Good Jury

Dabbling in tabloid news is not my preference however, the coverage of the Casey Anthony case has been all consuming. The Jury system works and this jury proved it yesterday. The prosecution paraded about the courtroom armed with evidence about a body, its whereabouts and other scientific and forensic facts to prove a dead body was in a car. They also proved the remains found were regrettably those of Caylee Anthony. What did any of that have to do with either a cause of death or an alleged homicide?  Quite simply, the prosecution did not prove beyond any doubt that Casey was guilty of homicide and related charges.

It is apparent she has a problem with the truth but, that was the sword of her defence. One could surmise Casey to be quite brilliant if in fact she did pre-meditate the crime. She would have successfully lied herself out of the death penalty, literally. If she had planned this whole thing years ago and developed her lying lies weaving intertwined stories and imaginary people in order to commit the perfect murder. The lies began long before Caylee disappeared, the dysfunction is in the genes I think. The defence team deserves Casey's lifelong thanks as they cleverly argued the case in a manner reminiscent of the Anthony family dysfunctions. The prosecution, though thorough and persistent did maintain an air of arrogance as though they expected conviction.

May the family be permitted privacy, recovery and closure now. Whether you agree with or hate the verdict is irrelevant as she has been judged innocent by twelve peers and that is the American Way. The defence team deserves any celebration they have, it was a long gruelling case and every lawyer on both sides worked hard. To the laughing man over there, those who laugh last, laugh best.

Bachman for President - Oh My God!

That Michelle Bachman is seriously running for the Republican nomination for the Office of President is an indication of just how desperate the 'right' has become. As she stares blankly into the wrong camera with those glazed over evangelical buggy eyes, tears of laughter well up in my eyes. Is this a sign of 'better things to come' or a sign 'the end is near'? If we are lucky it is a sign 'the end is near' for the Republican Party and as such, a sign of  'better things to come'.

Excluding Ron Paul there isn't one whole brain between Bachman, Santorum, Romney, Gingrich and the rest. Michelle duh Bachman alters history, invents events, changes actual recorded facts, interjects untruths, misquotes and does so with the ease of ignorance. Is it stupidity, arrogance or narcissism or a combination thereof that encourages her to persevere despite her obvious inadequacies. She may be pretty in two ways. She may be pretty stupid and pretty likely not to get any smarter. It is beyond funny the Party has deteriorated to the point whereby the less informed you are the more acceptable you are.

America has elected some winners in her time but, this is absurd. High unemployment rates and a precarious economy might be the only way to defeat Obama and 'God help America' if Bachman is the alternative. John Wayne and Paul Revere would be firing shots, blowing whistles and warning America of disasters to come. She wants to turn the advancement clock back hundreds of years and would immediately instigate laws to criminalize everything except going to the 'right' church and reading the 'right' bible. Not only is the thought frightening it is ridiculous.

Republican Presidential Hopefuls

Finally, I was able to listen to Jon Huntsman when he announced his candidacy for nomination in the Republican party. He is not a dynamic speaker by any stretch of the imagination. For some unknown reason all he left me with were shivers up my spine and a sense of apprehension. There is something about his presence that does not give me a good feeling. It is not his politics (as unappealing as they are) I do not care about his or any one's personal life instead his views and his stated platform are what is important. His religion, his color, his race, his heritage and his personal life do not concern me.

For some reason it was very difficult to shake my uneasiness as I have heard that he is a fine and decent man who has served his country in many capacities and has been an appointed representative by both Republican and Democratic Presidents. This gives an indication of his integrity and shows he is a trusted and competent representative of his country. Despite his inability to captivate and hold the attention of the 80 -100 who had gathered to hear him my intent was to listen and successfully fought off the looming slumber. Fortunately the struggle to remain awake was assisted by the bad feelings I got from him.

Do Democrats Have Any Guts?

Why is Senator Vitter allowed to remain in the Senate? His 'fall from grace' was documented and he did in fact admittedly break the law and got caught buying sex from prostitutes. He remains in the Senate as a member 'in good standing' and not one Republican ever called for his resignation, not one. There is a double standard and the Democrats afraid of the media and the Republican machine again insisted upon the resignation of Rep. Weiner who did not break any laws. Why do the Democrats always fall for the tricks of the Republican think tanks and their media cohorts?

Where was the media/right wing instigated public outrage over the actions of Senator Vitter? Why do the Democrats always do what the Republicans want them to? Rep. Weiner was an outspoken Democrat with guts and had to be brought down by the right. That the Democrats joined ranks against him and demanded his resignation for his personal behaviours which are not illegal is proof the party lacks the gonads to stand up to the right. Why?

Repairing the Damage Takes Time

America you are lucky to have an educated, free thinking, humanitarian President. That he does not rush to judgement and makes his decisions after considered thought and consideration be thankful. President Obama is exactly what America needs at this time in her history. The reign of Bush II consisted of reaction, distortion, over spending and war mongering. The mistakes made by and during the Bush II administration were tremendous and cost the US much harm to her finances, her reputation and world standing, her status as a principled country and President Obama has done very well in his necessary attempts to reverse and correct them all.

The damage done was very extensive and although there has been slow movement on many issues at least intelligence, clear thought and tempered emotions now prevail at the White House. Granted expectations were high, the harm done by Bush II was so intertwined and expansive it will take many years to reverse and repair the damage. Even though Americans 'want it now' and have grown incapable of accepting 'no' patience might just be what a doctor would order. You elected President Obama because you wanted 'change' and a better America. Take into consideration the number of, the complications of and the intensity of the problems Bush II left behind for President Obama to address.

If you would try to 'walk in his shoes' for a little while you might understand the mountains he has to climb as he works to restore America and reverse the problems created during the Bush II Reign of Incompetence
and Arrogance.

Laughing All The Way To The Ballot Box

Sara Palin and Michelle Bachman pitted against each other in a 'battle of the nitwits' as the race to the republican nomination heats up. John Stewart and Steve Colbert will have a 'field day' if both intellectually challenged women do enter the competition. Tina Fey may even do both characters at the same time. Can you see her as a Siamese twin sharing two heads and one brain?  What does it say about the state of the Republican Party if either woman is considered a viable candidate?

The Party is in decline and faces a huge credibility deficit. It has been hijacked by religion, stupidity and a  right wing social movement determined to force its rigidity on everyone else while at the same time it claims to be the guardians of the Constitution and American freedom. Unfortunately, the only freedom the party concerns itself with are guns and little else. So long as guns are are available, legal and free from regulation Republicans are happy. The founding fathers would be horrified and Paul Revere would throw down his 'bells and whistles and fire no more shots'. If that statement doesn't make you laugh John, Tina and Steve will.

WeinerGate

Why in the world would anyone take pictures of their private areas, store them on a cell phone and then send them to others? That Rep. Weiner is a public figure, an elected representative of the people and an educated man, it makes no sense. What is the reason the first response from people caught with their 'pants down' is almost always a lie? A normal person wouldn't do such a thing. An educated person presumably wouldn't be so stupid and why lie about it. If it is too embarrassing to admit then, don't do it.

In our world of instant access, no privacy and absolute surveillance did he actually think he could outsmart the media and the thinking population? Not only were his calculations wrong, his lies were unnecessary and too complicated. He better watch out because the Justice Department may proceed to the Grand Jury because the Department no longer fights serious or important crimes. Everyone knows a Grand Jury will indict ham sandwiches or hot dogs if asked.

Netty's Peace

Peace between Palestine and Israel will be an Israeli peace or there will be no peace. That was made abundantly clear by the Prime Minister of Israel today in his speech to the joint session of Senate and House of Reps. Compromise is not on the agenda. The 1967 borders are not on the table, the right of return is not up for discussion, sharing Jerusalem is a no-go and to add insult to injury Palestine is to be a demilitarized state. If Israel was negotiating with itself it would be a fair and viable starting point for discussions.
Unfortunately, the US and its elected representatives are so busy sucking up to Israel they clapped themselves into the Israeli hands again. Their undying support and blind defence of Israel only serves to prove America is not a fair mediator. Arrogance may be the worst obstacle to peace as it is customary for both parties involved in peace discussions to have realistic demands and compromise positions Netty made it be known there is little room for discussion or negotiation unless maybe a token land swap or two.
Israel has no right at all to even comment on the constitution or policies of any nation state. As Israel and all other countries have the right to self-defense so must Palestine. Israel should not be left in any position to occupy in any way. Military domination at any country's borders is unacceptable. If Israel does not want a militarized Palestine then Palestine does not want a militarized Israel at its borders. Without arms Palestine will continue to be confined, abused, starved, denied and insulted by Israel.
As politics are changing across the region Israel will end up in a bad position if she does not reach a considered, fair and just peace with Palestine before the pressure coming from democratic countries surrounding her is too strong to challenge successfully. US military involvement to secure Israel would bring about an Armageddon of conflicts, death and destruction that might spread across the planet. Is Israel so powerful it can gamble all of humanity rather than compromise? Arrogance makes it seems so.

One Half Hour Left

It is five thirty and all is well. Despite skepticism we await the end while some welcome the Trapture oh I mean Rapture. By the way, Rapture appears nowhere in the bible and originates from the mind of an early 19th century evangelical preacher who invented the idea of Rapture to entice believers, donations and supporters. The Rapture implies everlasting life but, only for born-again Christians who love Jesus Christ more than life itself. How preposterous but a clever way of convincing the weak minded to follow a religious movement and fill the coffers of the church. Hey...I feel rumbling below... is this the beginning... is the earth trembling with quakes and demise? No, a huge transport just drove by. Well, signing off now gotta go to my bunker.

The Sky is Falling

Since the world is going to end tomorrow at 6pm I better get a few last words in. For those about to be Rapture(d), we salute you. For those left, the horrors of hell await you. NOT! The only possible credible date for the world as we know it to end is December 21, 2012 and that is if the Mayan calendar is correct. Since none can changed what is written and no power on earth is strong enough to combat fate we should all work together to make whatever remains the best time of life. Freedom, political freedom, a return to a basic philosophy of respect for the planet, all life and each other might be the way to start the new life we face.

America and Pakistan

Where is the relationship going? Can it be improved? Unless America stops its pay off for assistance approach this friendship against terror will never improve beyond the absurd. Quite simply America's practice of buying friends and influencing enemies with cash is no longer acceptable. If the US continues to offer money for support it will remain a victim of deceit and  Tom foolery. A direct, positive and concerted approach must be developed to change the existing the partnership into one free from contradiction and inconsistency. If a payment or financial agreement is entered into both parties must be held to account.
Perhaps America should insist the Pakistani military be under civilian government control and as well the US must require specific changes in Pakistan's policies towards the ever growing terrorist problem it faces.
Money talks and America certainly provides enough to Pakistan to warrant getting its money's worth. America does hold a power that it is not using effectively. Do not be afraid to insist upon certain changes in the way Pakistan is guided by its military interests. Use this defect to your advantage in a smart and considered way.
Threats and dominance do not work. A new approach whereby money for Pakistan is determined by Pakistan's proven attempts to clean out and reform its practices. Allotments dependent upon serious change is one approach. Promises of increased financial support should be dependent upon success not America's fear of terrorism. Help Pakistan to mature as a country and do not continue to interfere in her development instead assist and guide her. A tempered considered approach not just money may result in benefits to Pakistan that might result in a new mutual respect and a better world.

From the Ridiculous to a Better Future

If my memory serves me the Bush regime used bin Laden as the excuse to create a War on Terror and thus justified a 'holy war' on Muslims by attacking Afganistan and then Iraq. That the US has been mired in two wars in the Middle East, presumably because of one man, isn't it time intelligence and fiscal responsibility prevailed? Just look back at the propaganda and lies used to justify both adventures. Remember the War President and his absurd comments and tough speeches phrased in illiterate, cowboy lingo  designed and successfully addressed to appeal to the right wing religious base of the American population. He was an embarrassment to his country, to the world as he appeased the lowest common denominator of the population.
The thinking public discarded his bull but were not strong enough in numbers to stop his absurd and dangerous attempts at inciting the final battle. Condoleeza Rice, Dick Cheney and many other Bush 'yes men' and religious postulates continually lied and exaggerated at every opportunity to scare and incite war. No opportunity to distort the truth was ignored and all of his administration walked in goosestep to his hillbilly tunes. One man, Richard Clark resigned in protest and emerges from the entire fiasco as hero to the truth and reality of the farce perpetrated upon America.
This farce resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocents in Iraq and Afghanistan, over 6,000 dead and over 39,000 maimed and wounded US military and did create more terrorists around the world. As well, the US economy verges on bankruptcy as 10 years of double warfare, secret prisons, GITMO, rendition and all the other horrors proved too expensive. All of this to capture one man and America followed along like sheep to the slaughter. If nothing else the lessons of the Bush reign must be to never trust any republican lawmaker seeking war. The whole fiasco served to increase the wealth of military contractors must of whom are republican supporters and religious fanatics.
America's respect around the world sunk to the lowest level it has ever been and even assisted in creating a laughing stock status until the election of President Obama. America you made the only choice when you elected him and if you want your country to regain respect and a necessary humility led by intelligence and clear and considered thought it is to your country's benefit to re-elect President Obama. He will not lead you down any religious or ideological garden paths and is responsible for the restoration of America in the eyes, hearts and minds of the world community. If you want world peace, intelligent progress and a bright future Obama is the only choice.

Chasing The Dragons Tale: The Roots of Terror

Chasing The Dragons Tale: The Roots of Terror: "It is inconceivable a country would initiate and conduct full blown 'war ' on a tactic. During the eight years of George Bush's presidency A..."

The Roots of Terror

It is inconceivable a country would initiate and conduct full blown 'war ' on a tactic. During the eight years of George Bush's presidency America entered into two very costly, long and bloody wars against an intangible method of violent protest. The enemy was not a large well equipt or well financed army fighting for a country  instead it consisted of perhaps as many as twenty thousand world-wide followers with no country and no mechanized force to match America. There are no defined battlefields and no rules of war or treaty obligations apply as neither war is defined as modern warfare in the traditional sense. It is ruthless, it is unpredictable and conformation is non existent. The US committed a couple of hundred thousand troops, untold thousands of private contractors and as much as 1.5 trillion dollars so far fighting a war that can not be won by either side.
The very nature of the dispute is based upon ideology, a certain desperation with the Great Satan and an overwhelming desire for changes in America's foreign policies to include an equity that does not exist today. In many ways America and its policies created a monster in the Middle East. Dissatisfaction with and hatred of US foreign policy since the second world war contributed to such dissatisfaction organized terrorist groups emerged in retaliation. In order to defeat terrorism the root causes must be examined and the offending  instigators must be removed otherwise terror on grand scales will never cease.
Is it possible America created her own enemies through her social, human and territorial inequities practiced and financed in the Middle East? Is it possible modern terror can be traced to the treatment of Palestine and Palestinians? Thinking otherwise is stupid and without reason. If honesty, fairness, humanity and compassion had prevailed during the haste to create Israel in the heart of Palestine conditions would not have existed to support the birth and development of terrorist movements. Somehow the world has forgotten that many causes throughout history are referred to by members as freedom fighting while the other side holding the power calls it terrorism.
The American Revolution began as a movement originally considered treason or terror by the English but was an ideal for which revolutionaries fought the crown until freedom was achieved. The revolutionaries employed numerous tactics which England was unfamiliar as such did not conform to acceptable forms of warfare. Raids, hit and run attacks, trickery and  unpredictable methods of attack helped America achieve freedom and should have provided an indicator that these same methods would someday be used against them should America behave as the English crown did.
In no way can terror tactics, the murder of innocents or great upheaval be condoned but, the despair that accompanies injustice left unaddressed by the powerful leads to measures of redress that do not conform to the acceptable. In other words decades of abuse, genocide and entrapment within perimeters established by the UN, America and the Israeli psyche are responsible for the creation of Hamas, Hezbollah and other groups. By ignoring this fact the powerful deny reality and deserve whatever actions are taken by the oppressed.
Unless there is a resolve to the unbearable existence of Palestinians terror will not stop. Liberty, justice and a return to land ownership without walls and barbed wire would certainly be a step in the right direction. Imagine American citizens herded into camps denied the basic necessities of life and void of any hope for the future how long would they remain confined without rising up in desperation? That the conditions forced upon Palestinian people has not been properly addressed by any government or world body is beyond belief. That Israel treats Palestinians in a manner too similar to the way Hitler treated them is unforgivable and  unless changed will lead to horrors as yet unexpected by the world community.
Power corrupts absolutely and no better example exists than the treatment of Palestine by Israel. Hatred and discrimination is perpetrated against Jews precisely because of the situation prevailing today. That this has been disregarded by America, Israel and others in positions of power is cruel and encourages its continuation. If I were a Palestinian I would join the fight without any regard for my life because a life confined by a lack of freedom is no life at all. Why, was it so easy to dismiss the terror tactics employed by the Jews in their fight for a homeland? It is historical fact that many unorthodox and terror type actions were utilized in their struggle and the powers that be deny and refuse to accept that caged people fight back.
Why was it so necessary to pursue the stealing of Palestine with haste and determination yet no one is prepared to do the same for Palestinian people. Why?
How long is the stagnation, deprivation and confinement of Palestine going to continue when there are so many signs that unless change is affected terror will increase. If America is really interested in defeating terrorism America must alter its manifest destiny foreign policy and concentrate on solving the Palestinian condition. Speed and determination will save lives, will improve the human condition and will eventually lead to a lasting peace. As measures to officially recognize Palestine have not been taken by the powers that be it is abundantly obvious America, Israel and the world community will continue to reap what they sew. If the Middle East is successful in its fight for democracy you can be assured the Palestinian condition will be addressed by their Muslim brothers and America and Israel will not be able to withstand the overwhelming battle that lies ahead as equality and justice will prevail. Just how many will die and how much destruction will have to happen in order to free Palestine. If America and Israel really want to stop terrorism then both countries better realize the consequences of not pursuing acceptable solutions.

So, bin Laden is dead again and the world rejoices. The publicity and the duplicity that accompanies his death does nothing more than ensure his memory among terrorists remains strong even bordering on martyrdom, to what end? Some consider him to be an anti-Christ sent to assure the 'second coming' however, the intelligent dismiss this thought as absurd and ridiculous. His reign of terror bore no comparison to that of a predicted 'soldier of satan' as his accomplishments only served to bankrupt the US while giving reason to continue and grow the 'vast industrial complex'. Is it possible the 'powers that be' deliberately exaggerated his importance in order to perpetuate wars and create a new resource for wealth and control over the people. Security, surveillance, government and military intervention in everyone's lives has proven to be a very lucrative new business.
This not only lines the coffers of the rich and influential it also served to limit freedom and increase the governments ability to spy on and monitor everyone. It was a clever and devious way of restricting thought and expression through fear. A fearful population accepts government attempts to further control and observe every aspect of human existence. The people fell for the sinister plot hook line and sinker. That is why I question 911 and wonder just how involved the government was in assuring it was a successful attack unhindered by any defense mechanisms that could have prevented it. How could US airspace not be protected by the best military in the world?
The attack and the subsequent growth of a 'vast security complex' unchallenged by anyone indicates a nefarious intent. Who has the power to instigate, plan and carry out such a huge operation? Many suggest it was a conspiracy and I am inclined to consider the possibility. There are too many unanswered questions and an excessive number of reasons to suspect a conspiracy. If nothing else it served to increase government control and allowed the development and entrenchment of a massive security apparatus designed to monitor every facet of life. That the people accepted this without great resistance is beyond me.

The world is changing

With great speed and mounting turmoil our world is changing. We can only hope change will result in the overall improvement of the physical environment, politics and our social conscience. We are all responsible for the deterioration of the environment, the political turmoil presently leading the headlines and the lack of a social conscience which once prevailed until we allowed government and technology to rule our lives. The status quo is no longer acceptable to the planet, to the people or our combined psyche. Growing worldwide chaos, political disenchantment, environmental degradation and the lack of civility between  people indicates the status quo can not be maintained. Can the present trend be reversed or is it too late? What do you think?