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Thom, you convinced me to send another donation to the Heritage Foundation.
I hope that if any good can come from the IRS scandal, that the intentional revamping of the wording by the IRS in 1959 that changed the wording for a 501 C4 tax exempt status as reading that tax exemption is granted exclusively for social welfare to in 1959 reading primarily for social welfare. These two words have totally different connotations imagine telling your spouse that you were no longer going to be exclusive but that they will be your primary partner. This wording was changed under Eisenhower without the consent of Congress. The ambiguity of the wording could have caused a lot of misconceptions regarding who actually qualifies for tax exempt status. Under the old wording I don't believe any political organization would be tax exempt, because PACs are not social welfare organizations. I hope that we go back to the original wording and that no PACs will be granted tax exemption, nor donors allowed to make anonymous donations.
Next election, dont vote for anyone beholden to special interest groups. In other words, dont vote for anyone. They should ALL be executed for treason.
AGEBEL, you said it very well !
Yes YES YES !!! We are sick of DO NOTHING Congress!
There are a myriad of problems that need solving but nothing will happen unless all this bite backing stops and Congress gets down to doing the PEOPLE's work.
There is nothing to recover from. But the republicans will not let go of anything.
Any sane person will will realize what is being done when they are being bombparded with Bengazi, IRS, AP, and now Umbrellagate. But since the Obama haters are not sane, they do not need any logic behind the scandals.
Fortunately they are in the minority, unfortunately due to jury mandering, money and spineless democratics they are in control.
"Criminalize The Reckless Operation Of Corporations"
Note the comments after the photo of the Donner Party Dinner Table of Corporate Psychopaths at
https://plus.google.com/u/0/111485701979929741583/posts/RySn3bCZXvf
"It isn't just the corporations.
It is more of a cumulative manifestation of our individual greed
A censored fact: The now retired district attorney Michael McCann
that convicted Jeffrey Dahmer had also charged ten corporations
with reckless homicide. And won every case. (Reference 162)
How Michael McCann dd that is now included and linked in at
a work in progress titled; red collar crime american roulette | toxicrevelations
This may be a bit off topic; but not by much. It is a response to a very good question posed by MMmmNACHOS on last fridays blog. It is about our "American Culture."
Yes, MMmmNACHOS, thanks for asking! The modern "American Culture" is perhaps the most unique culture in the history of the world. It has evolved over the last half century and is based solely on the fantasy world of commercial media. Unlike any other culture in history, the "American Culture"--and I use "quotes" to indicate that it is more of a myth than a reality--has no right to claim any natural ability to function in the real world. You see, our beloved culture is based on commercial sponsorship of scripted, 'fictional' accounts of people interacting in various public media intended soley to sell consumer products, services, and move merchandise. In fact, it is our commercial "American Culture" that is one of the biggest contributing factors to our national debt; as well as, all our other serious social problems--such as violence, drug addiction, sex addiction, eating disorders, juvenile delinquency, domestic abuse, crime, and poor education just to name a few.
The pure definition of culture is the total lifeways of a people. Cultures develop over long periods of time--usually many generations--where the successes and failures of the previous generation are the main factors that sculpt the cultures of the following generations. Cultures continually evolve over time. The "American Culture" has never had an opportunity to develop naturally. It is thoroughly corrupted by the commercial influences of modern media; which, poison the minds of the members of the society. For instance, the narcissistic tendencies Global previously attributed to Roe vs Wade, are actually the direct result of these commercial influences on our society.
Since the 1950's anything this country ever had based on a real developing culture has been erased by the corporate media through an artificial, scripted commercial culture that by design is intended only to move goods and sell services. This is the real reason that our culture is in decay--it was artificially designed for commercial purposes and never allowed to develop naturally for real life purposes. Successful natural cultures like the American Indians, or almost any other societies in the world function because they have developed naturally and have passed the test of time. However, they too are in danger of being erased and replaced with the artificial commercial culture we call the "American Culture." This would be a shame because one's real culture is indeed the most valuable thing they possess. It is priceless! A terrible thing to sacrifice for greed.
Immigrants are another example. Most immigrants to the US don't realize the sacrifice they are making when they come here and trade their culture for a quick profit. In most cases they won't realize what they sacrificed until their grandchildren are in high school. That is when the true results of a lack of culture is revealed. Though the immigrant grandparents may realize there is a problem, they may never be able to accurately identify it. They simply accept it and wonder why their grandchildren can't understand them, have so many petty problems, don't have their ambition, and can't work as hard as they did. I wouldn't be surprised if they too blamed their problems on the "liberal agenda", or "the conservative agenda," or Roe vs Wade, or anything other than the real problem--our severely defective, commercialized "American Culture." The commercial media is very effective at misdirecting blame for the problems they create.
In short, there is no one ideology or point of view that is completely to blame for this phenomenon. All share some blame--some a bit more than others. However, the real entity to blame is the Corporate Industrial Marketplace. Since this is run mostly by rich, right-wing "Conservatives," who love to profit and hate to contribute, they can take most of the credit. However, it does take two to tango! Perhaps a little education might help us all out of this cultural abyss we've allowed to be dug for us--before it's too late and real cultures are extinct in the world. Oh, what evils has "Idolatry" wrought upon humanity!? Money should be used to serve a culture, not to replace it.
Some resources:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-does-the-media-affect-our-culture.html
http://www.wheelock.edu/academics/professional-development-opportunities/professional-development-institutes-conferences-and-workshops/media-madness
http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/5832_Chapter_6_Croteau_Page_Proofs_3.pdf
Do not forget the agenda that the GOP will come up with. This agenda consists of the policies that Mitt delineated. A tax holiday for the money made overseas, the elimination of the estate tax, and a lowering of the capital gains tax are the three I remember. I think Obama said there were 5.
Yes, MMmmNACHOS, thanks for asking! The modern "American Culture" is perhaps the most unique culture in the history of the world. It has evolved over the last half century and is based solely on the fantasy world of commercial media. Unlike any other culture in history, the "American Culture"--and I use "quotes" to indicate that it is more of a myth than a reality--has no right to claim any natural ability to function in the real world. You see, our beloved culture is based on commercial sponsorship of scripted, 'fictional' accounts of people interacting in various public media intended soley to sell consumer products, services, and move merchandise. In fact, it is our commercial "American Culture" that is one of the biggest contributing factors to our national debt; as well as, all our other serious social problems--such as violence, drug addiction, sex addiction, eating disorders, juvenile delinquency, domestic abuse, crime, and poor education just to name a few.
The pure definition of culture is the total lifeways of a people. Cultures develop over long periods of time--usually many generations--where the successes and failures of the previous generation are the main factors that sculpt the cultures of the following generations. Cultures continually evolve over time. The "American Culture" has never had an opportunity to develop naturally. It is thoroughly corrupted by the commercial influences of modern media; which, poison the minds of the members of the society. For instance, the narcissistic tendencies Global previously attributed to Roe vs Wade, are actually the direct result of these commercial influences on our society.
Since the 1950's anything this country ever had based on a real developing culture has been erased by the corporate media through an artificial, scripted commercial culture that by design is intended only to move goods and sell services. This is the real reason that our culture is in decay--it was artificially designed for commercial purposes and never allowed to develop naturally for real life purposes. Successful natural cultures like the American Indians, or almost any other societies in the world function because they have developed naturally and have passed the test of time. However, they too are in danger of being erased and replaced with the artificial commercial culture we call the "American Culture." This would be a shame because one's real culture is indeed the most valuable thing they possess. It is priceless! A terrible thing to sacrifice for greed.
Immigrants are another example. Most immigrants to the US don't realize the sacrifice they are making when they come here and trade their culture for a quick profit. In most cases they won't realize what they sacrificed until their grandchildren are in high school. That is when the true results of a lack of culture is revealed. Though the immigrant grandparents may realize there is a problem, they may never be able to accurately identify it. They simply accept it and wonder why their grandchildren can't understand them, have so many petty problems, don't have their ambition, and can't work as hard as they did. I wouldn't be surprised if they too blamed their problems on the "liberal agenda", or "the conservative agenda," or Roe vs Wade, or anything other than the real problem--our severely defective, commercialized "American Culture." The commercial media is very effective at misdirecting blame for the problems they create.
In short, there is no one ideology or point of view that is completely to blame for this phenomenon. All share some blame--some a bit more than others. However, the real entity to blame is the Corporate Industrial Marketplace. Since this is run mostly by rich, right-wing "Conservatives," who love to profit and hate to contribute, they can take most of the credit. However, it does take two to tango! Perhaps a little education might help us all out of this cultural abyss we've allowed to be dug for us--before it's too late and real cultures are extinct in the world. Oh, what evils has "Idolatry" wrought upon humanity!? Money should be used to serve a culture, not to replace it.
Some resources:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-does-the-media-affect-our-culture.html
http://www.wheelock.edu/academics/professional-development-opportunities/professional-development-institutes-conferences-and-workshops/media-madness
http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/5832_Chapter_6_Croteau_Page_Proofs_3.pdf
Apparently the only way to get anything of any value done is to elect a GOP exec and a GOP legislature and allow a GOP judiciary. Apparently all other efforts Other wise are to be regarded as Other ------- not---------- Wise unless the GOP is in full control of and takes credit for all effort toward the Other Wise, beneficial or not. Amazing ! Add $$$$ into to the picture and all thats left is to attempt to survive and witness what the < if > they come up with next ?
Thom, Buddhism, as I understand it, takes no position on the existence of a supreme being.
Youthful enthusiasm!?!?Thank you for the compliment GLOBAL;)
GLOBAL said; "You and I are not that different except in the philosophy of how do we evolve as a society to a better place...You and I both realize that our 'AMERICAN' culture is decaying to the point of apathy and I must say that I think the liberal agenda is contributing to our demise."
***["American Culture" thats an interesting topic. Can you or anyone else explain it's roots?]***
I digress...
Yes we do agree that there is a problem that needs addressing. Everyone on this blog, as a collective, realizes that we can't keep going the same couse of the last 40 years. And just as I do not always agree with extreme measures from the Right I am just as critical of extreme measures from the Left as the end to our countries issues. To put all the blame on the "liberal agenda", as you and say Glenn Beck do, is arrogant and foolish. Any agenda - Left or Right - that is narrow in scope will have gross adverse affects on society and keep us from moving beyond the social and economic issues that have become devistating to EVERY AMERICAN CITIZEN, rich or poor, old or young, etc. WE NEED TO STOP MAKING EVERYTHING A POLITICAL ISSUE...It dumbs us down and cheapens life!!!
Look my friend "this" Democratic system (philosophy), as we know it, is only 235 years old, and though I agree with its foundation, I don't think it is the "end all be all" way of LIVING & SUSTAINING LIFE. Yes I am fully supportive of protecting certain principles such as Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness from any government that becomes destructive of those ends, but I do not get behind any parties political agenda (Left or Right) whoes primary focus is about making a profit by an any means necessary...Especially when it encourages economic hostility and violent measures against humans, which is you and I and "those people".
I respect and value life...ALL OF LIFE above everything else, especially money. Oh don't get me wrong, I am not so sophmoric that I am delusional regarding a monetary system; such systems have excisted through out history, true different forms, but for the most part the priniciples are the same...HOWEVER, I feel that knowing the the Value of something is equally important as knowing the Price. In my oppinion, we - as a culture; an American Culture - have lost our way when it comes to not just knowing "value", but what we value...and We are paying a heavy price!
Kend
Sorry!
Go live somewhere where you don't have to give dollars to anyone
But, sadly you won't be able to get a job
Be happy you got money man and are eable to pay for the benefit of what taxes are supposed to provide nations and commuity with
If you don't like what governement and community do with your tax money USE YOUR VOTE
Or, become an activist
Stop moaning!
Nachos, no time tonight to comment on your post other than to say a lot of what you say I agree with. I will ignore your personal insults and name calling as just frustration and youthful enthusiasm. You and I are not that different except in the philosophy of how do we evolve as a society to a better place. You like Thom Hartmann believe it is through the collective and big government where I believe in the individual and the freedom to make within the rule of law. You and I both realize that our American culture is decaying to the point off apathy and I must say that I think the liberal agenda is contributing to our demise. Good night.
Good one Ken! Don't forget the "hypocrite union hating President Reagan." You should mention that he himself was once the President of the Screen Actor's Union. If it takes one to know one, President Reagan must have hated himself. Ha! He wouldn't be alone.
mega -- I love your observaton of the media
Oh kisses and hugs...you BIG round rock. ;)
Now will you respond directly to my post? You do realize that I am not trying to be bombastic...Yes?
...and I do appreciate you. xoxo
After reading the comments by DAM and others, I now realize why I have stayed away from Hartmann's blog. It is difficult to be civil when the comments are nothing more than attacks on each other and not about the blog being discussed. It would be difficult for me to not verbally attack DAM and Kend after reading their comments. So for today I will just read with a smile on my face. Have a good day; I am headed for the beach with my daughter and my "about" to be born grandson. Keep up the attacks, it is amusing. It is good to know you do not need my antagonism to go at it! K.W. P.S. The Labor Unions were the last chance American workers had at having a halfway decent standard of living and a way to afford to take care of a family and their medical needs. The workers were never corrupt, just a few of the administrators on the top. Like all organizations, the Unions had a few bad seeds, but it was mostly, just people working hard to make a buck and support a family in the middleclass, an economical class that is rapidly fading from the American picture thanks to the CONservatives in Washington and the wealthy who will never have enough money in their minds. It is a myth that union haters have spread among their ranks that you cannot fire a union worker and they make more than they are worth. And, for anyone to state that the Unions were so corrupt they brought about their own down fall, reveals a person who knows very little about Unions and the good they have (had) brought to the America worker! Republicans and GREED brought about the down fall of the American Unions. It started with Reagan and the controllers he fired and he brought in the Air Force controllers while they trained new non- union air traffic controllers to replace the people that were fired by the union hating President Reagan. When I was younger and a Union worker, there are white-collar unions, I worked hard because I received a decent wage, (nothing to brag about) and the "boss" demanded hard work for a living wage. Time to smell some sea air before I get started on this damn blog and end up angry at some of the idiots who comment here. I guess I fall into that category for making a personal comment as well! I realize the NLRB has nothing to do with the Unions, I just wanted to add my two cents into the conversation about labor and the Republicans! Old habits are hard to break.
Kend is not heartless when it comes to single mothers and their children (and his taxes), he has a mechanical pump that has replaced his human(ity) heart! Damn, there I go again....
Reverence of Life ~ I hear this term thrown around like it actually has any real meaning to the people who use it. The same people who attack contraceptives and abortion love to use this term to protect everything from the sperm to the fetus; yet, when the child is born it becomes an entitled entity to be despised.
The same people who stand behind this "Reverence of Life" empty talking point support launching Tomahawk Cruise Missiles into innocent villages to protect our countries "National Interests." "Kill them all and let God sort them out." Now isn't that a wonderful example of "Reverence of Life?" As far as I can see, what these hypocrites really mean when they say "Reverence of Life" is reverence of material possessions and controlling woman's reproductive functions and the ability to create life. There is no "Reverence of Life" for any of the millions of innocent war casualties inflicted by this nation or for any of the unwanted out-of-wedlock children that are currently suffering as a consequence of the agenda of the "Reverence of Life" crowd.
It is exactly this type of unbridled hypocrisy that is ruining the very essence of the true definition of "Reverence of Life." This "Conservative," "Fundamentalist,"and "Evangelical" group behind this popular talking point is directly responsible for all the depravity and irresponsibility in this country that threatens the real "Reverence of Life." Like the true hypocrites that they are, they then turn around, find the weakest victim of their pillage, and blame them for all the problems they have caused. Disgusting! The only thing these "people" really revere is money!
Could you provide a link or the name of the article and who wrote it please.
What? Oh, I see. A question mark at the end. You are being facetious. Good point, my friend!
On Friday, a caller said that "we should reduce the work-week to 6-hour days" to ensure full employment.
One thing that you, Thom, might not realize is that very rarely in this country among professional employed is even an 8-hour day recognized. I graduated from college in 1988 and since then every employer has required 60 - 80 hour weeks, for which I am payed 40 hours. Then to add insult to injury, now all the professional jobs in our area are being filled with H1B visa peopl from other countries around the world.
Would that we could require employers to PAY OVERTIME for the 60 and 80 hour work-weeks, then it would become cheaper to employee more people and have full employment, all which actually is better for our country and economy.
Global ~ Thanks for the generous hand-out, brother. May God Bless you!
Come on Nachos, show some respect. That is no way to talk to someone who is going to be paying for your healthcare next year. We are all in this to help you out and make it easier for you to sleep at night. A simple thank you will suffice. Peace and love brother.