Who Do You Trust To Sort This Out?

The global financial crisis shifted up another gear this week. Who do you want to take a lead? Politicians? Bankers? Regulators? International organizations? Or maybe you’re happy to trust the market to sort out the problems it’s created. Leave your thoughts and read what others from around the World are saying here.

Comparing the Candidates On-Line

How do those creating fake-misleading 'position sites' like this live with their own conscious? Both sides have to be above this crap. I clicked this link from a Tweet on Twitter and was appalled by the manipulative, hateful and slightly racist skew of the questions.

If you really want and or need to compare your views to the candidates, try the links listed below. As far as I can tell they are independent and reputable. The Internet is a wonderful place to gain information as long as you remember it comes to you unfiltered and uncensored. Both great things, but conducive to dishonest folks trying to scare uninformed voters and folks with their own axes to grind. Watch out for leading questions and think critically. This is the most important election in 80 years. Take your responsibility seriously and don't be mislead by either side.

Go to: http://www.advanceusa.org/candidate_comparisons_2008.asp which allows you to view comparisons of the major candidates of both parties based on 10 issues.

Go to: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/compare-candidates/index.html which allows you to select two candidates and compare them side by side.

Go to: http://www.selectsmart.com/president/2008.html to find which candidate fits your positions on political issues.

Go to: http://www.selectsmart.com/president/2008/comparethem.html where you can also choose two candidates and compare them side by side.

Go to: http://www.vote-usa.org/Default.aspx where you can see Republican candidate comparisons and Democrat candidate comparisons.

A Message From Michael Moore

I don't always support some of the things Michael Moore says, but I do this:

NOW! Here's what you can do immediately:

1. Call or e-mail Senator Obama. Tell him he does not need to be sitting there trying to help prop up Bush and Cheney and the mess they've made. Tell him we know he has the smarts to slow this thing down and figure out what's the best route to take. Tell him the rich have to pay for whatever help is offered. Use the leverage we have now to insist on a moratorium on home foreclosures, to insist on a move to universal health coverage, and tell him that we the people need to be in charge of the economic decisions that affect our lives, not the barons of Wall Street.

2. Take to the streets. Participate in one of the hundreds of quickly-called demonstrations that are taking place all over the country (especially those near Wall Street and DC).

3. Call your Representative in Congress and your Senators. (click here to find their phone numbers). Tell them what you told Senator Obama.

When you screw up in life, there is hell to pay. Each and every one of you reading this knows that basic lesson and has paid the consequences of your actions at some point. In this great democracy, we cannot let there be one set of rules for the vast majority of hard-working citizens, and another set of rules for the elite, who, when they screw up, are handed one more gift on a silver platter. No more! Not again!

Yours,
Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
MichaelMoore.com

----------------------------------------------

In case you were wondering what you could do with $700 Billion, here are a few thoughts courtesy of Time magazine.

• You could give every person in the United States $2,300 or give every household $6,300.
• You could buy gas for every car in the United States for the next 16 months.
• You could pay the income taxes for every American who makes $500,000 or less.
• You could fully fund the departments of Defense, Treasury, Education, State, Veterans Affairs, Interior Department and NASA.
• You could buy every NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball team, build each one a new stadium and pay every player $191 million each for a year.
• You could pay off 7% of the nation’s $9.8 trillion debt.

Make Your Self Super

 
Go ahead, be a dork, You know you want to!

Paul Newman; Film Icon, Race Car Driver/Owner, Humanitarian and Political Animal

We've lost another film legend this weekend; Paul Newman, who acted in more than 65 movies over more than 50 years, died on Sept 26. He was 83. He finally lost his battle with lung cancer and died at his home in Westport, Connecticut yesterday.

He retired from acting in 2007. Newman began his Hollywood career in the 1950s in theater and television - over the course of his career he was nominated for 10 Oscars and won 3. He appeared in such classic films as Cool Hand Luke, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Hud, and achieved star status for his appearances in The Hustler, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and of course, The Sting (one of my all time favorite movies). Newman worked with some of the greatest directors of the past half century, from Alfred Hitchcock and John Huston to Robert Altman, Martin Scorsese and the Coen brothers. His co-stars included Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall, Tom Cruise, his wife Joanne Woodward, Tom Hanks and, most famously, Robert Redford.

After filming Winning, a movie filmed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he caught the racing bug. After his own racing career wound down in the 70's (though he still raced and won well into the 90's) he formed his own Indy Car team of Newman/Haas Racing, Mario and Michael Andretti were the most famous of his drivers. Every month of May for two decades, he was an Indy 500 fixture until the infamous Indy Car / CART split. A heartbroken Newman vowed never to return. This last year, sanity prevailed and the Indy Racing League absorbed CART. Newman joyfully returned last May for what was to be his final trip to the Speedway. In an undated interview with WISH TV 8 broadcast 9/27/08, he admitted he had long since lost his love for making movies, simply using the money he made to invest back into his racing team.

In 1994, he won the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, for his charitable work, primarily with his Newman's Own line.

He was the last of the great movie stars, a product of the studio system, yet forged a new career for himself by leading the way along with Steve McQueen as a new kind of male actor and star in the 60's and 70's.

If you're a member of Netflix, you can stream several of his films instantly.

The New York Times created a wonderful audio slide show of his career called A Late, Great Movie Star, narrated by Manohla Dargis. Be sure to check it out.

There's a great video tribute with clips from some of his films here. It's worth a look.

Wordle Text Clouds of McCain's and Obama's Words From the September, 26th Debate

 
McCain's Words

 
Obama's Words

Prof. Larry Lessing Breaks Down the Facts About Sarah Palin's Experience in 12 Mins.

In response to Palin's suggesting that her experience was somehow normal, an exhaustive and interesting comparison of Governor Palin's experience as compared with every other Vice President in U.S. history. Twelve minutes of exhaustion. Now go watch, I'll wait.

The main point of Prof Lessing's presentation is this: With the worst financial crisis to face us in a Century, Two Wars and Global Warming, can we afford Palin? You get no rumors, innuendo or histrionics at this blog! Just facts.

The historically unbiased facts show that she is the least experienced VP Candidate in history, with the scientifically calculated minimum odds of a 1 in 5 chance of becoming President! (It's probably more considering McCain's age and past health issues) Can we afford her? No matter how folksy she is, no matter how much we would like to vote based on gender, race, political party, religion, etc? I have to agree with the good Professor and say, NO!

Especially after watching her struggle in her interviews with Katie Couric. Palin was like a student who knew she was going to be quizzed hard by her advisor but either being too arrogant or clueless, didn't bother to study. Seriously, how is private Alaskan companies trading with private Russian companies during her time as Governor, Foreign Policy experience?

An after note: Notice how many VP's have been from Indiana! We still hold the record for most VP's. Indiana, in the 19th and early 20th Centuries was a very important swing state with a high number of Electoral College votes. It could be counted on that one or both parties would include a running mate who was a Hoosier.

Dave Letterman Reacts to John McCain Suspending Campaign & Dissing His Show

Gabrielle Campo to Host a 'Pizza and Politics' Meet and Greet Tonight

Indiana’s 7th District Congressional hopeful (R) Gabrielle Campo is hosting a meet and greet tonight (Sept. 22nd) at Irvington's Jockamo’s Upper Crust Pizza (5646 E. Washington Street). 

The event is scheduled from 7-9 PM. I'm sure a good will contribution to defray the cost of pizza and drinks would be appreciated by the Campaign.

Great Quote From Tina Fey

"I thank my parents for somehow raising me to have confidence that is disproportionate with my looks and abilities. Well done. That is what all parents should do." -- Tina Fey, accepting one of three Emmys she won Sunday night.

Symptoms of Inner Peace

Some signs and symptoms of inner peace:

• A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
  
• An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
  
• A loss of interest in judging other people.
  
• A loss of interest in judging self.
  
• A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
  
• A loss of interest in conflict.
  
• A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)
  
• Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
  
• Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
  
• Frequent attacks of smiling.
  
• An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
  
• An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

© 1984 Saskia Davis

He's Back

Here is the Obama I've been looking for for weeks. << YES!

Racial Views and The Long Shadow of Bigotry Still Drive How Some Hoosiers Will Vote This Year

VERY sadly, I know this article is true because of where I grew up. Here are the Census stats for my former home county in Indiana. Check out line 9! Seriously, how scary and embarrassing is that in 2008? I left it 20 years ago and the county has since become a bedroom community for Indianapolis. So I hope that general attitudes and feelings have changed and evolved since I was a child. I'll stick to what I do know.

I talk to my old friends and classmates from there all the time, and many of my generation are Obama supporters and if they aren't it has nothing to do with his color. But, I have two friends who admitted to me they are going to vote for Obama, but in no way could they ever admit it to their families or feel safe to say that out loud. By safe, they mean blacklisted in the community. They are afraid their businesses will suddenly drop off, wills could be amended and their membership in the local lodge will suddenly expire. This is a fact for these men, I don't exaggerate that. I also don't generalize this. These men and their families are thankfully now in the minority, which was certainly not the case when I was growing up there. I'm pretty sure their business will be fine, but being dis-inherited or thrown out of the lodge are probably within the realm of possibilities.

I talk to others in my family and among my hometown folk (names won't be mentioned) they flat out tell me, they won't vote for a black man. They don't trust "them" He'll make Washington a "black panther rally" (they aren't the most zeitgeist savvy), "black people aren't smart enough to lead the Country" and of course, my favorite, "You know he's a Muslim!"

I don't hate these folks. They are my old friends and family and I've achieved the wisdom that after 30 years of arguing, statistics, anger, and even once pie charts, I will not change their opinions. I just have to quietly let it roll off my back, re-enforce the fact that I in no way agree with what they are saying and remind them that very very angry seeker65 will come out if they EVER, EVER EVER spew this ignorant, hateful, bile anywhere towards my children, OK?? Ok! (calming down now)

I've learned, as an adult, through my studies of history, that the North, historically, has been much less open and receptive to race. It makes a strange sociological sense. Lack of exposure tends to engender mistrust and fear. The South had enslaved black men and women, but they also lived with them, saw them, talked to them. Exposure bred familiarity. This wasn't the case in the North. Mostly I'm focusing on the area that was once known as the Northwest Territory, it's the area I've studied. Indiana in particular has a sad history.

Yes, during the American Civil War, Indiana was a Northern state and yes our Governor, Oliver P. Morton and most volunteer officers and Generals from Indiana were overwhelmingly pro-abolitionist, especially future President Benjamin Harrison. BUT Indiana also passed a law that was technically on the books into the 20th Century that by it's language, made it illegal for a free black man to actually live in Indiana. Many communities were more than wiling to look past this and welcome the influx of newly freed men and women. Other Indiana counties harbored racial hatred into the 20th and 21st centuries. With Reconstruction ending in the South and the rise of Jim Crow laws, this left many people of color literally between a Rock and Hard Place. Sure, the North welcomes you with open arms, just don't go to certain parts. With this came the rise of the KKK. The KKK has risen and fallen at least four times over the last 140 years.

In the late 19th and early 2oth Centuries, the Klan was a social and political organization who held picnics, church socials, political rallies and 4th of July parades for Hoosier families. They stood for isolation, anti-union, Ag. reform, and was virulently anti-Roman Catholic, some groups even welcomed black members, 'cause, ya know, they hated Catholics then much more than "Negros".

A majority of people have an already formed image of the Ku Klux Klan.  Men, dressed in white robes and hoods, riding throughout the countryside harassing blacks.  Most believe that the Klan is an extinct organization, once comprised of rednecks and racist southerners.  However, unfortunately, the Klan is still alive in Indiana.  There was a time in Indiana when Klan membership could help an aspiring political career.  Leonard Moore from the University of California has carefully analyzed Klan membership documents of Indiana and discovered that at it's peak, 250,000 white men in Indiana (about 30% of the native-born Caucasian men in Indiana) joined the Klan in the early 1920s.^[1]

When the United States entered World War I in 1917, the Klan grew in strength.  America now had to be ‘protected’ from the Germans and others: Catholics, Jews, Socialists, blacks and union leaders.  Membership in the Klan was a way for citizens to help out the war effort in Europe by making sure American soil was kept ‘pure.’  The Klan was quickly becoming something universal and not just a southern racist group. Indiana was, at one time so wedded to the Clan, it was it's unofficial headquarters when a Hoosier, D. C. Stephenson became the Grand Dragon.

D.C. Stephenson was born in Texas and soon would become the most powerful and influential man in Indiana.  Stephenson found himself, eventually, in Evansville working as a salesman of bonds for the L.G. Julian Coal Company.  By 1921 he was being paid to recruit for the newly re-organized Indiana chapter of the Klan.  He was making a pretty good living with both jobs. 

D.C. Stephenson, like all other new members, had to swear an oath of allegiance to the Klan and a vow of secrecy.  New recruits were asked 9 questions:

1. Is the motive prompting your ambition to be a Klansman serious and unselfish?
2. Are you native born, white, Gentile, American citizens?
3. Are you absolutely opposed to and free of any allegiance of any nature to cause, government, people, sect, or ruler that is foreign to the United States of America?
4. Do you esteem the United States of America and its institutions above any other government, civil, political, or ecclesiastical in the whole world?
5. Will you, without mental reservations, take a solemn oath to defend, preserve, and enforce these same?
6. Do you believe in Klannishness and will you faithfully practice same toward your fellow Klansmen?
7. Do you believe in and will you faithfully strive for the eternal maintenance of White Supremacy?
8. Will you faithfully obey our constitutions and laws, and confirm willingly to all our usages, requirements, and regulations?
9. Can you always be depended on?^[2]

Stephenson's public speeches surprisingly weren't filled with the racist rhetoric as many of the other leaders of the Klan.  He usually left the hate speeches up to others in the power structure of the Klan.  His talent was centered around organizing the Klan in Indiana and collecting new recruits.

Membership in the Indiana division of the Klan began soaring with each new speech that the charismatic Stephenson made.  The group began to expand to the western states and industrial cities of the Midwest, the Klan was no longer a southern sensation. 

The Klan even made inroads into Indiana churches.  The Reverend William Forney Harris of the Grand Avenue Methodist Church preached in 1922 that secret societies like the Ku Klux Klan would not get his support.  However, these were times of "moral decay," and as such, any organization that stood for decency and order ought not to be shunned.  Other clergy found themselves offering similar endorsements to their congregations as the Klan membership began to grow locally.^[3]

D.C. Stephenson went on to become a powerful political figure in Indiana.  His rise to power was short-lived, however.  In 1922 Stephenson was appointed Grand Dragon of the KKK for Indiana.  In 1925 he had met a statehouse secretary, Madge Oberholtzer, at an inaugural ball for Governor Ed Jackson.  She was later abducted from her home in Irvington, a neighborhood of Indianapolis and taken by Stephenson and some of his men to the train station.  While on a trip to Hammond, Indiana, Stephenson repeatedly attacked and raped Oberholtzer in one compartment of his Pullman railcar.  In Hammond she took poison to frighten Stephenson into letting her go.  He immediately rushed her back to Indianapolis where she died a month later, either from the effects of the poison or the severe bite marks she incurred during the rape.

Stephenson was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.  The sensational trial took place in Noblesville, Indiana in 1925.  His conviction sent Stephenson to the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, Indiana for the next 31 years (the longest imprisonment in this state for that crime).  He was released from prison in 1956 and faded into obscurity.  However, not before causing the shocking downfall of many corrupt political officials within Indiana.  When he went to jail he was convinced that Governor Ed Jackson, who he had helped elect, would pardon him.  Governor Jackson never came through with the pardon and Stephenson began to talk.

With help from The Indianapolis Times (which won a Pulitzer Prize for its investigations), the structure of Indiana politics would be shaken.  Stephenson began to talk about who had helped him rise to power named names.  The aftermath was shocking, indictments were filed against Governor "Big" Ed Jackson, Marion County Republican chairman George V. "Cap" Coffin, and attorney Robert I. Marsh, charging them with conspiring to bribe former Governor Warren McCray.  Even the Mayor of Indianapolis, John Duvall was convicted and sentenced to jail for 30 days (and barred from political service for 4 years).  Several Marion County commissioners also resigned from their posts on charges of accepting bribes from the Klan and Stephenson.

This was not the image that Indiana wanted to portray during its "golden age."  Stephenson at the peak of his political career and influence had remarked, "I am the law in Indiana."

Believe me when I tell you, the long shadow of racism and xenophobia, especially post 9/11 are still alive and well in some parts of Indiana. So expect many registered Democrats to cross party lines and vote McCain this year, because those racist family members and former friends of mine?  They really LOVE Sarah Palin. It'll be interesting to study the voting stats of Indiana Counties after this election. How much an impact this will have on Indiana's Election this year I couldn't say. The current polls have Obama with a slight lead over McCain here, but who are they poling? What demographics are they targeting? Indianapolis only? Surrounding counties? Rural counties? Ft. Wayne, South Bend, Evansville, Richmond, Terre Haute and Gary? Are these cities included? I don't know?

Please don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that ALL of Indiana is racist! As a matter of fact most of my friends, family and acquaintances here are blissfully ignorant of Indiana's past. When I speak of this stuff and my upbringing, they often question me like Margaret Mead meeting some tribe in Borneo. It's endearing and gives me hope.

I'm NOT saying anyone who doesn't support Obama is a racist. And I'm NOT saying anyone who votes for McCain or likes Sarah Palin is racist. I'm saying that the press is finally willing to speak the unwritten and mostly unspoken truth and calling out the bigots that still live in this Country. My hope is the bigots decide to stay home this election and just quietly let their views go into the abyss with them when they pass, because this State, this Nation cannot survive the World that will be on our door-step in less than two decades with it still even a small part of our culture.

----------------------------------------------

^[1]Lutholtz, M. William.  Grand Dragon: D.C. Stephenson and the Ku Klux Klan in Indiana.  Purdue University Press: Lafayette, 1991.

^[2]Ibid. p25.

^[3]Ibid. p32.

I'm Not Going To Post Much This Week, I Know What You Must Think...

Tina Fey Is Amazing As Palin On SNL Season Opener

So, OK, Tina Fey is amazing, smart, sexy and probably the funniest woman on the planet who just happens to be a Doppelganger for the most fascinating, polarizing (and scary) personality of this Election. I hoped Fey would show up on Saturday Night Live, but I didn't think it would be this great. Enjoy:

Gabrielle Campo, Candidate For US Congress Rudely Shown Door At Eastside Family Fun Day By 'Carson Ally'

The following is from a Press Release Posted on 7th District Congressional Candidate (R) Gabrielle Campo's MySpace Blog and Campaign Website.

September 13, 2008

Campo for Congress
1109 North Shadeland Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46219

To Concerned Voters of the Seventh Congressional District,

It has been my daily goal along this campaign trail to make myself available to constituents across the district, and today was no different. I began by participating in the "Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk" and the Beech Grove Mardi Gras Parade. Mid-afternoon joined fellow Eastside members at the Far Eastside Family Fun Day. I was glad to see my opponent, Congressman Carson; and welcomed the opportunity to personally follow-up with him about my September 11, 2008 request to debate the issues facing Hoosier voters, to which he had not replied. In response to my question, he stated, "I don't know, my schedule is busy".

Shortly thereafter, in mid-conversation with a concerned voter, I was asked to leave the premises by the event organizer, who stated she "was a Carson ally". Out of respect for the purpose of this public event, "bridging families and strengthening communities," I ended my conversation and though shocked by this discrimination, politely left. I draw two main conclusions from this experience. First, my opponent is too busy to publicly debate the issues facing the people he currently represents. Secondly, the Eastside community members were denied equal access to Congressional candidates.

Without the opportunity for public debate and in blocking access to candidates, who are active in the communities, during this campaign process; it seems, to some, the only way to win an election is to keep voters in the dark.

I extend my sincere apologies to those I could not personally talk to today at the Far Eastside Family Fun Day. Be assured that my Campaign is one of transparency and of access.

Sincerely,
Gabrielle Campo, MSW

-------------------------------

Monday, Sept. 15th, Ms. Campo was on Abdul in the Morning WXNT 1430 speaking about the incident on Saturday.

Read my unusual endorsement.

Grab a badge for your website, blog, myspace to show your support.

-------------------------------

My Meeting With Ms. Campo

To their credit, after reading my unusual endorsement of her campaign on my blog and because of its unusual nature and some questions I raise, they kindly invited me to sit and talk with them. We talked about my issues, concerns and thoughts and I asked her about her campaign's issues, concerns and political views. I challenged them to better utilize the inexpensive and far-reaching benefits of social media more, to get to the folks that could help them in donations and sweat equity.

It was a bold and non-partisan gesture. Nothing was off the table and Ms. Campo and her staff asked me as many questions as I asked them.

I came away feeling very positive about her authenticity as a candidate for US Congress. Her message of concern and understanding of the voters of the 7th sounded very Julia to me. The politics may be a bit different, but the heartfelt concern is very similar and real. I just don't feel that Mr. Carson has that. I'm not the only 'democrat' who believes that. As a public servant, he is my employee and I made an HR decision to support the best person for the job. In my opinion, in this race, that person is still Ms. Campo.

Ms. Campo and her campaign may be a bit green, but they seem genuine. In all honesty, it was a rookie mistake to officially call out Mr. Carson on debates on Sept. 11th. I'm not sure of the reasoning, they will have to answer that question.

I sincerely thank Gabrielle Campo and her staff for that meeting and challenge those of you who feel the same to find out more about Ms. Campo's campaign. Talk with her at a event she's at. Take some time (if possible) to speak to her and even challenge her campaign with your own ideas or suggestions.

Ladies and Gentlemen - Mr. Johnny Cash!

GOP Trying To Downplay Palin's Library Censorship Attempt (Now, With No Bogus Book Info or MSG!)

The AP is reporting McCain campaign is defending Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's much-criticized inquiry into banning books at her hometown library, saying her questions were only hypothetical.

My previous post on her attempt at censorship.

Transcript of an ABC News video segment that examines the Sarah Palin library censorship issue.

• Assembly of God ministers are well-known in Wasilla for taking strong positions on moral issues, including this recent sermon by the current pastor: "Everybody in the world has a guilty conscience. That's why homosexuals wants laws of the land to justify their sin because they have a guilty conscience."
• Around the time Palin became mayor, the church and other conservative Christians began to focus on certain books available in local stores and in the town library, including one called 'Go Ask Alice,' and another written by a local pastor, Howard Bess, called 'Pastor, I Am Gay'

From a book review of Pastor, I Am Gay that fellow Quaker and Hoosier, Hope Farber wrote for spiritrestoration.org 1995.

Pastor, I Am Gay is full of facts about homosexuality and society’s treatment of them, notably the Christian church’s refection of them. Bess believes that Christian churches will gain from their accepting gays and lesbians into fellowship and he dedicates his book to "every gay and lesbian person who has allowed me the privilege of being part of their lives."

Though published some years ago, this book is still timely and should be in the hands of every pastor and in the libraries of all congregations.

Excerpt from a Politifact review of the Sarah Palin library censorship controversy.

The author of a book Sarah Palin reportedly tried to have removed from her hometown library blasted back Saturday evening, saying the Alaska Governor had a "small-town mind," was an enemy of intellectual freedom and a "disastrous choice" for vice president.

The story that first ran in the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman Dec. 18, 1996. It has been typeset and reposted to accommodate numerous requests for the story from media worldwide and curious individuals.

Now for some kerfuffle

Governor Palin's Interview With ABC's Charles Gibson

ABC News posted the first video clips from ABC's Charles Gibson's interview with Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

• A long interview segment (+9 Mins.) is here.
• Palin addresses "God's will" here.
• Palin addresses questions about whether she is experienced enough to be vice president here.
• Text excerpts from the interview are here. From the interview: "When asked by Gibson if under the NATO treaty, the U.S. would have to go to war if Russia again invaded Georgia, Palin responded: 'Perhaps so. I mean, that is the agreement when you are a NATO ally, is if another country is attacked, you're going to be expected to be called upon and help.'" [Seeker65] Do I have to mention that even though Georgia was provoked by Russia, he attacked first and against strong US protests.

Portions of the interviews will be aired on a special Palin edition of 20/20 on Friday. (May be pre-empted by Hurricane coverage in some areas of the Country.)

TOH: Mo Ryan of The Watcher for core info & link locations

Remember

Madeleine Albright to Present a Free Lecture at DePauw the 19th

Madeleine K. Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State, will hold an interactive dialogue with the DePauw University community as part of the September 18-20, DePauw Discourse 2008: America's Role in the World. In Conversation with Madeleine Albright will take place Friday, September 19, at 8 p.m. in Kresge Auditorium of the Judson and Joyce Green Center for the Performing Arts. The event is free and open to the public.

Time: September 19, 2008 at 8pm
Location: Kresge Auditorium, DePauw University
City/Town: Greencastle
Website or Map: http://www.depauw.edu/news/...
Contact Info: (765) 658-4800

Some Fun Things Found On a Week Ends Journey in The Zeitgeist

OK, I found this yesterday and I'm still laughing. What would happen if Star Wars characters show up in other films? Take a look at this LiveJournal rundown of the films they were in, somewhere, at sometime. Go check it out!

_________________

Ever wonder why you've never seen Kermit the Frog and Christian Bale together? I know, me too!! Here's proof that they're actually the same person.
                     _________________

I'm in on the ground floor of an important political grass-roots movement that's sweeping politics. Yes that's right. I'm one of those promoting Palin for President! Michael Palin, that is.

                     _________________

If your a Geek Dad like me, then you like to get advice from other Geek Dad's, especially about what geeky movies to raise your kids with.

                     _________________

Boy, those wacky Obama supporters sure do love their buttons!  Check 'em out.

                    __________________

Finally, it was Forty-Two years ago today, Star Trek debuted!! Happy birthday and continue to live long and prosper! Talking Trek, here's the art for the Remastered Season 3 box set. Sweet! Plus - you don't have to wait until next summer to see a modern take on the 23rd Century - Trailers for the German SciFi Channel show are wunderbar.

Monday, Sept. 8 is International Literacy Day

Celebrate Reading on International Literacy Day with Making Indianapolis 100% Literate and TAKE FIVE TO READ.

Wherever you are, if possible, stop to read for five minutes at Noon. Celebrate that you're not one of the 20% of adults in Indianapolis who are functionally illiterate. And if people ask why or what you’re reading, ask them to visit 100percentliterate.org to help drive our city closer to a 100% literacy rate!

Niagara Falls, The Susquehanna Hat Company and Loafing

What are you doing today? Me, I'm just Loafing! :-)

Just One More...

3 min. clip of Jon Stewart snarky Goodness

I twittered that I wouldn't talk about politics on here for a while, but can you blame me for sharing?

Origin of the Word Maverick

mav·er·ick
Pronunciation: \ˈmav-rik, ˈma-və-\
Function: noun
1: an unbranded range animal; especially : a motherless calf
2: an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party

If you've watched any of the RNC08 you've heard the word Maverick used to describe Sen. John McCain in just about every speech. So what is a Maverick?

Most bloggers are too young to remember the 1950s TV show Maverick that made James Garner a star or the 1990s film version starring Mel Gibson and Garner; or the 60s - 70s car from FORD. So the word has no clear connection to recent zeitgeist. But with enough repetition, the Republican strategists hope it will define their image of McCain and Sarah Palin.

The root of it comes from a Texas politician and rancher from the 1860s: Samuel Maverick refused to brand his cattle. The reason he gave was he didn't want to be cruel to animals, but all his friends and neighbors said that wasn't so — he was just going around trying to round up all the unbranded cattle and claim them for himself.*

Maverick was also a conservative Southern politician who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. 

When people around there saw a calf running around without a brand on it and no mother — they'd say, mostly sarcastically, 'Those must be mavericks'.

Interestingly enough, his grandson, Maury Maverick took on the 1950s redbaiting/McCarthyism. Read Roberto Botello's remembrance of this real Maverick.

His great-grandson lives in Los Angeles. A self-described city-slicker, Andrew Maverick likes hearing tales of his great grandfather — and those unbranded calves that roamed freely in Texas. He also says that he's pretty much a conformist and no Maverick.

*NPR's Morning Edition. 9/4/08.

Acceptance Speeches Seen as Text Clouds

Check out the 2008 RNC and DNC Presidential and Vice Presidential acceptance speeches as run through Wordle to see what words the candidates had emphasized in each speech. Interesting stuff.

Mark Twain's Forgotten 'The War Prayer'

It’s largely forgotten now, especially in history texts in high schools. After the Spanish-American War, a war of choice and regime change, when the U.S. wrested several territories from Spain, including Guam, Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines, the U.S. quickly got mired in one of the original guerrilla wars in the Philippines. It took 15 years, but the U.S. finally put down the rebellion — 15 brutal, bloody years.  The conduct of that war shocked many people, including Mark Twain.

This piece was written partly in response to that war.

Many Americans, like Twain, who questioned the war, in turn had their patriotism questioned. Why wouldn’t they get on board with the war? the critics asked. If your not with us then your on the side of our enemy. My, how things do repeat.

Here’s the stunning production by Markos Kounalakis; go to the film’s website for a copy of the text.

Part I, Click Pt. II on the jump.

more about “The War Prayer“, posted with vodpod

An Appalling Act of Exploitation

If you watched the early coverage of the RNC08 Convention Thursday night, you were able to see one of the most appalling acts of exploitation I've ever witnessed on TV.

Prior to Senator Lindsey Graham's speech, the convention aired a "Tribute to 9/11," which was essentially a propagandist reminder that we are locked in mortal combat with "those that attacked us on 9/11." It used images that we all remember painfully for solely political purposes. This was not a tribute, a remembrance, an homage - it was an exploitation of fear. And it was wrong. I will not post the video or link to it. It's on YouTube, find it. Democrats, please don't consider this as an opening to do the same.

I'm appalled and ashamed. I will meditate for the Light tonight over this.

The Wordy Shipmates - Advance Review Coming Soon

The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell

My review

Just got my advance copy by FedEx this week. The book is due out next month. Allowing for life's usual interruptions, I plan to start it tonight. My review will be soon. In the meantime, here's the Goodreads.com description of The Wordy Shipmates.

In The Wordy Shipmates, Sarah Vowell travels once again through Americas past, this time to seventeenth-century New England. From the British Library to the Mohegan Sun casino, from the nations first synagogue to a Mayflower waterslide, Vowell studies the Puritan effect and finds their beliefs about church and state more interesting than their buckles-and-corn reputation would suggest.

She asks:

Was Massachusetts Bay Colony governor John Winthrop a communitarian, Christlike Christian, or conformitys tyrannical enforcer? Yes! Was Rhode Islands architect Roger Williams Americas founding freak or the father of the First Amendment? Same difference. How come Henry Vane the Younger, who argued against beheading the English king, was himself beheaded for helping behead said king? Good question. What does it take to get that jezebel Anne Hutchinson to shut up? A hatchet.

As in all Vowells bestselling books, this exploration of Americas past is both poignant and entertaining. The Wordy Shipmates is rich with historical fact, humorous insight, and social commentary by one of Americas celebrated voices.

View all my reviews.

Bonfire of Liberties: Mayor Sarah Palin Tried To Ban 'Questionable' Books From Wasilla

Just in time for ALA's Banned Books Week later this month, Daily Kos just gave us a tip about the TIME magazine article on Presidential VP nominee Sarah Palin and how she tried to fire librarian Mary Ellen Baker for not banning questionable books.

Stein says that as mayor, Palin continued to inject religious beliefs into her policy at times. "She asked the library how she could go about banning books," he says, because some voters thought they had inappropriate language in them. "The librarian was aghast." That woman, Mary Ellen Baker, couldn't be reached for comment, but news reports from the time show that Palin had threatened to fire Baker for not giving "full support" to the mayor.

While most of her positions are far outside the mainstream, and her hypocrisy of talking small government and detesting federalism while expanding government and raking in pork may grate on people who look at her record, all most see is that she's a pretty, charming, upbeat and down-to-earth person. Perhaps it's her strong WE movie of the week biography; people see Palin as a compassionate person, and therefore they probably see her as a compassionate politician.

poll by twiigs.com

In the mean time enjoy some Palin satire:

The run-up to Palin's Republican National Convention debut provided a predictable feeding frenzy for the 24-hour cable channels and the pundits who populate them. What may not have been as foreseeable is the volume of simply brilliant satire that has surfaced online in the last few days. The best examples all follow a simple, similar motif: Sarah Palin blogs! The fake Palins are proliferating at a feverish pace. They've got accounts on YouTube, Twitter and Typepad. And they are using those outlets to take her fake message directly to the masses.

In the hours running up to her speech, Fake Sarah Palin tweeted: "I don't understand what your problem is with this vetting stuff. I DON'T EVEN HAVE ANY PETS! Ungh it is so pointless." She also blogged that she was thinking about writing her speech as a rap to appeal to the "urban" voter but was having trouble finding rhymes for "appropriations," "sectarian factions" and, uh, "dope." Oh, and she posted a video in which she marveled at life in the lower 48 to her campaign manager-cousin-personal stylist. "It seems there's a lot of different occupations. I'm used to, you know, cannery worker, fisherman, fish sales person, fish cultivator, Wal-Mart greeter. [And] everyone comes in Inuit or normal person."

Links, block quote and book lists via: Mediabistro.com, Newsweek & TIME

Well Known and Distinguished Journalist Amy Goodman Arrested in St. Paul at the RNC08

I have no idea why mainstream journalism is not reporting this. Thank God for the Internet, YouTube and blogs.

Journalist Amy Goodman has been arrested in St. Paul, Minnesota:

Her arrest comes amid accusations of police brutality in St. Paul. I-Witness founder Eileen Clancy was arrested and detained last Saturday by the police in an apparent preemptive arrest. Clancy states she and her team were surrounded in the house they were staying at in St. Paul before they had the chance to video tape any protests.

The police handcuffed Clancy and her team and claimed they were waiting for their search warrant. The officers were armed and at least one police offer was carrying an M-16, Clancy wrote in her blog.

In addition to preemptive arrests, the police are responding aggressively to the presence of protesters. New video is appearing on YouTube of protesters being tear-gassed by the police.

12:00AM: Democracy Now! has posted this update:

Democracy Now!'s Amy Goodman, Sharif Abdel Kouddous and Nicole Salazar Released After Illegal Arrest at RNC

Goodman Charged with Obstruction; Felony Riot Charges Pending Against Kouddous and Salazar

ST. PAUL--Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman and producers Sharif Abdel Kouddous and Nicole Salazar have all been released from police custody in St. Paul following their illegal arrest by Minneapolis Police on Monday afternoon.

All three were violently manhandled by law enforcement officers. Abdel Kouddous was slammed against a wall and the ground, leaving his arms scraped and bloodied. He sustained other injuries to his chest and back. Salazar's violent arrest by baton-wielding officers, during which she was slammed to the ground while yelling, "I'm Press! Press!," resulted in her nose bleeding, as well as causing facial pain. Goodman's arm was violently yanked by police as she was arrested.

On Tuesday, Democracy Now! will broadcast video of these arrests, as well as the broader police action. These will also be available on: www.democracynow.org

Goodman was arrested while questioning police about the unlawful detention of Kouddous and Salazar who were arrested while they carried out their journalistic duties in covering street demonstrations at the Republican National Convention. Goodman's crime appears to have been defending her colleagues and the freedom of the press.

Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher told Democracy Now! that Kouddous and Salazar were arrested on suspicion of rioting, a felony. While the three have been released, they all still face charges stemming from their unlawful arrest. Kouddous and Salazar face pending charges of suspicion of felony riot, while Goodman has been officially charged with obstruction of a legal process and interference with a "peace officer."

Democracy Now! forcefully rejects all of these charges as false and an attempt at intimidation of these journalists. We demand that the charges be immediately and completely dropped.

Democracy Now! stands by Goodman, Kouddous and Salazar and condemns this action by Twin Cities' law enforcement as a clear violation of the freedom of the press and the First Amendment rights of these journalists.

During the demonstration in which the Democracy Now! team was arrested, law enforcement officers used pepper spray, rubber bullets, concussion grenades and excessive force against protesters and journalists. Several dozen demonstrators were also arrested during this action, including a photographer for the Associated Press.

Amy Goodman is one of the most well-known and well-respected journalists in the United States. She has received journalism's top honors for her reporting and has a distinguished reputation of bravery and courage. The arrest of Goodman, Kouddous and Salazar and the subsequent criminal charges and threat of charges are a transparent attempt to intimidate journalists.

Democracy Now! is a nationally-syndicated public TV and radio program that airs on over 700 radio and TV stations across the US and the globe.
Mayor Chris Coleman can be contacted at: 651-266-8510 or e-mailed at: https://mn-stpaul.civicplus.com/forms.asp?FID=69
Governor Tim Pawlenty can be reached at: (651) 296-3391 or e-mailed at tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us
Ramsey County Jail: 651-266-9350

The video of Amy Goodman being arrested was the most viewed video on YouTube for Tuesday, September 2, 2008. Listen to the Wednesday episode of Democracy Now where Amy Goodman Grills St. Paul Police Chief About Her Arrest and Two Democracy Now! Producers

Alaska First -- Alaska Always, Sarah Palin Belonged to Alaskan Secession Movement?!?

ABC News:

Officials of the Alaskan Independence Party say that Palin was once so independent, she was once a member of their party, which since the 1970s has been pushing for a legal vote for Alaskans to decide whether or not residents of the 49th state can secede from the United States.

And while McCain's motto -- as seen in a new TV ad -- is "Country First," the AIP's motto is the exact opposite -- "Alaska First -- Alaska Always."

Here's the information that bothers me most. Follow the link and watch the video of her, as Gov. addressing and blessing the AIP here. Also watch the video of the meeting and listen as the Vice Chairman of the AIP, Dexter Clark, says this of Palin: "Our current governor who I mentioned at the last conference, the one we were hoping would get elected, Sarah Palin, did get elected ... and there was a lot of talk about her moving up. She was an AIP member before she got the job as mayor.... " Did Palin agree with the group's platform?

"It never came up in conversation," Clark recalls. "But when she joined the party our platform was right under her nose."

In the second video, Clark talks about the necessity of infiltrating the major national parties with sympathetic candidates in order to further the goals of the AIP.

And what does the AIP believe?

• A belief that "the vote for statehood was invalid because the people were not presented with the range of options available to them" and that "the federal government has since breached the contract for statehood on numerous occasions in over a dozen serious and substantial instances."
• A belief that there should be a vote on Alaskan secession.
• Remaining "steadfastly opposed to environmental regulations and actively promotes the private ownership and widespread development of Alaskan land."
• A platform which includes:

  [A]mending the Constitution of the State of Alaska so as to re-establish the rights of all Alaskan residents to entry upon all public lands within the state, and to acquire private property interest there in, under fair and reasonable conditions. Such property interest shall include surface and sub-surface patent.

  [F]oster a constitutional amendment abolishing and prohibiting all property taxes.

  [S]eek[ing] the complete repatriation of the public lands, held by the federal government, to the state and people of Alaska[.]

We also learn that not only was Palin a member, but she and her husband attended the group's 1994 convention.

It's unclear how much Palin's involvement with the AIP has influenced her political philosophy today. Now a member of the Republican party, does she still, as the Vice Chairman of the AIP put it, "pretty well sympathetic to her former membership"?

This really is bothersome!! It's not that she's a woman, I was a Hillary supporter! And I don't care who's having who's baby (except if she lied to her State or to the McCain staffers). The legal troubles are also worrisome, but I do care if she belongs and still harbors sympathies for open secession as a VP candidate for one of our two major political parties!! I may not like Joe Biden much, a view I've held for 20 years, but if God forbid something were to happen to a President Obama, I know Biden could step in and do a good job. I've said this for months now, with a man as old as McCain and a figure as unfortunately polarizing to racists and red necks as Obama, the most important pick these men will make before Jan, 2009 is who their VP will be.

EVERY AMERICAN should be very worried about this choice, and the failure of McCain to properly vet her shows an extremely poor judgment on his part. This whole episode captures the essence of McCain - a maverick, a rebel, a political risk taker, but also a man capable of being mercurial, whimsical, careless, petulant, irresponsible. Traits that make an interesting, active and successful Senator but not my choice for a President.

My ex-wife, a life-long Republican, is an open and avid Obama supporter, an Obamacan, She told me the other day that as a woman she was insulted by the choice and thinks that Hillary supporters should be angry and insulted, that woman in general should be insulted by the choice. She ticked off about 6 names of Republican women who, in her opinion should have been chosen over Palin.

Do you think Palin will make it all the way to the election or will she be dropped by the campaign for a worthwhile and capable candidate worthy of running alongside McCain and of being a heart-beat from the Oval office?

Information Via: NYT, NPR, ABC, Daily Kos, Huffington Post