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Hey, AliceinWonderland, check out Oliver Stone's docu-film The Secret History of the United States where he actually talks about Kennedy and his foreign policy. Basically, Stone points out that both JFK and RFK knew how bad 'Nam was and were going to get out, however he was killed before he could do it. This film is in 10 1 hour episodes so you want to be sure to look for the right one. There is also a companion 800 page book written with the American University historian Peter Kuznick. It covers the period from the Spanish American War until today whereas the film begins with WWII and ends through the end of Obama's first administration. I saw most of the film and can say I thought it was definitely worth watching. It originally aired on Showtime, but maybe you can see it online after a google search. The film really sheds alot of light on what most people don't know about America's long Imperial foreign policies. It also offers some insight into how World History might have been different if Henry Wallace had been chosen as FDR's running mate instead of Truman. Big Ups to Henry Wallace! You can also see an interview about the film and book by Amy Goodman on DemocracyNow.org. Anyway, you might have a little better opinion of Kennedy after you see that part of the film, though it's okay if you don't. Okay, thanks for reading. Peace.
That's always best ALICEINWONDERLAND! (Not that you need my validation).
...and not that your's and my vote for our absolute favorite candidate will matter - except on our conscience - since the "real" owners of this country don't care about you & I or our humain & educated ideology.
All the owners of this country want is "obedient workers"; those smart enough to run the machines and process the paper work, and dumb enough to passabley accept increasingly shitty jobs. Jobs that offer no future, low pay, long hours w/out overtime, and reduced benefits (if any at all).
And if any of us step out of line - individually or collectively - we will be vaporized!
Jeez Thom... I agree with both statements! Could've chosen one blindfolded.
Question; Why Drones?
Two part answer;
First, More and more people are voicing their disapproval for our Corporate Government's corrupt & violent actions, both here and abroad; including those in the military and their families.
The "owners" of this country know this and have found a way to replace the once "proud flag waving obedient patriot" who would line up and do the owners dirty bidding without thought or comment.
Second answer to; Why Drones?
Control.
Faceless Unconscience Control through Kink. Yep that spells F.U.C.K. Which is what we all are Fucked!
Green_TZM says "I pledge allegiance to the CONSTITUTION..." Yep! That's where my allegiance is too. Right on! - Alice I.W.
Mr. Lunn, it sounds like our taste in reading material is very similar. I've read several of Noam Chomsky's books and have long since ditched any naiivete (sp?) I ever had about JFK. I've also read Smedley Butler's classic, War Is A Racket, and am a big fan of Greg Palast. Those guys rock.
Truth to power! - Alice I.W.
Jazzjoy says "I would rather have drones than watch another 'Shock and Awe' attack someplace."
Really! Long as it ain't YOU living in the attack zone, taking the brunt of it all. Try watching Democracy Now instead of CNN or FOX... You sound like you could use a good stiff dose of unsanitized reality. - Alice I.W.
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Historywriter says "It's about empire." I agree, absolutely. But let me add that nobody should "take over"; certainly not us, as our "leaders" have demonstrated time and again. Indeed, power corrupts. Everyone worldwide has skin in the game and we all need representation as well as protection from the sort of evil this American Empire has come to represent. Too much power in too few hands is a recipe for disaster. This is perhaps the most important lesson history can teach us.
I often wonder about our so-called "original values". Look what was done to the true Natives who were here first, preceding us in some cases by tens of thousands of years... and look at slavery! What original values? At the time the Constitution was written, the indigenous natives on this land were being systematically wiped out while slavery was a booming business. America's shit stinks now as it did in the "good ole days". it's enough to make me wonder if those "good ole days" ever were. I think we've reached another point in time where more of us are compelled to take inventory. I don't like what I see, and know I'm in good company.
Obama the constitutional lawyer, deciding who lives or dies without due process?! I can't get over how obscene it is.
I don't apologize for giving Obama my vote a second time, although I deeply regret it now. It's not the first time I've felt betrayed by a president I helped put in office. I feel so duped! I regretted voting for Clinton too. Neither of these men have my respect, now that I've seen them in action. (In Clinton's case it had to do with stuff like NAAFTA; his infidelities are irrelevant.) At any rate, I've learned the lesson folks. My days of compromising are over. I'm all compromised out. From here on, my favorite candidate gets my vote... No exceptions.
It was interesting to reflect on the political point of view about the Islam jihad toward America. In the elected circles our president specifically said America is not at war with Islam.
But, America releases Drones to seek out individuals that are anti-American, likely anti Judeo-Christian, that are preparing some form of terrorism, such as a mass murder anywhere in America. Or in all likely hood creating the effect through an economic environment that encourages desperate Americans to join their effort. This accumulated traumatic stress destabilizes or produces chaos physiologically through the media. They know it.
Americans now are given assurance these Trolls fill every criteria in this regard. Our Intelligence, coupled by our leadership believes is necessary to dispose of them in a convenient way. Ironically again one of the best Wahhabi Gaussian Bunker Banker driven political incentives ever devised.
Via investments groups that are perhaps not just Citi group largely owned by the Wahhabi, but also Canary Island postal addresses.
However, from my view this method to take out an enemy does look un-American and very Nazi. With that said, America is no better than the Nazi who medically tortured people during world war ll. Only the American Drones just fall out of the sky like manna from heaven. Here we have perhaps the perfect anti-Christian anti Jew formula to perpetuate a long struggle. Here, America offers a system wide open to be able to be used against it.
For me, it’s interesting how the word Troll is used on the Internet. Unaware of my own actions my messages might seem to appear as Trolling. Yet I believe in God and support Israel. This makes me an Infidel, right along with perhaps the large portion of America.
What is not Christian by one European Definition is the Troll. Now what does that have to do with Drone theory?
Drones could be thought of as Troll seekers.
It is interesting that the Wiki definition of a non-Christian, Troll, from Old Norse sources, are beings described as trolls dwell in isolated rocks, mountains, or caves, live together in small family units, and are rarely helpful to human beings. Many could say Osama Bin Laden filled that definitionof cave dwellers that is not Christian, but believes in God in another way.
It all point to the first Amendment and is contrary to Islam they cannot tolerate any other religion. Here America’s basic Constitution first Amendment supports all, any types of believes which like seems crazy to Islam, therefore justified destroying.
From my view the Jihad paradox is where innocents destroy itself for lunatics to maintain power. That’s why secrets are not always a national security reason of good for all the citizens but the problem for the citizen. Sound familiar. It should it’s the Reagan pitch about government being the problem.
Secret drone base in Saudi Arabia just across the border from Yemen and from where many drone strikes into Yemen was launched. Map and lots of great pictures.
http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/02/secret-drone-base-2/?pid=1808
It's about empire. I think it's time we became a 2nd rate state and let someone else take over for a change. Well, maybe not. It's time we stopped our bullying and grabbiness and unconstitutional acts and behaved according to our original values.
The Constitution! The President is horrible on civil liberties!
The confirmation hearings seemed scripted. So what else is new? Brennen avoided direct answers and the whole business seemed like a lot of the same ol' nonsense. Obviously few on capital hill seem to give a hang about anything other than who's lining their pockets, the war/industrial bunch among others. I really think the USA has made its point that we're the toughest kid on the block and can wipe out anyone we want. The problem, similar to that of ancient Rome, after conquering everyone and anyone within reach, everyone wanted to sack Rome and eventually just about everyone did. As we fail to bolster our middle class and economy, and focus on messing with the rest of the world, are we setting ourselves up to be an eventual target of the world? Let us find the wisdom to learn from history, and turn things around.
On another note: thanks for having Sen. Bernie Sanders on. He's refreshing and genuine. Wish we had 60 or so more senators like him and just as outspoken.
JohnLemessurier: Good points. I might submit that we wage war against the the rest of the world to secure their natural resources for the profit of our corporate bosses. Why they wage war against us, I might imagine is in self defense.
You are more than right, "it is not just about drones!" I might submit this is about our founding principles of Government. Do we honor due process or do we circumnavigate our Constitution. The answer is obvious, We the People must follow the basic tenants of our Constitution. Anything else is a recipe for disaster!
The current intense discussions of whether drones should be used to wage war against foreign terrorists abroad, or against American terrorists abroad, or against foreign terrorists not abroad, or against American terrorists not abroad, yadda, yadda, yadda, are just another ploy to divert our attention from the real issues:
#1. WHY are we waging war against the rest of the world in the first place?
and...
#2. WHY are they waging war against us??!!??
Think about it. It is not just about drones!
Yes mimarshal! An excellent observation and comparison. The main theme of the plot of that episode as I remember it was that by making war easy, clean, and removing the physical element, war was also made indefinitely sustainable. If I remember correctly, the situation was bread into the current generations on these planets to such a degree that it became a part of acceptable lifestyle. People accepted their fates in exchange for living in a technologically advanced society without question. Great point you've made! If I understand your reasoning, you are suggesting we resolve this issue in our lifetimes so that future generations are not brought up thinking that this behavior is an acceptable part of life. If so, excellent reasoning!
That's obviously a trick question...
Obama is not a constitutionally elected president, he's the president of THE UNITED STATES, a multinational CORPORATION for profit, no different than president of Microsoft or Sears.
To support the de facto "constitution, which is corporately colored fiction, is to support your own demise.
The original constitution was replaced hundreds of years ago.
The solution?
OPPT-IN http://OPPT-IN.com then...OPPT-OUT.
Elections have consequences.
Predictable Obamanable policies were the consequence of the 2008 election.
Predictably, again, even more Obamanable policies will be the consequence of the 2012 reelection.
"In recent years, the fascism this nation has visited upon others for so long has gone out of
fashion. Itʼs become unpopular... giving hope that we might become a better nation, a better
people. My fear is that the American Idol candidate (Obama), much like Kennedy, will make
fascism fashionable again."
— David J. Cyr, in a proxy POTUS debate at SUNY-Delhi. on 10/29/2008
Yes, as I warned then, (D)evil devoted liberal voters have made fascism fashionable again.
Nothing moves America on further into the Right than getting more Democrats elected does.
Voter Consent Wastes Dissent:
http://chenangogreens.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id...
This whole drone thing reminds me of the Star Trek episode in which Kirk undertakes to subvert the interplanetary agreement that sends citizens of two worlds to their deaths as a civilized advancement of the barbarity of war. We've moved from spears and cudgels through bows, firearms, airplanes and guided missiles to stay-at-home soldiers who rain death on unsuspecting civilians half a world away. How soon will we move to death chambers, to await a future Captain Kirk who will re-educate us as to "the glories of war."
Look folks, drones are here to stay. I suggest we think of home uses for them: hover over your children instead of a gun in enery classroom, walk the dog, follow an errant mate, replace the neighborhood watch club, watch tne neighbors.
Serioussly I would rather have drones than watch another " Shock and Awe" attack someplace.
I'm reading Noam Chomsky's newest book (interviews about, essentially, the global situation) and he said that John Kennedy was actually a hawk. His decisions got us into a senseless war. Yet we don't think of Kennedy that way. I'm a big fan of RFK, Jr. whose commentaries with Greg Palast indicate that he is a voice (like Thom) who gets it.
Obama inherited the Bush wars, and it is a convoluted mess. Our war machine is more than just our government but the apparatus of the financial and trans-national hyper-wealthy. One big factor in the nations around Afghanistan is pipelines and the coming global shift to natural gas. Chomsky says we have to have victory in Afghanistan because of its strategic location. I would expect drone escalation.
"War is a racket. The few profit, the many pay." -- Major General Smedley Butler, Medal of Honor winner
You may be interested to read my blog post, Green_TZM. The single-member district leaves almost half the people without a person to represent them both geographically and ideologically. There's a better way, or at least there could be; I don't know of any government that uses my idea.
IDEA FROM JIM MUELLER
In discussions of Choice of Representation, we use the term Representative Denied Office (RDO) for those people who have run for office, received votes and have been denied the opportunity to effectively represent the people who voted for them. The RPO’s (Representatives Permitted Office) are sworn in.
Forced Representation
In our relatively free market system people obtain the goods and services of their choice that they can afford to purchase or retain. Representation (Attorney, Personal Representative, Executor, Proxy, Agent, Guardian) involves the agent being legally bound to conduct themselves in the best interest of the client. In our election system, the government designates people as representatives even though the client (voter) is certain that the “representative” will not act in his or her best interest and will use force if necessary in order to prevent the other candidates from representing the people who voted for them.
By declaring that people have the Right to Choice of Representation, we establish a principle which people can aspire to, we expand the number of people who care about the outcome of elections and we show that this is not a partisan effort.
Gerrymandering aside, great expense and effort goes into making legislative districts as close to equal in size of population as possible. The result is that many counties and municipalities are divided up into more than one, sometimes several districts. This creates more work and expense for the Election Officials in printing notices and ballots, setting up the machines, etc. The existence of districts makes campaigning more expensive by dividing up media markets into several districts or having a district span parts of several markets.
Districting is done to satisfy the "one man, one vote" concept. It makes the representatives equal but makes the citizens unequal-some have the representation of their choice and most do not. The theory is that because the population in each district is nearly equal then each person has the same proportionate share of a representative (a representative that they may have voted against and vehemetly dislike).
Personally I think that having a representative of your choice is much more important than having the same number of people in each district.
This system creates legislators who are then equal in strength to each other, they each have a vote that has one unit of power.
So all of this work goes into making them equal and what is the first thing that they do? They give up a lot of their power by electing a leader who gets to decide a myriad of details including who is on what committees, which offices legislators are assigned to and what legislation will be scheduled for a vote and which bills will die without being voted on.
Choice of Representation makes the voters equal-they all get the Representation of their Choice and makes the representatives unequal by assigning them voting power equal to the number of people who voted for them.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/152631684794770/ Equal Access Amendment Project
https://www.facebook.com/groups/195236817222399/ Choice of Representation