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MISTER Ware- Given your track record, pal, you are in no position to point fingers at anyone else for being angry, nasty, paranoid or hostile. Unlike you, I don't start fights with other bloggers with unprovoked personal attacks based on nothing. Beyond that, I've better things to do than engage in an ongoing verbal fox-trot with you. Have a nice day. - AIW
It appears the students and the poorer citizens are tired of the actions of their government to suppress changes. It appears the opposition leaders are either in jail or being hunted to be placed under arrest. The inflation rate is about 56% presently, which makes it hard for the everyday citizen to feed their families and take care of basic needs. I guess the oil revenues and the distribution of wealth is not working so well in that country. There is no doubt our CIA is probably fueling the decent among the students and the poor. I believe 18 demonstrators have been killed and the opposition is throwing Molotov cocktails at the federal troops. Kerry said we are considering freezing the assets of some of those linked to the government repression and revoking visas. I do know firsthand, that several naval units are taking Spanish classes and are being trained in jungle warfare. That info came from a relative in our navy that has been training for what appears to be some type of intervention in South America; he could not say anything more in fear of leaking sensitive info. As we all know from the past news releases, the government in Venezuela is not friendly to the American government and we have seen what that usually means. If we look at our past interventions and I was the President of that country, I would start looking for a nice villa in Spain....I am sure he has millions, if not billions stashed away in Zurich!
Ken, we all have our ups and downs, be well.
I have tried to fix the comments on this blog and the damn system keeps doubling up and deleting fixes I have made to my comments. Sorry for the mess, I hope it is somewhat legible. I corrected the names, but it just left the typos. So I am sorry about the mistakes. Typical liberal web site! Just kidding....KW.
Ken, do you know anything about Venezuela?
Before I make any comments concerning Hartmann’s Blog, I would like to answer some comments made concerning my statements about who Hartmann works for on his RT show and about America, our country.
1. Hartmann is a liberal commenter and has a radio program as well as his TV program on RT. The people who pay for his program on his show on RT is the Russian Government, that is factual. That is why there are no commercials sponsoring goods and products as there are on other TV programs. Their commercials are solely about RT and the programs they air, that is factual. I have watched just about every program that air’s on RT and the main theme is what is wrong with America, that is factual.
2. Hartmann’s RT program primarily is, what negative event is happening in America and what we can do to change that. The only positive part of his show is the Good, Bad and ugly. He spends a few minutes on politicians, primarily Democrats, and what positive event they have sponsored or been part of. Please show me where I have said something that is not factual.
3. I stated I would like to hear more positive news for a change instead of what is wrong with America on a constant stream of comments on his show and from people who leave comments.
4. I stated America is a great place to live, compared to Eastern Europe. Can someone please tell me a better place to live and raise your children?
5. I did not say we have the optimum government, that is perfect or that our politicians are not corrupt on some level. Contrarily, I have mentioned what needs to be changed in my opinion and how the wealthy have an upper hand in our political system. I have also stated how only about 50% of the American voters bother to vote in Federal elections. I did not and have not stated I think the CIA is a good organization or that it has not seeded revolution and discord all over the World, it has. I have stated I believe we have a Military to be proud of in general terms (of course they have had their problems with some of the people in the Military) and I am proud to have been part of that organization in war times as well as peace. And, I still contend one of the reasons we have the freedom we now share as American Citizens is in part due to our strong military. That is my personal opinion of one of the factors that have kept us safe, I realize others do not like the military and disagree with me. You have that right to believe what you choose too. I would like to address a couple of statements made by some of the people who comment on this blog.
6. AIW – Just a little heads up for you, the Russian Government does pay Hartmann for airing his program on their RT (Russian Television) signal. I did not say my comments were special nor do I smoke anything for your info. And, yes I do play with my grandson Aiden every chance I get! And, your comments are always loaded with negative comments about anyone who disagrees with you and your pals. You’re so busy putting everything and everybody down you disagree with; you probably do not realize that you get somewhat nasty at times. Kend takes the brunt of the hits from you and your pals, so clean up your own backyard before you start telling someone else what is wrong with theirs. And, yes I have attacked Kend in the past as well.
7. Sully – I think you should either re-read my comments or look up the word Fascist before you start labeling someone. I SAID that America is a great place to live compared to others, I did not read any comments about how great our Government is and how we should support it blindly and that it should rule our every thought and action. I did not label Hartmann as anything other than what he is; a liberal commentator who’s show is paid for on RT by the Russian government and that most of his comments are in fact negative towards most aspects in our country that is not liberal. I did not imply or state anything else than those two facts.
8. Palindromedary – I did not state that Russia is (RED) Communist and I am not trying to bait anyone. Just for your info, Russia is not our friend nor does it have our best interest at heart. They are still pissed off because they in fact lost the longest war we have ever been involved in, the Cold War. They have lost world power and lost Eastern Europe, while we have rushed in and tried to monopolize what they have lost. We have pulled many countries into NATO that were once part of the Soviet Union. Your comments sound as your talking to someone who has not been out there in the World and on the front lines. You my friend see a conspiracy under ever rock and you’re the most paranoid person I have run across. Are we an Imperialist government, yes we are. I did not state that I agreed with all of our political and military moves around the globe, I stated I think America is a great place to live and try Eastern Europe if you think it is a better place to live. And that I have not heard one positive comment from you since I first ventured on this site.
9. I am not trolling any more then the next person on this site that disagrees with the opinions of others that comment here. There is a group on this web site that feels slighted if you disagree with Hartmann or them and resorts to something I use to engage in, labeling and name calling. So for the length of this “rant” I apologize, but the people I have addressed are the angriest and most paranoid people I have run into in many years and I needed to address them and their comments. AIW, try enjoying the love of a new child and the innocence that surrounds them and you might stop being an angry women and you might start to see something positive in this country we call home, as far as Palin, me thinks it is too late to change for you my friend, Sully, get a haircut you Hippie(ha)…Have a good evening to all! KW
Before I make any comments concerning Hartmann’s Blog, I would like to answer some comments made concerning my statements about who Hartmann works for on his RT show and about America, our country.
1. Hartmann is a liberal commenter and has a radio program as well as his TV program on RT. The people who pay for his program on his show on RT is the Russian Government, that is factual. That is why there are no commercials sponsoring goods and products as there are on other TV programs. Their commercials are solely about RT and the programs they air, that is factual. I have watched just about every program that air’s on RT and the main theme is what is wrong with America, that is factual.
2. Hartmann’s RT program primarily is what negative event is happening in America and what we can do to change that. The only positive part of his show is the Good, Bad and ugly. He spends a few minutes on politicians, primarily Democrats, and what positive event they have sponsored or been part of. Please show me where I have said something that is not factual.
3. I stated I would like to hear more positive news for a change instead of what is wrong with America on a constant stream of comments on his show and from people who leave comments.
4. I stated America is a great place to live, compared to Eastern Europe. Can someone please tell me a better place to live and raise your children?
5. I did not say we have the optimum government, that is perfect or that our politicians are not corrupt on some level. Contrarily, I have mentioned what needs to be changed in my opinion and how the wealthy have an upper hand in our political system. I have also stated how only about 50% of the American voters bother to vote in Federal elections. I did not and have not stated I think the CIA is a good organization or that it has not seeded revolution and discord all over the World, it has. I have stated I believe we have a Military to be proud of in general terms (of course they have had their problems with some of the people in the Military) and I am proud to have been part of that organization in war times as well as peace. And, I still contend one of the reasons we have the freedom we now share as American Citizens. That is my personal opinion of one of the factors that have kept us safe, I realize others do not like the military and disagree with me. You have that right to believe what you choose too. I would like to address a couple of statements made by some of the people who comment on this blog.
6. AIW – Just a little heads up for you, the Russian Government does pay Hartmann for airing his program on their RT (Russian Television) signal. I did not say my comments were special nor do I smoke anything for your info. And, yes I do play with my grandson Aiden every chance I get! And, your comments are always loaded with negative comments about anyone who disagrees with you and your pals. You’re so busy putting everything and everybody you disagree with; you probably do not realize that you get somewhat nasty at times. Kend takes the brunt of the hits from you and your pals, so clean up your own backyard before you start telling someone else what is wrong with theirs.
7. Sully – I think you should either re-read my comments or look up the word Fascist before you start labeling someone. I SAID that America is a great place to live compared to others, I did not read any comments about how great our Government is and how we should support it blindly and that it should rule our every thought and action. I did not label Hartmann as anything other than what he is; a liberal commentator who’s show is paid for on RT by the Russian government and that most of his comments are in fact negative towards most aspects in our country
That is not liberal. I did not imply or state anything else than those two facts.
8. Palindromedary – I did not state that Russia is (RED) Communist and I am not trying to bait anyone. Just for your info, Russia is not our friend nor does it have our best interest at heart. They are still pissed off because they in fact lost the longest war we have ever been involved in, the Cold War. They have lost world power and lost Eastern Europe, while we have rushed in and tried to monopolize what they have lost. We have pulled many countries into NATO that were once part of the Soviet Union. Your comments sound as your talking to someone who has not been out there in the World and on the front lines. You my friend see a conspiracy under ever rock and you’re the most paranoid person I have run across. Are we an Imperialist government, yes we are. I did not state that I agreed with all of our political and military moves around the globe, I stated I think America is a great place to live and try Eastern Europe if you think it is a better place to live. And that I have not heard one positive comment from you since I first ventured on this site.
9. I am not trolling any more then the next person on this site that disagrees with the opinions of others that comment here. There is a group on this web site that feels slighted if you disagree with Hartmann or them and resorts to something I use to engage in, labeling and name calling. So for the length of this “rant” I apologize, but the people I have addressed are the angriest and most paranoid people I have run into in many years and I needed to address them and their comments. AIW, try enjoying the love of a new child and the innocence that surrounds them and you might stop being an angry women and you might start to see something positive in this country we call home, as far as Palin, me thinks it is too late to change for you my friend, Scully, get a haircut (ha)…Have a good evening to all! KW
Go git 'em, Mark! Take no prisoners! - AIW
Since we usually learn of US intervention in other countries long after the fact, our (US) media will, no doubt, tell us about what we're up to now in Venezuela in another twenty years. The parallels are striking with our past Chilean adventure. Anyone know a good source on what we're up to currently in Venezuela? My Spanish is not very good and I understand the Venezuelan press is mostly the servant of the wealthy so we probably can't trust their press.
Sorry Kend, don't wanna be nasty but you can't just drop some stuff and skate. Gotta hear the truth. .
Violence mentioned in this thread is a reflection of the times Banksters corporate scandles ect.the poverty drives the madness More people would come to realize the oportunities Democracy offers if JUSTICE was applied to the Industrial War Complex Take back the printing of the currency.mass round up throw the banksters into the for profit jails. Down with the Fascism
5000 Hospitals in 10 years Destroyed in intrerest serving the debt !!One Country alone !wealth the people produce and the very very few take THE 99.8% PAY and PAY This platform is JUST cause for REVOLT
To the .8% May you see the Truth
Hope to spread Hope my friends regards Frac
Kend, you get any of what I said? Your arguments, Kend, would have to be significantly improved just to be specious. You don't think you're gonna just make careless bullshit and then skip out do ya? C'mon, take your medicine.
Good morning and Good day to All
Alice Frac works fine Unnerved is my state of mind do to my awareness so Mr.Unnerved you could say when formally addressing me lol. I"ve been recieving Thom's article for some time.watch RT also. The hand out to counterfitter crooks just set me off. And the Prof. with Tag your It well fine then The World is the only place we know of yet (science fact) We the PEOPLE can Incarnate to Build for the Future we know how to do this... Green and Clean now lets get Mean.. slogan idea
to Quote Alice
"When I say "warrior" I envision someone who couldn't care less about bipartisanship, who concerns himself (or herself) only with the health and stability of this country and all its people." the Center in an alltruisic sence has it's virtue. philosophically speaking of coarse lol.Nader said he votes his conscience as Many do
Peace to All
Marc, I know what kind of violence goes on around the world. But please don't try to minimize the violence across the street, or your trauma at witnessing it, like it's nothing compared to Mexico, Vietnam or Iraq. You're not being kind or fair with yourself. Nobody should have to be targeted by, or even witness to, something like that. It puts you in danger too. People occasionally get shot by bullets piercing walls from the outside. This is serious. I'm not suggesting you dwell on it infinitum or suffer from panic attacks or wallow in chronic depression, but you needn't characterize your response to such an experience as "whiney" or infantile. There'd be something wrong with you if you weren't affected by it.
Yeah hope is wonderful. I haven't felt much of that for a good while. There'll never be a "perfect future" but I'll settle for some major improvements!
Hang in there my friend. Peace be with you... - Alice I.W.
I need this pigeon t-shirt. If it’s not too much trouble give me the items to get it. I will add my images on YouTube and get views on it.
Ostlere
(Buy YouTube Views)
Aliceinwonderland ~ Thanks for your condolences. I find I can't sleep. The police are still outside, and about twenty minutes ago a fire truck arrived to hose the blood off the sidewalk. I've lived here all my life and experienced all kinds of stuff. I've heard the guns go off routinely. This is the first time a shooting has happened this close to home. I guess I always knew it could happen; but, like most things of this caliber, you are never really prepared for the real thing.
Yet, even now I catch myself and think that this is nothing compared to some violence caused by this country in other countries. Think of some of the border states with Mexico where narcotraffickers have caused a huge amount of casualties. All completely unnecessary casualties due to drug trafficking. Think about Iraq and seven stadiums full of innocent blood shed for oil.Think about the innocent life shed by death squads in Nicaragua. Think about entire villages fire bombed in Vietnam. The list goes on and on and on; and, the more I think about it the more I feel like a whining little baby.
Oakland is a lot of things... but it is still the most beautiful city I've ever seen. It is my home and I'm still proud of it. I'm not going to let anything get in the way of my love affair with it. Time to man up and deal with life. Thanks for the shoulder to cry on; and, the kind words. Wish I could go back to bed; but, I'm tired of staring at the ceiling. Maybe after a nice warm cup of milk...
Thanks again for the sympathy. Hopefully no one will have to deal with this ridiculous nonsense in a perfect future. Like you just said a while ago... Hope is wonderful!
I realy want this pigeon tshirt. please provide me the details to get it. I will uploade my picture on instagram and get likes on it.
Blethyn
(Buy Instagram Likes)
Kend, the good times ended just before Bush left office. I mean, they ended some just as he came in but that was a downturn more in the normal range - but he ran that debt and deficit up. It wasn't because of "bad times" that he ran them up. He could've continued to maintain a fiscally responsible policy, i.e., he could've continued with a surplus and to pay down the debt but Republicans always but always, without fail - since Reagan - immediately after taking office, embark on a ploicy of massive deficit spending with a willful attempt to bankrupt the government so they can supplant democratic government with their private tyranny.
Paying off the debt the Republicans ran up in 8 years won't happen in one year's budget. But you want us to try, or the people you shill for do, because that would bankrupt government.
When did Canada stop - or even have - public financing of campaigns? Your system was similar to ours with your limitations on contributions and partial reimbursements. Ours was knocked down by the Supreme Court yours is still going, I couldn't find any mention of any repeal or reduction of reimbursements (Trying to slde another one past us, Kend?) if anything, Kend, the Canadian public wants tighter campaign finance laws.
What you have isn't anything close to publicly funded campaigns. Your federal system was like ours with the federal matching funds.
We had two states, Arizona and Maine, that had real public funding of campaigns until Citizens United and legislators from those states were the only ones who could from their cars to their offices or the capitol chambers in the amount of time it takes to walk from the parking lot. The lobbyists knew not to waste their time with them, the others had to run a gauntlet of lobbyists waylaying them and took at least a half an hour.
What you have and what we had were half assed measures that didn't solve the problem. Maine, Arizona, Western Europe (England, France, Germany) is where you have public financing of campaigns and had in Europe forever. There, an instance of corruption that would hardly be noticed here would be a scandal.
DAnne, I am the last person who would try discouraging Ms. Warren from anything she saw fit to pursue! I never claimed to accept the premise that she should stay in the Senate. I only made fleeting mention of the idea having been articulated from some other source; big difference! Hey, I happen to be a huge fan of Ms. Warren's. That gal could be Queen of the Fucking Universe and it would suit me just fine! So you can relax about that. We're on the same page, buddy...
As to that shooting across the street from your house, you've every right to feel shaken. I'm deeply sorry to hear your neighborhood is plagued with that kind of violence. I've heard other murmerings in previous posts of yours about this, and it grieves me. I'm saddened that you and your wife have had to experience this sort of trauma first-hand. I hope that kid makes it; six to nine gunshot wounds sounds pretty bad. Shit, you folks are living in a war zone!
Oakland is where I grew up, between ages six and seventeen. Even back in the sixties, it wasn't a tranquil environment, socially; I remember the racial tensions from both sides. Far back as I remember, my sympathies were with the black folks.
The year after I left Castlemont High School, they had some scary riots there, and I mean scary. A girl got stabbed to death in the cafeteria one day during lunch hour. Glad I wasn't there to see any of that. During the riots, white students (the minority at Castlemont) had to be smuggled out. Glad I wasn't one of them.
I could share lots of memories about Oakland, but this probably isn't the best time. Hang low, comrade, and stay safe. - AIW
Aliceinwonderland ~ With all due respect to our esteemed Loren Bliss, it will take much more then his credit to discourage an Elizabeth Warren--or for that matter any other respectable contender--in the next presidential election.
Please forgive me. We just had a neighborhood shooting tonight... across the street from our house. We are a bit shaken up. The young victim was shot point blank 6 - 9 times. Fortunately the shots were mostly in the extremities and he will hopefully survive.
I might be flying below the radar for the next few days. Mostly because my computer is below the front window. The best of wishes to you all. Godspeed!
Marc, as to the question of Elizabeth Warren's effectiveness as senator compared with president or vice-prez, I was reluctant to dismiss the idea entirely due to the source. It was our highly esteemed Loren Bliss quoting a friend or acquaintence whose opinion he apparently respects enough to not dismiss so quickly. If I recall, Loren wasn't entirely sold on the idea, although he was giving it some thought. For what it's worth...
Fractionally Unnerved- lazy typist that I am, would you mind if I address you from now on with a shorter version of that blog name?
I've considered maybe "FU", altho I'll confess to having encountered a couple of speed bumps somewhere along that trail of thought. One point of hesitation for me is my ongoing dissing of acronyms, which I genuinely hate, philosophically as well as aesthetically; also because I find it a hassle keeping track of them all. (Not to mention my aversion to the sort of hypocrisy this could exemplify...) The other drawback to this option is that "FU" kinda sounds like... well, you know.... So how about "Unnerved" instead? Seems a fair compromise, unless you object.
As to Ralph Nader as Secretary of State... YES! By all means, YES! I become giddy at the very thought. We need progressives with teeth, goddamit! We need warriors, not wimps; we need progressive leadership aggressive enough to fight for an agenda that benefits us and this entire country, not just a pampered few.
Of course when I say "warriors" I don't mean rambo types with weapons; I'm talking about the kind of president hated by oligarch fascists, who "welcomes their hatred" (as Rooseveldt once gloated). I'm talking about a president who wouldn't dream of sanctioning such freak-show horrors as indefinite detention without charge or trial, or fast-tracking the Trans Pacific Pirate Ship, or murder-by-drone! I'm talking about the kind of president who knows who he's working for, someone who will fight tooth-and-nail to take back the commons these fascists have stolen from us; our healthcare system, our schools, our media and our government! When I say "warrior" I envision someone who couldn't care less about bipartisanship, who concerns himself (or herself) only with the health and stability of this country and all its people.
Some people say it's hopeless, that Bernie will just get corrupted like all the others, or assassinated if he isn't. While I can't dismiss concerns about safety, I've no apprehensions about the strength of Bernie's character. I would be hard-pressed to write a very long list of politicians as corruption-proof as Bernie Sanders. If I ever got that cynical, it'd be like some sort of living death. So I'll never get that cynical. Despite all the evil and tyranny and mind-numbing corruption we've had to endure and all the betrayals, I still believe there are a few uncorruptible souls who are not greedy, who aren't seduced by the trappings of wealth and power, who are all about "we" not "me" in their strivings and struggles. Bernie Sanders is one of those rare politicians I can trust to fight for us like a pit bull who hunkers down and won't let go. This is a leader who will never betray us. - Aliceinwonderland
P.S. Unnerved- By the way, I'm no science fiction buff but I love ole Yoda. I keep a figurine of Yoda in one of our glass display cases.
Hello Aliceinwonderland "although at age 80, Nader might be less apt to accept such an honor than he would have been, say, ten or twenty years ago." ' how does Ralf Nader for Secretary of State sound?Global influence so renown for Integrity! just a thought for this forum, a legacy post . would have made a great prez ol Nader
to quote master yoda "much to learn yes much to learn " now back to how to use that quote [ ] "opinions very similar to ours"
yes indeed
Aliceinwonderland ~ I'm sure you've heard that... I'm also sure you've heard "Jack and Jill went up a hill to fetch a pail of water;" and, that "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall..."; nevertheless, we are only limited by the glass ceiling of our own imagination. Let us not be our own worse enemy.
Marc- I was still writing my last response to Palin when your posts appeared. And I've had the same thoughts. Those nay-sayers don't come across like readers of The Nation, who tend to be highly educated as well as having opinions very similar to ours. These Bernie-bashing bloggers sound like the same run-of-the-mill, macho, cocky little creeps I've encountered on many blogs already. I'm familiar with their talking points and flip, sound-byte answers to everything, along with the cheesy, thinly-veiled insults and sophomoric demeanor that are their trademark.
I am determined to keep up the fight against this crusade of theirs. Never underestimate the power of the pen, dear comrades! For decades, it has been my weapon of choice. And let me remind all our friends out there who might be inclined to do the same. We can't let 'em get away with this! Maybe I should try passing along that link Palin availed us, about tactics the sleaze bags will use to silence us online.
Bernie Sanders is a highly savvy politician who nurses no illusions about what he's up against. I'm confident his campaign will be the smartest one possible. I am eternally grateful to Thom for all the exposure he's given Bernie; also for the platform availed him by YouTube. Yet as I interact with progressives around here, I'm taken back by how few of them are even familiar with Senator Sanders. Many progressives are not in the habit of tapping into superior alternative media sources such as I rely on habitually, which is a terrible shame. I'd bet anything the corporate fascist so-called "media" will give Bernie's candidacy no coverage at all, except maybe occasionally, but only in a negative or dismissive tone.
I've heard it said that Elizabeth Warren is in her most effective position as congresswoman. Even if there's some truth to that, I've no doubt she and Bernie would make a real "dream team". If there is anything I can guarantee at this juncture, Marc, it would be that whoever Bernie chooses for a running mate will be no Sarah Palin! (Yuk-Yuk!) Seriously, just having Bernie's discretion in that decision virtually guarantees us a "dream team" no mater who he picks. Nader or Kucinich come to mind… although at age 80, Nader might be less apt to accept such an honor than he would have been, say, ten or twenty years ago.
Ahhh hope... ain't it sweet! Thank you Bernie! Ohhh thank you thank you thank you! - Aliceinwonderland
I think Bernie Sanders is the oligarchs' worst nightmare. I might even get back on that blog under The Nation's article (John Nichole's inverview of Bernie) to remind people of that; also to caution them about the nay-sayers, who should be taken with no more than the proverbial "grain of salt". - AIW