me sandbag this hippie happy boy's blog. i resited the temptation to just go at it, as i thought a few of us would be much more dramatic.

http://tequilaexpress.blogspot.com/

I am not quite certain how I came to be the object of this creampuff's attention but cowards like this are more effective when they are all running with the pack. Probably Abu Gharib Guards - most likely Lindsay Stark's buddies. According to his blog - it looks like this intellectual giant's name is Mike Hagen - very disturbed boy - not very comforting to know that our country is being defended by zeroes like this chump.

Padre Querido


Padre Querido
Beloved Father

Padre querido te han olvidado
Beloved father you have been forgotten

En las canciones que se han escrito a una madre
In the songs that have been written, devoted to a mother
La madre es buena y tiene carino
The mother is good and she is affectionate

Pero si hay pena no aye que comprende como el padre
But if there is ever a worry, no one understands like the father.

(Coro)
Hoy yo te canto con todo el alma
(Chorus) Today I sing for you with all my soul
Quiero que sepa el mundo entero
I want for the entire world to know

Que sin mi padre,
That without my father,
La vida no vale nada
My life would be worth nothing.

Siempre estas listo para escuchar me
You are always ready to listen to me
Y de tus labios vienen consejos que quitan la pena
And from your lips come words that take away my fears
Le rezas a dios para que me ayude
You pray to God asking that he helps me

Y andando en mal
And if ever I am doing wrong,
No me desprecias y no me condenas
You don’t disparage me and you don’t condemn me

(Coro)

Eres mi padre y eres mi amigo
You are my father and you are my friend
No hay en la vida como un amigo y como el padre
There isn’t anything in life like a friend or a father

Y en ti encuentro a los dos
And in you, I have encountered both.

Ya me despido
Now I will take my leave
‘Adios’ no te digo
And I will not say goodbye
Padre y amigo, padre querido
Father and friend, beloved father
Lo que yo pido es que siempre te bendiga dios
What I do pray for is that God always continues to bless you

Hoy yo te canto con todo el alma
Today I sing for you with all my soul
Quiero que sepa el mundo entero
I want for the entire world to know
Que sin mi padre,
That without my father,
La vida no vale nada
My life would be worth nothing.

Labels:

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Called upon


Lest we revel in our accomplishments there remains work to be done. May we never fail to do what we have been called upon by our creator; to do for our enemies who are far more difficult to embrace because of the hatred that drives our mutual distrust.

J. Abran

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

The Measure of Humanity

The measure of Humanity lies not in what we have acquired or want but in what we have given to those in need.

J. Abran

Monday, August 22, 2005

God Bless You Daddy


The greatest man I have known
The greatest man I will ever know

God bless you Daddy
Rest in Peace

Dance with My Father Again
Luther Vandross

Back when I was a child, before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high and dance with my mother and me and then
Spin me around 'til I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved
If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end

How I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again
When I and my mother would disagree
To get my way, I would run from her to him
He'd make me laugh just to comfort me
Then finally make me do just what my mama said
Later that night when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he would be gone from me
If I could steal one final glance, one final step, one final dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end

'Cause I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again

Sometimes I'd listen outside her door
And I'd hear how my mother cried for him
I pray for her even more than me
I pray for her even more than me
I know I'm praying for much too much
But could you send back the only man she loved
I know you don't do it usually
But dear Lord she's dying
To dance with my father again
Every night I fall asleep and this is all I ever dream

Sunday, August 21, 2005

Justice is Served - Meet the Proud, New Arizona Ranchers - from El Salvador

Three border crossers have been awarded damages including a 70-acre ranch located in Douglas, Arizona. The land owner/vigilante extremist, Casey Nethercott - who is currently serving five years in prison because he was found guilty of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm lost the civil law-suit filed against him by two of the three border crossers that he and his vigilante buddies detained. Blogger, David Niewert over at Orcinus wrote a detailed article about the incident back in September 2004. You can review it here. Nethercott along with two other ranchers who were patrolling the border confronted the three border crossers took it upon themselves to detain the border crossers and give them an 'American' welcome of sorts that included a complimentary pistol whipping for the male.

Nethercott was taken into custody under an Arizona Governor's Warrant issued by Janet Napolitano. He was then extradited to Texas for trial. Curiously however, the Hebronville, Texas jury that convicted Nethercott of the firearms charge was deadlocked on the assault charge.

After Nethercott's criminal trial and sentencing, a civil lawsuit was filed on behalf of Edwin Alfredo Mancia-Gonzales and Fatima del Socorro Leiva-Medina by Morris Dees Jr. - famed attorney and founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center - who represented them as legal counsel. Mancia-Gonzales and Levia-Medina are from El Salvador. The two claimed they were detained against their will and that Nethercott actually pistol-whipped Mancia-Gonzales.

Also named in the lawsuit was Jack Foote, founder of the vigilante group, 'Ranch Rescue' along with Joe & Betty Sutton the ranchers who allowed the Ranch Rescue goon squad to enter their property and attack the El Salvadorans. Joe and who settled for $100,000 in order to get them out of the lawsuit. Neither Nethercott nor Foote represented themselves in court. However, Nethercott attempted to thwart the process by signing ownership of his ranch over to his sister. She quickly relinquished the property after the exchange of ownership was challenged and she faced a lawsuit over the transfer. The Arizona ranch is valued at $120,000.

While the Latin American couple plan to eventually sell the property, they are considering utilizing it as a sanctuary for visitors that might be travelling through the area - what a fitting end for a ranch that Nethercott had converted to a paramilitary training ground for Ranch Rescue vigilantes.

In all, the judgment against Torre Jack Foote was $500,000. This photo is featured on a web site seeking funding for Foote's legal defense. This picture, taken in 2003 identifies the loopy man in military attire and playing 'soldier' as Jack Foote, apparently on 'patrol' in Crestone, Colorado - apparently in search of illegal immigrants. Colorado is 370 miles north of the Mexico-US border.

The aviator gloves combined with the khaki uniform and lack of body armor are a dead give away this yutz is not a real soldier. The Native American teepee in the background also seems ironic considering these extremists don't like indigenous people.

If kooks like Foote and Nethercott weren't so militant - and armed - these dopes might seem as harmless as they are funny. This weekend warrior variety of cowardly chickenhawks finds it far more exhilirating to protect America by chasing phantom illegal aliens high in the Rocky Mountains of the United States over being real, red-blooded American soldiers.

Consider the advantages; it's fun, they get to hang around fellow bigots, it requires no discipline and the odds of developing a blister on their toes is far more desirable than being blown to smithereens - or getting shot at or mamed - in Iraq.

Nethercott's damages were deemed to be $850,000.

Speaking of the half wits who are out terrorizing border-crossers, Dees said, "When we got into this case, ranchers all along the border were allowing these types to come on their property. Now, they're very leery of it, especially when they see someone losing their ranch because of it."

Justice has been served and the bigots lost this one. Maybe this judgment will get the message across to those who consider it their God-given right to beat and terrorize people of color. Hopefully it will serve to curb the welcoming committees' over-zealous efforts to greet border-crossers with weapons and violence. It just goes to show that for those domestic terrorists - who drape themselves in the American flag and forget the minor details in their Constitution - it is never too late for a civics lesson.

Saturday, August 20, 2005

Karl Rove facing the Death Penalty for Treason?

Blogger, Lew Scannon posted something quite interesting that you might want to read. He makes a pretty convincing argument regarding questions of accountability and Karl Rove - but you probably ought ot be the judge of it for yourself.

The following is an excerpt from his post entitled, "Cindy Sheenan Media-Distraction." Now, before you get up in arms because of the post title, give it a read and then see what you think.


"The Bush administration is hoping that this change of title will save traitorous Karl Rove if special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald chooses to go after him using the Intelligence Indentity Protection Act that states if this happened in a time of war and it aids our enemies (since Ms. Plame's operation was involved in monitoring WMD worldwide, it certainly would have aided Saddam Hussein, if he had any WMD) then he has truly committed an act of treason and should be punished.

But, if Mr. Fitzgerald uses US code793 and 794 , Mr. Rove faces life in prison or the death penalty. Considering how Mr. Bush executed more criminals as governor of Texas than any other governor in US history, his refusal to execute Rove (who, still has a job in the White House, even after Bush stated that anyone involved in this treason would no longer be working there) would be just one more act of hypocrisy carried out by the right wing.

Consider this quote(thanks Daily Kos):"If we are going to commit American troops, we must be certain they have a clear mission, an acheivable goal and an exit strategy," Karen Hughes, speaking on behalf of then candidate George W. Bush about Clinton's illegal war in Bosnia."

You see, during Clinton's illegal military excursion, in which no US soldier died, Sean Hannity, who has since told antiwar protestors to dissent quietly said:"Explain to the mothers and fathers of American servicemen that may have to come home in body bags why their son or daughter had to give up their life." Fox News 4/6/99. of course now that his guy's in the White House, I'm sure that Mr. Hannity has changed positions and feels that Bush should not have to explain himself to Ms. Sheehan, such is the rampant hypocricy that runs through the right wing. I believe this is called a flip-flop.

The Highest Functioning Species


Hatred and spitefulness are qualities only manifested in Humans who proclaim themselves as the highest functioning species on the planet. Thank Heaven for flowers.

J. Abran

Friday, August 19, 2005

Two APD Officers Killed


Two Albuquerque officers were killed in the line of duty last night. Their names have not been released but preliminary reports indicate they were both seasoned officers with twenty years of experience each. According to news reports, the man alleged to have shot the officers was being picked up on the request of a Medical Doctor because the man was mentally ill. It appears the police have a suspect in custody.

Every day police officers report for duty, the reality is they may never come home and they know that. Yesterday, the worst tragedy that could happen to the family of a police officer has visited two homes in Albuquerque.

My prayers go out for the officers, their families and all other police who put their lives on the line every day. Being a police officer is a tough job but, they all do it because they want to and they all know the risks. They show up for work anyway. They do it knowing that they may have to pay the ultimate price because to have such a job is a privilege and an honor.

May these officers' deaths serve as a reminder of the solemn duty conferred upon police to uphold the law with integrity. May we all appreciate the grave responsibility that police officers have as they patrol our streets and keep vigil over us all. In honoring their sacrifice this way, we acknowledge these two officers have not died in vain.

Handwriting on the Wall

She said, ‘death is nothing more than changing clothes.’

I wander from room to room searching for the fragrance of her words.
The rooms are empty and all I hear are the echoes of something missed.
Not even her fragrance lingers.
A voice, her voice, our voice has drifted into darkness.

She changed clothes.
How could I have known?

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Jaja goes to School


Well, it is official, my grandson started school today. He is very excited. His reaction to it is much like his Mama's was when she started school; eager to start with little reluctance. This past weekend they went to the store and picked up a brand new Buzz Lightyear backpack and lunchbox combo. His two best friends - Mama and Daddy accompanied him to school on his first day. They are devoted parents and he is blessed to have them both.

He picked out what to wear this morning because he wanted the stripes on his shirt to match his ensemble. He is the only kid who wore a baseball cap today - his favorite. It is his Benny 'The Jet' Rodriguez hat - the heroic character from Jaja's favorite movie, Sandlot.

The boy loves everything baseball. Even at this early age, when other three-year olds are swinging at a stationary ball positioned on a stand, Jaja actually swings at balls that are pitched to him. He knocks the ball over the house all the time. He can field catches and throw the ball pretty awesome as well.

Jaja's eye-hand coordination is incredible at such an early age but then again, he was playing catch with anyone who would play with him even before he could crawl. I suppose this should come as no surprise considering his daddy and uncle both went to college on baseball scholarships. His uncle actually played in the majors for several years.

I could go on and on about what a gifted and talented boy Jaja is but there is no need. I am confident he is destined to leave a big mark on the world despite my abiding admiration for him.

Today is Jaja's day - it marks the beginning of an epic journey that will take him far because today he starts his formal education. While other children less fortunate than my only grandchild will struggle with hunger and all varieties of abuse and neglect, Jaja will enter the sanctuary of education where hopefully, he and his peers will one day help do develop solutions that bring an end to suffering and injustice wherever they find it.

I expect he will go far. Hopefully he and all the other children of the world will endeavor to leave for their children and grandchildren, a planet that is better off than what they received it. I have a tremendous amount of faith in them all


Take a good look at that little face because, like all the other little faces among him, it is the face of our future.

Postscript:

12:27 PM - Jaja just called me and announced, 'Hi Papo! My went to school today! My made a macaroni necklace. My painted pictures and My ate peanut butter and jelly. My am so big today! My didn't even cry."

I couldn't get a word in edgewise. All I could do was listen.

There you have it folks, the very first printed words of your future President. Such humble beginnings for such a great man.

Brazilian Electrician - de Menezes was held down first and then shot in the head

According to the Telegraph, Jean Charles de Menezes, "did not jump the barrier and run," he did not resist and he was being held down when he was shot in the back of the head.
Jean Charles de Menezes lies dead in the Tube train

British Police Officers in London killed the 26 year-old Brazilian Electrician two weeks ago when they mistakenly identified him as a suicide bomber. The article just released today states:

"...Documents and photographs leaked to ITV News also confirmed that Mr de Menezes did not run from the police, as had been reported, had used his Tube pass to enter the station, rather than vault the barrier, and had taken a seat on the train before being grabbed by an officer."

You can read the story in its entirety by either clicking on the title or clicking on the highlighted, bold-faced words in this post.

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Some of My Heroes


Heroes
Paul Overstreet

He drives into the city and works extra hard all day.
He finishes up early so he can get away.
Because there's a blue-eyed kid on second base
who wants Dad to watch him play
Daddy knows he's waiting
so he hurries on his way.


Because you know heroes come in every shape and size
making special sacrifices for others in her lives
No one gives them medals.
The world don't know their names
but in someone's eyes, they're heroes just the same


She rocks her crying baby
in the hours before dawn
She whispers words of hope to help her husband to hold on
She takes time for the children,
making sure they know she cares

She's more then just a Mama.
She's the answer to their prayers .

Because you know heroes come in every shape and size
making special sacrifices for others in their lives
No one gives them medals.
The world don't know their names
but in someone's eyes, they're heroes just the same

Now, I don't pretend to know you
but I bet it's safe to say,
there's someone out there somewhere looking
up to you today
And they see everything you do
Except for you mistakes
You may not think you measure up
but you got all it takes

Because you know heroes come in every shape and size
making special sacrifices for others in her lives
No one gives them medals.
The world don't know their names
but in someone's eyes, they're heroes just the same


No one gives them medals
The world don't know their names

but in someone's eyes, they're heroes just the same
Yeah, in someone's eyes, they're heroes just the same


Talking about heroes....
Special kind of heroes....
No ordinary heroes...


Web 
Counter
PeoplePC Accelerated ISP Access

Powered by Blogger