Can you Say Red Herring*** Federal Court Rejects “Separation of Church and State” http://familypolicy.net/us/?p=218 http://www.coshoctontribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051229/OPINION03/512290321/1014 contributing editor to   - Dan

6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals: “The First Amendment does not demand a wall of separation between church and state.”

(CINCINNATI - 12/20/05) — In an astounding return to judicial interpretation of the actual text of the United States Constitution, a unanimous panel of the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has issued an historic decision declaring that “the First Amendment does not demand a wall of separation between church and state.” In upholding a Kentucky county’s right to display the Ten Commandments, the panel called the American Civil Liberties Union’s repeated claims to the contrary “extra-constitutional” and “tiresome.”

The defense attorney in the case and conservative leaders in two states affected by the decision are hailing it as historic. American Family Association of Michigan president Gary Glenn said, “Patriotic Americans should observe a day of prayer and thanksgiving for this stunning and historic reversal of half a century of misinformation and judicial distortion of the document that protects our religious freedoms.”

“We are particularly excited that such an historic, factual, and truth-based decision is now a controlling precedent for the federal Court of Appeals that rules on all Michigan cases,” Glenn said.

6th Circuit Judge Richard Suhrheinrich wrote in the unanimous decision: “The ACLU makes repeated reference to the ’separation of church and state.’ This extra-constitutional construct has grown tiresome. The First Amendment does not demand a wall of separation between church and state. Our nation’s history is replete with governmental acknowledgment and in some cases, accommodation of religion.”

The words “separation of church and state” do not appear in the U.S. Constitution, though according to polls, a majority of Americans have been misled to believe that they do, Glenn said. For background information, see: http://www.answers.com/topic/separation-of-church-and-state-in-the-united-states

Mathew D. Staver, President and General Counsel of Liberty Counsel, hailed today’s decision as a great victory. Staver stated, “Today’s decision begins to turn the tide against the ACLU, which has been on a search and destroy mission to remove all vestiges of our religious history from public view.” Staver added, “Whether the ACLU likes it or not, history is crystal clear that each one of the Ten Commandments played an important role in the founding of our system of law and government. Federal courts are beginning to rightfully reject extreme notions of ’separation of church and state.’ It’s about time that courts begin interpreting the Constitution consistent with its original purpose. With the changing of personnel at the U.S. Supreme Court, the trend toward a more historical approach to the First Amendment is well underway.”

Staver concluded, “This case should be used as a model for other counties wishing to display religious documents and symbols, including the Ten Commandments. It’s absurd to think that displaying the Ten Commandments is unconstitutional. The Ten Commandments is a universally recognized symbol of law. Our laws, and our notions of right and wrong, have been shaped by the Decalogue.”

One conservative leader is already calling for his state’s legislature to use the ruling as the basis for a new state law. Family Policy Network of Tennessee director Ron Shank said, “The 6th Circuit’s decision isn’t just an opinion, it’s federal law in Tennessee. Now that the 6th Circuit has declared the “wall” doesn’t exist, we plan to call for legislation placing the Ten Commandments in courthouses throughout the state. “

'Separation' does not appear in Constitution

There have been many times that I have heard the separation of church and state referred to as our constitutional right. I want to point out that the words "separation of church and state" never appears in the articles of our constitution nor do they appear in the constitutional amendments. So how can this be a constitutional right when it never appears in the constitution?

The term "separation of church and state" came into existence from a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Danbury Baptist Association. A transcript of this letter can be viewed at the Library of Congress.

In an effort to uphold the "separation of church and state" a concept in one of Thomas Jefferson's letters, public schools no longer take Christmas vacation. They instead use the politically correct term - winter break. If they want a separation from church and state then they shouldn't observe religious holidays no matter what term they use.
The Ten Commandments are carved in stone in the wall at the U.S. Supreme Court. Is this a separation of church and state? The First Amendment guarantees every citizen the freedom to practice/exercise their religious beliefs.

First Amendment: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

The First Amendment was violated when prayer was taken out of public schools. The government prohibited prayer in public schools, thereby restricting the free exercise of prayer. When this happened, God was finally taken out from many public schools. God will not impose himself on anyone. He will not go where he is not wanted. When prayer was taken out of public schools, we told God we did not want him there anymore.

The constitutional right that we have is "freedom of religion." Freedom to practice our own religious beliefs without laws handed down from the government restricting our right to exercise our beliefs. What we need to realize is that, at the end of the journey, instead of "freedom of religion" we will have "freedom from religion." When we get to this point, God will be a God of convenience for this nation. If he doesn't fit in public schools, he'll be uninvited. When he doesn't fit in the workplace, he'll be uninvited. When he doesn't fit into our schedules, he'll be uninvited. When it comes time for the marriage supper of the Lamb, some of us will find out that we weren't invited.

Matthew 10:33: "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."

When we choose not to let God in public schools, our work places, into every area of our lives we are denying him.

John Jones, Coshocton
Originally published December 29, 2005
 

I N S I G H T Flour in Condoms Sent Girl to Jail http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/13504147.htm contributing editor to   - Dan

A college student spent 3 weeks in jail after a field test said she was carrying drugs. She filed a lawsuit.
By John Shiffman, Inquirer Staff Writer

She was a freshman on an academic scholarship at Bryn Mawr College, preparing to fly home to California for Christmas, sleep-deprived, with questions from a calculus exam still racing through her head.

In the space of a few hours on Dec. 21, 2003, Janet Lee landed in a Philadelphia jail cell, where she would remain for three weeks, held on $500,000 bail and facing 20 years in prison on drug charges.

All over flour found in her luggage.

"I haven't let myself be angry about what happened, because it would tear me apart," Lee said. "I'm not sure I can bear to face it... . I'm amazed at how naive I was."

That naivete, she said, began when screeners at Philadelphia International Airport inspecting her checked luggage found three condoms filled with white powder. Lee laughed and told city police they were filled with flour. It was just part of a phallic gag at a women's college, she told them, a stress-reliever, something to squeeze while studying for exams.

The police didn't find it funny. They told her a field test showed that the powder contained opium and cocaine.

A lab test later proved the substance was flour - and no one now disputes that Lee is innocent, including the prosecutor.

But the case returned to the courts last week as Lee filed a federal civil-rights lawsuit against city police. The lawsuit seeks damages for pain and suffering, financial loss, and emotional distress.

Capt. Benjamin Naish, a spokesman for the Police Department, declined to comment, noting that the department rarely comments on litigation. Cathie Abookire, a spokeswoman for the District Attorney's Office, also declined to comment.

Lee's lawsuit seeks to answer a central question: Why did the police field test initially conclude that the white powder contained drugs?

Her lawyers, former prosecutors David Oh and Jeremy Ibrahim, say there are two possibilities: Either the field test was faulty or someone fixed the results.

Ellen Green-Ceisler, who directed the Police Department's Office of Integrity and Accountability from 1997 to 2005, called Lee's case highly unusual. Field tests are rarely wrong.

'Almost never happens'

"I've looked at thousands of these cases, and in the context of trained narcotics officers, it almost never happens," she said. "The whole issue will come down to the field test. Was the officer trained? Was the test contaminated?"

Ibrahim said he waited to file the lawsuit until last week, on the eve of the end of the two-year statute of limitations, because Lee needed time to process what happened.

"She was devastated emotionally," Ibrahim said, noting that the event became a minor scandal among her Korean American family and friends. "She lost significant face with this event."

Many records in the case are still confidential, not yet accessible even to Lee's lawyers. What is undisputed is that she was detained at the airport shortly before she was to board a plane to Los Angeles. Court records confirm her arrest and three-week detention on drug charges. Records also confirm why prosecutors dropped the charges.

Lee, who is now a junior comparative-literature major at Bryn Mawr, gave the following account in an interview this week.

Just before she was to board the plane, someone called her name on the public-address system, and she reported to the ticket counter.

An officer told her that she had something in her luggage that shouldn't be there.

"I was like, 'Is it my curling iron? Because it's metal?' He was like, 'No, something else.' "

The officer asked about the white powder in the condoms.

They were filled with flour, she said, and were silly stress-relief contraptions that she had made with classmates as part of a freshman rite of passage in her Main Line dorm.

'It's a girl thing'

"I tried to explain that it was a joke, a gag gift for friends. It's a girl thing. I said, 'You squeeze them to reduce stress.' "

Police stared skeptically. They took her to the Southwest Detective Division, where they tested the powder. Lee figured it would be sorted out soon.

"Mostly, I was worried because I had missed my flight, and now I had to make up an excuse to tell my parents."

When the detective returned, he said the powder tested positive for opium. Police returned her to her cell. "I started hyperventilating," Lee recalled. "The detective was very nice, and said he would test again."

The result was the same.

She said that someone came by her cell and read her an arrest warrant, which mentioned amphetamines. Then police fingerprinted and photographed her. She called her father but couldn't quite express herself through her tears and panic.

"A detective gave me a hug because I was crying so hard," she said.

Police put her into a van for the trip to court. She said she overheard talk about "a kilo."

"Up to that point, I still thought it was a joke, that someone was trying to teach me a lesson," she said. "I was telling everyone my story, and no one believed me - except the people locked up inside with me."

Because the amount of powder was so large, Lee faced 20 years in prison. A judge set bail at $500,000. He also mentioned something about cocaine.

"That's when it sunk in that they were serious," she said. "I said, 'I didn't do it. It's flour.' No one listened."

At that point, having just finished her finals, she had been up for four straight days, she said. "I'm the kind of person who can sleep anywhere or eat anything, but I stopped eating and sleeping," she said.

Later, she hit a bit of luck. A prison guard recognized her from a Bryn Mawr volunteer job at Overbrook High School and took pity on her. The guard told Lee that she believed her and that the whole thing was probably racial. The guard got her a trashy romance novel to help kill time.

Lee acted tough to protect herself. She did modern-dance moves to keep limber. Inmates saw this and gossiped: "Everyone thought I knew karate because I'm Asian." She certainly didn't discourage the stereotype.

Inmates saw the high volume of visitors and figured she was important. Again, she did not discourage the notion. She did not tell her cell mates that the visitors were actually volunteers from Catholic churches in Philadelphia who had taken up her cause.

The volunteers helped her hire Oh.

"I believed her story because things just didn't add up," Oh said. For one thing, Oh said, the field tests were odd because they detected the presence of not one drug but three.

"People don't mix drugs like that," Oh said.

First, Oh contacted Bryn Mawr and confirmed that Lee's dorm mates had, in fact, made the condoms together during a pre-exam session they call a "hall tea."

Then, Oh said, he called Assistant District Attorney Charles Ehrlich, who agreed to expedite laboratory tests. Ehrlich also agreed to help seek reduced bail, Oh said. A day after the new test came back and confirmed that the substance was flour, Lee was released.

She flew home first class.
 

the offices of Dewey, Cheetum & Howe Canadian PM Blames U.S. for 'His Country's Crime Problem,' Gun Group Says http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=\Culture\archive\200512\CUL20051229c.html contributing editor to   - Dale

By Melanie Hunter, CNSNews.com Senior Editor, December 29, 2005

(CNSNews.com) - A gun rights group Thursday blasted Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin for accusing the U.S. of "exporting violence."

The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) said Martin is treating the United States like a scapegoat for his failed leadership and for crimes committed by Canadian citizens.

"On the same day that Prime Minister Martin was blaming the United States for his country's crime problem," said CCRKBA Executive Director Joe Waldron, "CNN reported on a border arrest of two Canadian residents who were detained for trying to re-enter the country with handguns and ammunition concealed on their bodies.

"Ali Dirie and Yasin Mohamed are not Irish Americans from Boston, but residents of Toronto, apparently trying to import guns illegally," Waldron said in a press release. He warned that Martin's plan to ban guns will only succeed in driving up demand for weapons on the black market.

"And now that Mr. Martin has announced his plan to ban handguns in Canada, black market gun running is liable to take off just the same as illegal export of Canadian liquor into the United States during Prohibition, and with just as much success for the criminal underground in both countries," Waldron said.

Waldron said not only have Canadian handgun sales already gone up ahead of the gun ban according to wire reports, but law-abiding citizens, not criminals, will suffer as a result.

"What Martin and other Liberals in Canada don't seem to grasp, or maybe they just don't care, is that a ban is only going to take guns out of the hands of law-abiding citizens. Criminals will still get guns, and Martin will continue blaming the United States for his administration's monumental failure to address a growing crime problem," Waldron said.

"Isn't it curious that crime has been climbing in Canada at the same time the Liberal government under Martin and his predecessor has been squandering billions of dollars on the gun registration fiasco," said Waldron.

"Martin and his Liberal cronies may not want to admit it, but gun rights activists down here in the states predicted this would happen from the outset. Canadian gun owners forecast the same thing, insisting that registering their guns would not prevent violent crime," Waldron said.

"Turns out gun owners were right, and all Martin can think of is taking further sanctions against his law-abiding citizens while doing nothing to actually reduce crime," added Waldron. "It's all flash, and no substance.

"The Prime Minister has no real solution to crime, so he blames honest gun owners and his good neighbor to the south for his government's failures," Waldron concluded.
 

I am from the gubment, & am here to help you - NOT E-tracking, coming to a DMV near You http://news.com.com/E-tracking,+coming+to+a+DMV+near+you/2010-1071_3-5980979.html contributing editor to   - Rodger

 Trust federal bureaucrats to take a good idea and transform it into a frightening proposal to track Americans wherever they drive.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has been handing millions of dollars to state governments for GPS-tracking pilot projects designed to track vehicles wherever they go. So far, Washington state and Oregon have received fat federal checks to figure out how to levy these "mileage-based road user fees."

Now electronic tracking and taxing may be coming to a DMV near you. The Office of Transportation Policy Studies, part of the Federal Highway Administration, is about to announce another round of grants totaling some $11 million. A spokeswoman on Friday said the office is "shooting for the end of the year" for the announcement, and more money is expected for GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking efforts.

In principle, the idea of what bureaucrats like to call "value pricing" for cars makes sound economic sense.

No policy bans police from automatically sending out speeding tickets based on what the GPS data say.

Airlines and hotels have long charged less for off-peak use. Toll roads would be more efficient--in particular, less congested--if they could follow the same model and charge virtually nothing in the middle of the night but high prices during rush hour.

That price structure would encourage drivers to take public transportation, use alternate routes, or leave earlier or later in the day.

The problem, though, is that these "road user fee" systems are being designed and built in a way that strips drivers of their privacy and invites constant surveillance by police, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.

Zero privacy protections
Details of the tracking systems vary. But the general idea is that a small GPS device, which knows its location by receiving satellite signals, is placed inside the vehicle.

Some GPS trackers constantly communicate their location back to the state DMV, while others record the location information for later retrieval. (In the Oregon pilot project, it's beamed out wirelessly when the driver pulls into a gas station.)

The problem, though, is that no privacy protections exist. No restrictions prevent police from continually monitoring, without a court order, the whereabouts of every vehicle on the road.

No rule prohibits that massive database of GPS trails from being subpoenaed by curious divorce attorneys, or handed to insurance companies that might raise rates for someone who spent too much time at a neighborhood bar. No policy bans police from automatically sending out speeding tickets based on what the GPS data say.

The Fourth Amendment provides no protection. The U.S. Supreme Court said in two cases, U.S. v. Knotts and U.S. v. Karo, that Americans have no reasonable expectation of privacy when they're driving on a public street.

The PR offensive
Even more shocking are additional ideas that bureaucrats are hatching. A report prepared by a Transportation Department-funded program in Washington state says the GPS bugs must be made "tamper proof" and the vehicle should be disabled if the bugs are disconnected.

"This can be achieved by building in connections to the vehicle ignition circuit so that failure to receive a moving GPS signal after some default period of vehicle operation indicates attempts to defeat the GPS antenna," the report says.

It doesn't mention the worrisome scenario of someone driving a vehicle with a broken GPS bug--and an engine that suddenly quits half an hour later. But it does outline a public relations strategy (with "press releases and/or editorials" at a "very early stage") to persuade the American public that this kind of contraption would be, contrary to common sense, in their best interest.
In other news:

    * Japanese companies study chipmaking partnership
    * Trojan delivers unwanted gift to Windows PCs
    * European satellite launch challenges GPS
    * Search goes mainstream
    * Virus disguises itself as MSN Messenger beta

One study prepared for the Transportation Department predicts a PR success. "Less than 7 percent of the respondents expressed concerns about recording their vehicle's movements," it says.

That whiff of victory, coupled with a windfall of new GPS-enabled tax dollars, has emboldened DMV bureaucrats. A proposal from the Oregon DMV, also funded by the Transportation Department, says that such a tracking system should be mandatory for all "newly purchased vehicles and newly registered vehicles."

The sad reality is that there are ways to perform "value pricing" for roads while preserving anonymity. You could pay cash for prepaid travel cards, like store gift cards, that would be debited when read by roadside sensors. Computer scientists have long known how to create electronic wallets--using a technique called blind signatures--that can be debited without privacy concerns.

The Transportation Department could require privacy-protective features when handing out grants for pilot projects that may eventually become mandatory. It's now even more important because a new U.S. law ups the size of the grants; the U.K. is planning GPS tracking and per-mile fees ranging between 3 cents and $2.

We'll see. But given the privacy hostility that the Transportation Department and state DMVs have demonstrated so far, don't be too optimistic.
 

H U M O R Last-Ditch Humor contributing editor to   - Dan

A U.S.  Marine squad was marching north of Basra when they came upon an Iraqi terrorist, badly injured and unconscious.  On the opposite side of the road was an American Marine in similar but less serious state. The Marine was conscious and alert and as first aid was given to both men, the squad leader asked the injured Marine what had happened.

The Marine reported, "I was heavily armed and moving north along the highway here, and coming south was a heavily armed insurgent. We saw each other and both took cover in the ditches along the road.

"I yelled to him that Saddam Hussein is a miserable, lowlife, scumbag, and he yelled back that Senator Ted Kennedy is a good-for-nothing, fat, left wing liberal drunk.  So I said that Osama Bin Ladin dresses and acts like a frigid, mean spirited woman!"

He retaliated by yelling, "Oh yeah?  Well so does Hillary Clinton!"

"And, there we were, standing in the middle of the road shaking hands, when a truck hit us."
 
 

D O    N O T drink the Kool-Aid* Prescott Satellite to Spy on Your Home http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article335970.ece contributing editor to   - Rodger

[Is this story making you feel warm and fuzzy?  --  Tribble]

Hi-tech cameras brought in to police home improvements and council tax dodgers
By Marie Woolf, Political Editor, Published: 01 January 2006

John Prescott has told tax inspectors to use satellites to snoop on householders' attempts to improve their homes.

Images of new conservatories and garages taken from space will be used to hike up council taxes and other property levies, official guidance obtained by The Independent on Sunday reveals.

Mr Prescott's department is overseeing the creation of a database containing the details of every house in Britain to help tax inspectors to assess new charges.

Even minor improvements, invisible from the road, will be caught by "spy in the sky" technology that uses a mix of aerial and satellite images taken over time to spot changes.

Last night the Tories accused the Deputy Prime Minister of laying the ground for a "new stealth tax on home improvements".

Houses in the country will be particularly targeted. "Aerial photographs are very effective in rural areas where improvements are hard to see from the road," a handbook for property inspectors says.

The Tories warned of a Big Brother-style inspection regime which could see householders forced to reveal every detail of their homes, including the finish of a children's playroom or the type of central heating.

They accused the Government of using satellite technology to spy on families so they can levy stealth taxes.

Caroline Spelman, shadow Secretary of State for Local Government, accused Mr Prescott of invading people's privacy.

"The public have already expressed concern at the prospect of inspectors with cameras entering their homes. Now it appears that the Government will also be using aerial photography to invade people's privacy and lay the ground for a new stealth tax on home improvements," she said. "For many people who need more space but can't afford to move to a bigger house, the answer is to make improvements to their existing home, but it now seems they are going to be penalised for this through council tax hikes. It is catch-22, with home-owners being taxed if they move and taxed if they don't."

The Government is planning to compile a database of every home in Britain, which will include details of how many bedrooms each house has and what kind of roof it has.

Inspectors will look at whether garden sheds have been converted into offices or studios and whether kitchens or porches have been extended. They will even be able to see if a drive has been Tarmacked or a shrubbery extended. The computer system will be used to assess council tax, inheritance tax and capital gains tax.

A re-evaluation of property values will take into account home improvements, including extensions and conservatories to assess how much council tax a property should pay.

The Government has delayed re-evaluating property values after widespread concern that it could lead to a massive rise in council tax bills, which would particularly hit pensioners.

But the Government's Valuation Office Agency is still rolling out a "Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal" database across England. So far almost two million homes in England have had "value significant codes" recorded.

John Prescott has told tax inspectors to use satellites to snoop on householders' attempts to improve their homes.

Images of new conservatories and garages taken from space will be used to hike up council taxes and other property levies, official guidance obtained by The Independent on Sunday reveals.

Mr Prescott's department is overseeing the creation of a database containing the details of every house in Britain to help tax inspectors to assess new charges.

Even minor improvements, invisible from the road, will be caught by "spy in the sky" technology that uses a mix of aerial and satellite images taken over time to spot changes.

Last night the Tories accused the Deputy Prime Minister of laying the ground for a "new stealth tax on home improvements".

Houses in the country will be particularly targeted. "Aerial photographs are very effective in rural areas where improvements are hard to see from the road," a handbook for property inspectors says.

The Tories warned of a Big Brother-style inspection regime which could see householders forced to reveal every detail of their homes, including the finish of a children's playroom or the type of central heating.

They accused the Government of using satellite technology to spy on families so they can levy stealth taxes.

Caroline Spelman, shadow Secretary of State for Local Government, accused Mr Prescott of invading people's privacy.

"The public have already expressed concern at the prospect of inspectors with cameras entering their homes. Now it appears that the Government will also be using aerial photography to invade people's privacy and lay the ground for a new stealth tax on home improvements," she said. "For many people who need more space but can't afford to move to a bigger house, the answer is to make improvements to their existing home, but it now seems they are going to be penalised for this through council tax hikes. It is catch-22, with home-owners being taxed if they move and taxed if they don't."

The Government is planning to compile a database of every home in Britain, which will include details of how many bedrooms each house has and what kind of roof it has.

Inspectors will look at whether garden sheds have been converted into offices or studios and whether kitchens or porches have been extended. They will even be able to see if a drive has been Tarmacked or a shrubbery extended. The computer system will be used to assess council tax, inheritance tax and capital gains tax.

A re-evaluation of property values will take into account home improvements, including extensions and conservatories to assess how much council tax a property should pay.

The Government has delayed re-evaluating property values after widespread concern that it could lead to a massive rise in council tax bills, which would particularly hit pensioners.

But the Government's Valuation Office Agency is still rolling out a "Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal" database across England. So far almost two million homes in England have had "value significant codes" recorded
 

I am from the gubment, & am here to help you - NOT CCTV to Record Every UK Car Journey http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ contributing editor to   - Viv

[Yes, the article earlier this month entitled "E-tracking, coming to a DMV near You" is on the same point.  The gubment is our friend.  --  Tribble]

Daily Mail 28/12/05

The government was under pressure to halt plans for a new nation-wide camera surveillance system that will record the movements of every vehicle on Britain's roads.

From March the numberplate details of 35 million vehicles per day will be stored for up to five years.  The database, installed alongside the police national computer at Hendon, North London, will include the time, date and precise location of vehicles using CCTV cameras on main roads and motorways and in towns, cities, ports and petrol station forecourts.  Their data will be made available to M15 and other intelligence agencies.

But surveillance revolution does not end there - face recognition is also being tested.

The Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency (DVLA) has signed a deal with the US firm Vilsage to assess whether the DVLA database of driving-licence photographs can be used for 'machine-assisted face recognition.' This technology could then be used to match up images taken by roadside cameras to identify drivers.

Police chiefs claim the vehicle surveillance network plan is the biggest advance in crime and terror technology since the introduction of DNA fingerprinting and is designed to drive criminals and terrorists off the roads.  But this does not come cheaply - Home Office has given £25million grant towards the scheme and it will cost taxpayers millions more, with much of the burden falling on local councils and police authorities, which in turn will drive up council taxes.

Human rights groups demanded a halt to the scheme.  As this is just another example of governments invasion of privacy.  What we have here is wholesale, mass surveillance of a population should this come about it would mean that our movements will be monitored constantly.
 

a r t i c l e   /   c o m m e n t a r y Jesus Christ, Outlaw http://www.conspiracypenpal.com/rants/outlaw.htm contributing editor to   - Edgar

My name is Edgar J. Steele.  This is a Nickel Rant.

While standing in line at the Post Office the week before Christmas, I noticed a sign that advertised a variety of holiday postage stamps for sale.  Hanukkah, I think, was first on the list, with a picture of a Menorah.  Then came Kwanzaa, with some sort of garish symbology.  Then Eid, commemorating a Muslim holiday.  Then a classical picture of the Madonna, labeled "Madonna and Child."  Then something else I have forgotten.

"And child?" I said aloud, to nobody in particular.  The clerks didn't look up.  You see, long ago, they got used to my carrying on about one thing or another.  One lady customer nervously glanced in my direction.  "The sign," I said to her, "The sign here on the front of the counter advertises stamps for every year-end holiday known to man, except for Christmas."

Now the lady clerk at the counter piped up, saying, "Yes, there is, right there...Madonna and child."

"But that doesn't say anything about Christmas!" I replied.  "What happened to Christmas stamps?"  The only sound was the "thwock" of rubber stamps hitting envelopes.  "You know - Santa Claus, reindeer...that sort of thing?"

"And, besides," I continued, "what's with this 'and child' business?  When did the name Jesus Christ become forbidden?"  The two clerks furtively looked at one another.

"I object," I continued.  "This sign discriminates in favor of minority religious holidays at the expense of the great majority of America's population.  'And child?'  That could mean Jesus' younger brother.  And, how do we know 'Madonna' doesn't refer to the Material Girl?"

The lady customer, now finished, turned and, in passing, glared at me.  I smiled at her and said, "Merry Christmas."

The clerks were the picture of professionalism and not at all flustered.  As I said, they're used to it.  To their further credit, the very next day I noticed that the sign had been taken down.

Look, let's get clear about what is going on here.  Most significantly, religion has nothing to do with the current assault on Christmas.

Kwanzaa is a bogus holiday created just a handful of years ago by an ex-con for his self aggrandizement and enrichment.  There is nothing African about Kwanzaa.  In fact, there is nothing African about African Americans except their genes, but that's not an acceptable belief.  So, what's with this bogus "African" holiday unless, somehow, people like myself are correct about there being significant racial differences?

Hanukkah, like all Jewish holidays, celebrates the slaughter of gentiles by Jews.  It is, in reality, a very minor Jewish holiday, at that, which has been blown all out of proportion simply as a part of the attempt to neutralize Christmas.

Christmas approximately coincides with the winter solstice and was co-opted by Christianity long ago when the Church was unable to persuade people to stop celebrating their supposedly "pagan" mid-winter rituals of fellowship and gift giving.  Best evidence is that Christ was born in Spring or Summer, incidentally.  At best, the religious aspect of Christmas is an afterthought, just exactly as it has been celebrated in America for generations.

So - these year-end holidays?  They are all bogus as regards their religious versus secular significance.  That fact is reinforced by those who label Christmas as somehow being racist or anti-Semitic, with nary a word about its religious import.

Here's the real significance: "Happy Holidays" represents a broadside in the ongoing Jewish war against White dominance of Western culture.  Just as flying a Confederate flag supposedly is an expression of White dominance, so is saying "Happy Holidays" an expression of White submission.  It's part of the race war being conducted against us.  You not only should be bothered by it, you should be damned angry.

The double standard is most apparent in the legal arena:  We have non-Constitutionally-mandated-but-Supreme-Court-ordered separation of Church and State as far as the eye can see, yet notice that there is no separation between Synagogue and State.  Bush lit a State Menorah, the Jewish religious symbol, at the Capitol this year.  An equivalent Christian gesture would have been for him to unveil a State-sponsored creche (nativity scene), yet he did not even publicly throw the switch this year on the White House "Holiday Tree."

Recently, a list member wrote:  "In downtown Seattle, getting ready for Christmas I went to a major shopping area to accomplish my yearly gifting task and was struck by three things:  1) The beautifully decorated evergreen tree that was labeled with a banner which read 'Happy Holidays,' 2) The large display of colorful candles and hangings that was labeled with a banner which read 'Happy Kwanzaa' and 3) The Menorah that was labeled with a banner which read 'Happy Chanukah.'  All of these banners were equal in size...and hung in identical fashion, as to not make any more dominant than the other."

As we all now know, across America, public schools have banned the word "Christmas," forbade the reading of Christmas stories, the exchange of Christmas cards and the singing of Christmas carols during their "Holiday Programs."

What's more, virtually every major retailing chain in America - including, but not limited to, Costco, Target, K-Mart, Sears, Wal-Mart and so many others - has forbade its employees from uttering the phrase "Merry Christmas," insisting that they employ the generic (and anti-White) "Happy Holidays," instead.

All this, despite the fact that 85% of America describes itself as being Christian, per a recent Newsweek poll.  And Fox News reports that a massive 96% of America celebrates Christmas.

Even so, it's not ok to say "Christmas" out loud anymore, yet "Kwanzaa" and "Hanukkah" are acceptable!  By proportion of population, I might be persuaded to accept a Hanukkah sign 3% the size of a Christmas sign and a Kwanzaa sign 12% its size, but I never will find "Happy Holidays" to be an acceptable substitute for "Merry Christmas!"

The role of the media in this battle is paramount and wielded with increasing impunity.  Just twenty years ago, the media was virtually all Jewish owned and well used to manipulating America's population.  At that time, just fifty corporations controlled a majority of America's media.  Today, one generation later, that number has dropped to a mind-numbing total of five.  That's right - just five corporations now control most of America's media and every single one is Jewish owned and operated.

Nor does the assault stop with Christmas, either, as most Americans are well aware.  Christianity all through America is on the run from the thought police in the form of the ADL, JDL, AIPAC, ACLU, SPLC, the National Lawyers Guild and virtually every public agency in existence.

As one of a very few enlightened Jews, Don Feder, so eloquently put it recently in his essay, Christmas -- Going, Going...Gone?:  "The secularist assault on Christmas (unwittingly aided by the perpetually aggrieved and sensitivity-whipped) is one front in the war on America’s Judeo-Christian heritage.  Other battle zones include Ten Commandments monuments, God in the Pledge of Allegiance, stigmatizing the Boy Scouts, advances of the culture of death, and attempts to impose homosexual marriage by judicial fiat (thus undoing the morality of both Sinai and Bethlehem)."

The only bone I might pick with Mr. Feder is his use of the phrase "Judeo-Christian heritage."  There is nothing of the sort in America's heritage, which is purely Christian.  To marry the two ideologies in this fashion is ludicrous, inasmuch as Judaism seeks the outright eradication of Christianity and the subjugation of all other races to the Jewish agenda.  Think not?  The Jews' own Talmud, at Sohar (II 64b), demands that the "Christian birth rate must be diminished materially," while Schabbath (116a) commands that "the books of Christians are to be burned."  Abhodah Zarah (25b)T demands that "even the best of the Goyim (Christians) should be killed."

Jews don't want you to know this, but their Talmudic book, Hilkoth Melakhim, says that Christians sin by worshipping Jesus, while Hilkoth Maakhaloth  boldly states that "Christians are idolaters."  Why don't you ever hear about things like this?  Consider the following, from the Talmud's Szaaloth-Utszabot, The Book of Jore Dia 17:  "A Jew should and must make a false oath when the goyim asks if our books contain anything against them."

So much for America's "Judeo-Christian heritage."

Just as the War in Iraq disingenuously is blamed upon America's unquenchable thirst for oil rather than her unquestioning fealty to Israel, so is the war on Christianity disingenuously labeled a Church/State separation issue.  Let me say it again:  This has nothing to do with religion - that merely is the whipping-boy excuse.  The war on Christianity is every bit as much a racial war as is the war in Iraq - with Jews being the true aggressors in both wars.

And the really perverted aspect of both wars is that the average American unwittingly has been drafted by the Jews into playing a major role against his or her own best interests.

Jesus Christ and even the secularized word Christmas have become taboo in America today.  Outlawed.  Once again, Christ is on trial at the behest of the Jews.  We who carry their water play the role of Pontius Pilate.  The only thing missing is the cross for His crucifixion.  Of course, Jews are scrubbing American clean of crosses, too.

When Pilate washed his hands of Jesus Christ and thereby allowed Christ's crucifixion to proceed, the Jews themselves said, "His blood be on us, and on our children."  Well, today Christ's blood still flows and still it is upon those Jews directing the war upon Christianity.  This time, however, those of us who participate in our own racial demise by playing along with the forces of political correctness in America also have taken His blood upon our heads, too.

Make no mistake.  This is not just a war upon either Christmas or Christianity in general.  If you are not Jewish, then you are a target.  This is a racial war, with the Jews versus everybody else on the planet.  It just happens to be our time in the barrel at the moment - ours and the Arabs', of course.

White Liberation Now!!!

My name is Edgar J. Steele.  Thanks for listening.  Please visit my web site, www.ConspiracyPenPal.com, for other messages just like this one.
-ed
 

H U M O R Baby, It is Cold Out Here contributing editor to   - Melissa

D O    N O T drink the Kool-Aid* Gov't. Wins Court Authorization to Spy on Cell Phone Use http://www.newswithviews.com/BreakingNews/breaking39.htm http://www.newswithviews.com/BreakingNews/breaking40.htm contributing editor to   - Rodger

[As you should recall, the news of Great Britain doing this was only days ago.  As you are often told, as goes the US, or Great Britain or Australia, so goes the others.  --  Tribble]

Summary: Despite three court rulings that cell phone tracking by government agencies without a court order is illegal, a fourth court ruling has now authorized blanket spying. The government can now use cell phone data to track physical location, without a search warrant or probable cause.

NEW YORK -- A federal court issued an opinion permitting government agencies to use cell phone data to track a cell phone's physical location, without a search warrant based on probable cause.

The ruling seems to be in line with recent revelations about President Bush authorizing secret, warrantless wiretaps. The court opinion on Dec. 20, 2005 went largely unnoticed by the media or the public, but may have major ramifications on privacy rights and issues.

Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein of the United States District Court, Southern District of New York issued the opinion, despite three previous rulings to the contrary by other judges. There is no party to appeal, so the ruling paves the way for government agencies in all states to begin cell phone tracking without legal difficulty.

There was only one party in each case that was rejected by other courts, the same party in the case that was given approval -- the Department of Justice. The DOJ did not appeal the cases it lost, and there is no party to appeal the case it won.

"What other new surveillance powers has the government been creating out of whole cloth and how long have they been getting away with it?" commented the non-profit Electronic Frontier Foundation on it's web site.

The DOJ revealed an attitude that a court order is not needed in the brief submitted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Brown: "A cell phone user voluntarily transmits a signal to the cell phone company, and thereby 'assumes the risk' that the cell phone provider will reveal to law enforcement the cell-site information."

When the issue comes up in other courts there will be no case of appeal for judges to review for guidance, creating the more likely situation that each subsequent case will be easier and easier for the DOJ and other government agencies to win, say legal analysts commenting in various blogs.

Legitimate needs for tracking have been used by commercial vendors and government agencies to justify monitoring of all consumers with a cell phone. The checks and balances put in place to protect individual privacy, such as court orders, are in jeopardy by blanket use of tracking systems that have no accountability, according to government watchdog groups and privacy advocates.

National Engineering Technology Corporation (NET) is actively negotiating with various state department of transportation agencies to track cell phone users, without their permission. The data will be used to study traffic flow and provide information to various systems and third parties to notify drivers of ways to avoid traffic congestion.

News stories tell of car thieves captured because a toll transponder, or other Global Positioning System (GPS) device in a car used to identified their location. Web sites already exist that enable the public the ability to track the location of cell phones. These sites advertise services to do things such as know the location of a teenager, or find a lost child.

The present traffic systems do not capture the personal information available from each cell phone, but opponents of cell phone tracking express concerns about the potential for that information to easily be included with the simple click of a computer mouse.

The DOJ was previously turned down by other judges in New York, Long Island, and Texas.

Each time the DOJ included a request to capture the dialing information of incoming and outgoing calls, as well as physical location of each phone.

The previous judges rejected the requests stating that investigators cannot track cell phones without going through the hoops necessary for getting a traditional search warrant.

The DOJ did not respond to requests for comments.

Summary: Turn on your cell phone and you give government agencies instant information about your location, and even your speed of travel. It may not be long before you get a speeding ticket in the mail, or police at your door.

Drivers with cell phones are being tracked in a new government program designed to monitor the location and speed of cell phones in vehicles moving along Missouri highways.

The state of Missouri has entered into a $6.2 million contract with National Engineering Technology Corporation (NET) to track cell phone users, without their permission.

The first test of the system is now under way in Kansas City and St. Louis, according to published reports. The high-tech, government authorized spy network is operated by NET and Delcan, a Canadian company. The two are owned by ITIS Holdings, a British company.

Cell phone tracking is also taking place in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Norfolk, Va., Atlanta and Macon, Ga. Vehicles with E-ZPass or FasTrak toll transponder payment systems are also easily tracked by government agencies in a similar way.

Missouri is the first government agency to begin a program designed to track the movement of vehicles, ostensibly to provide traffic information to motorists in real time. The same electronic tracking information has potential to be used for much more.

Federal regulations now require cell phones to transmit a signal that identifies the location of the phone for use by 911 operators. That same information can be used to track any cell phone that is turned on.

The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) has called for a system that enables consumers to opt out of the tracking program, according to news reports.

The information being gathered by the Missouri Department of Transportation could be used for far more than just providing traffic information to the public on crowded highways. The tracking system can provide the exact location of any cell phone user, track movements of a cell phone, tap into a cell phone conversation, and even be used to issue speeding tickets by mail.

The Missouri program charts the relative speed of drivers by measuring the time between the intermittent signals cell phones send to towers along a stretch of road. That information is then used with computerized highway maps to show the location and speed of each cell phone.

Under the current contract for services, the private information associated with each cell phone is deleted from the system, so there is nothing in the present service that identifies individual cell phone owners. However, opponents are concerned that in the future that information will be used to send speeding tickets to drivers by mail.

Officials in the Missouri Dept. of Transportation were quoted in local press reports as being in favor of selling the tracking information to outside users in order to pay for the costs of the system.

The terms of the contract with NET allows that company to sell the tracking information to outside vendors. The government has no authority to monitor where the information ends up, according the terms of the contract.

After the first two years of the contract the state can enter into a revenue sharing agreement with NET and receive funds from the selling of the tracking information to third parties, giving the government an interest in selling information instead of protecting it. The government could also begin issuing speeding tickets by mail as an added means to generate even more revenue.

The traffic monitoring plans assume NET will market more detailed information to the private sector - automakers that offer onboard navigation systems, cell phone companies, shipping businesses, or media traffic reporting.

The government has no plans at the present time to notify cell phone users that their phones may be tracked without their knowledge or permission, according to news reports. There is also no means to provide for consumers who wish to opt out. Presently the only way to do that is to turn cell phones off.

"It's a mission creep issue that would be of most concern to consumers," said Lillie Coney, associate director of EPIC, as reported by AP. "They may start out saying we want to know if there's a traffic problem and then take that information and start using it for different purposes."
 

D O    N O T drink the Kool-Aid* Did Jesus exist? Court to decide http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/01/04/italy.jesus.reut/index.html?section=cnn_latest contributing editor to   - Cindy and Melissa

NOW, it is possible that a character called "jesus" is a fiction, and I dare say he is.  Cascioli is 100% correct when he says "Jesus did not exist as a historic figure".  If Cascioli is in fact challenging the matter of THIS character, then we should pray he has a measure of success.  --  Tribble]

ROME, Italy (Reuters) -- Forget the U.S. debate over intelligent design versus evolution.

An Italian court is tackling Jesus -- and whether the Roman Catholic Church may be breaking the law by teaching that he existed 2,000 years ago.

The case pits against each other two men in their 70s, who are from the same central Italian town and even went to the same seminary school in their teenage years.

The defendant, Enrico Righi, went on to become a priest writing for the parish newspaper. The plaintiff, Luigi Cascioli, became a vocal atheist who, after years of legal wrangling, is set to get his day in court later this month.

"I started this lawsuit because I wanted to deal the final blow against the Church, the bearer of obscurantism and regression," Cascioli told Reuters.

Cascioli says Righi, and by extension the whole Church, broke two Italian laws. The first is "Abuso di Credulita Popolare" (Abuse of Popular Belief) meant to protect people against being swindled or conned. The second crime, he says, is "Sostituzione di Persona," or impersonation.

"The Church constructed Christ upon the personality of John of Gamala," Cascioli claimed, referring to the 1st century Jew who fought against the Roman army.

A court in Viterbo will hear from Righi, who has yet to be indicted, at a January 27 preliminary hearing meant to determine whether the case has enough merit to go forward.

"In my book, 'The Fable of Christ,' I present proof Jesus did not exist as a historic figure. He must now refute this by showing proof of Christ's existence," Cascioli said.

Speaking to Reuters, Righi, 76, sounded frustrated by the case and baffled as to why Cascioli -- who, like him, came from the town of Bagnoregio -- singled him out in his crusade against the Church.

"We're both from Bagnoregio, both of us. We were in seminary together. Then he took a different path and we didn't see each other anymore," Righi said.

"Since I'm a priest, and I write in the parish newspaper, he is now suing me because I 'trick' the people."

Righi claims there is plenty of evidence to support the existence of Jesus, including historical texts.

He also claims that justice is on his side. The judge presiding over the hearing has tried, repeatedly, to dismiss the case -- prompting appeals from Cascioli.

"Cascioli says he didn't exist. And I said that he did," he said. "The judge will decide if Christ exists or not."

Even Cascioli admits that the odds are against him, especially in Roman Catholic Italy.

"It would take a miracle to win," he joked.
 

I am from the gubment, & am here to help you - NOT Child Kidnapped and Force into Radiation Treatments http://www.newstarget.com/016387.html contributing editor to   - Jeanne

by Alexis Black

State-sponsored medical terrorism: Texas authorities arrest parents, kidnap their teenage daughter, and force her through chemotherapy against her will
 

Months after a Texas teenager was diagnosed with cancer, state authorities have finally decided to let her return home to her family after a long legal battle in which Texas officials – not the girl's parents – attempted to determine the course of treatment for her disease. Thirteen-year-old Katie Wernecke was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, a cancer of the lymph nodes, in January 2005. The teenager underwent chemotherapy after being taken to the emergency room with what her parents had suspected was pneumonia, and doctors recommended she also receive radiation treatments. However, Katie's parents, Michelle and Edward Wernecke, refused the treatments for fear it could cause complications such as an increased risk of breast cancer, learning problems or stunted physical growth. That's when Texas authorities intervened, making private matters public in a way that many feel violated parental rights as well as principles of health freedom. In what amounted to an attempt to force the Werneckes to submit their daughter to radiation treatments, officials with Texas' Child Protective Services took Katie away from her parents in June, after receiving a tip that Katie and her mother were hiding out at a family ranch in order to avoid the radiation that doctors claimed she needed to survive. Authorities promptly took Katie into custody and arrested her mother on charges of interfering with child custody.

Although Michelle Wernecke was released on $50,000 bond shortly after her arrest, she returned home to find her family in shambles. The state had – in effect – kidnapped her daughter, placed her three sons in a foster home and labeled her and her husband neglectful parents, even though they were only trying to protect their daughter from conventional medicine's harsh cancer treatments. Thus began a long and difficult struggle for the family that received national attention and raised significant questions about medical freedom and parental rights.

On a June 9 episode of NBC's Today show, Michele Wernecke said of her daughter: "I think they should treat her for what her body calls for and not for standard protocol. Nobody will look at that. Not every cancer is the same. Nobody understands that. Her body is not standard, and her cancer is not standard." A videotaped statement, recorded by Katie's parents, shows the girl saying, "I don't need radiation treatment. And nobody asked me what I wanted. It's my body."

On Oct. 21, Texas District Judge Jack Hunter ruled that the Werneckes would be allowed, as they had hoped, to take Katie to Kansas for a consultation with a physician on alternative intravenous vitamin C treatments. However, the judge also ruled that, before her parents could pursue the alternative treatment, Katie must first receive five days of traditional chemotherapy at the University of Texas' M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. This once again thwarted her parents' efforts to protect their daughter from treatments they fear will result in side effects that are more harmful than her actual disease.

Throughout the Werneckes' battle with CPS and the Texas legal system, the family has maintained a blog dedicated to their daughter and her condition at http://prayforkatie.blogspot.com. There, they post news articles, charity information, letters and prayers from people concerned for Katie and disturbed by the drastic actions taken by Texas officials to keep her out of her parents' care.

An Oct. 23 post on the site reads, "Katie has been left all alone in M.D. Anderson undergoing this fourth round of chemotherapy. CPS has not allowed the parents to be present in the hospital during this treatment. I don't have the right words and enough words to express how awful I feel about that. It is unbelievably cruel and just sickening that Katie would have to suffer through that ordeal all alone with no parent beside her. That is emotional abuse and child abuse on the part of CPS."

Although the Werneckes have stuck to their beliefs about what they feel is best for their daughter's health, they have been continuously met by the threats and scare tactics used by CPS. As a result, their daughter has not only suffered through treatment she does not want – and arguably does not need – but she has done so without her parents comfort and support.

On Oct. 31, Judge Hunter finally ruled that Katie should be returned to her family, saying, "CPS and the Werneckes are never, ever going to agree," according to the New York Times. Katie will be allowed to go home after a round of chemotherapy in Houston, but what course her treatment will take after that is unknown. However, her father said at Monday's hearing that the family "wanted to try other treatments for Katie before considering radiation as a last resort," the New York

The good news is, Katie will be able to return to her family and receive their love and support, but the decision seems long overdue. The Werneckes' situation over the past months is a prime example of how modern medicine has gotten out of control in this country. It seems we now live in a terrifying world where medical professionals are able to enlist the help of government agencies in order to force people into medical treatment that can actually pose significant health dangers. It is a climate in which diagnosis and medical treatments may be accompanied by threats and legal action for those who dare to select an alternative path of healing for themselves or their loved ones. It is an atmosphere in which parents can actually lose their sick children to the system of modern conventional medicine.

A disease like cancer is traumatic enough; it does not need to be complicated with the stresses of custody battles and legal threats. What a child really needs when suffering through something as daunting as cancer is her parents. The Werneckes may have been fighting to block the treatment of their daughter with conventional cancer treatments that can cause severe health problems, but Texas authorities, in the past months, were playing a much more dangerous game by fighting to remove Katie from the love and support of her parents, which is some of the best medicine.

Note by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger

The events reported in this story are true. If you thought you lived in a "free" society, think again. Right now, under the direct supervision of misguided oncologists and Big Pharma drug pushers, your children can be kidnapped at gunpoint (by the "authorities"), dragged into medical facilities, and poisoned with radiation and chemotherapy, all under the orders of a court judge.

And after all that's done, by the way, they'll send you the medical bills.

With this demonstration of grossly misplaced authority, organized medicine is no longer merely an outdated system of dangerous treatments, it is a direct threat to the fundamental freedoms of individuals, families and children. With forced vaccination programs that inject mercury into our childrens' bodies, the overdosing of our nation's youth with psychiatric drugs, and now forced radiation poisoning of teenage girls, the U.S. medical system has become the most cruel and harmful system of health care in the world.

Under what possible system of "healing" would a family be broken apart, arrested, kidnapped, and the parents be denied access to the bedside of their daughter as life-threatening chemical toxins are being dripped into her veins under the orders of medical "authorities?" By what insane justification can this be called a system of health care?

The answer is that this is not a system of health care at all, folks. It's a system of control. How do you control a population? Drug them, from cradle to grave. Keep 'em in a mental haze. Bewilder them with television images. Bankrupt them with medical bills. And if they don't comply, arrest them at gunpoint and terrorize their family to set an example. I call it state-sponsored medical terrorism. In this case, the state is Texas.

Personally, I think that in a just society, the Texas Child Protective Services personnel would be arrested and charged with kidnapping, and the oncologists who took part in this cancer conspiracy would be tried in an international court for crimes against humanity. Is it not a crime to inject a child with deadly chemicals against her will and against her parents' will? If I loaded a syringe with the exact same chemicals used on this girl, and injected them into your arm without your permission, I'd be (rightly) charged with attempted murder.

Don't stand for this. Spread the word. Forward this article. Support the Wernecke family's battle against organized medicine. If we don't stand up to this, then we surrender any semblance of health freedom left in this country. Let the Texas CPS and health authorities know that we, the free-thinking citizens of this nation, won't stand by idly while our children are taken from us and chemically assaulted by men who lead a dangerous, for-profit industry of so-called cancer "treatments." This madness must be stopped.
 

By William Lobdell and Dan Weikel, Times Staff Writers
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-schuller2jan02,0,7048039.story?coll=la-story-footer&track=morenews
 

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. - The Crystal Cathedral didn't have to look far to find its next senior pastor. Robert H. Schuller, head of the famed all-glass church southeast of Los Angeles, told his congregation Sunday that his son, Robert A. Schuller, will succeed him. As founding pastor of the church, the elder Schuller, now 79, is considered one of the most influential religious leaders in the country. He plans to remain chairman of the board of international ministries and stay active in the church. Robert A. Schuller, 51, will be installed as senior pastor on Jan. 22. He and his father will keep appearing together on the church's television show, "Hour of Power," which boasts a worldwide audience of 20 million. "My father and I will continue as pulpit partners on many Sunday mornings for years to come," the younger Schuller said. The Crystal Cathedral is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America and is its largest church, with a congregation of over 10,000.

Robert A. Schuller, left, sits with his  father Robert H. Schuller in this  December 1992 file photo at the first  chapel of what is now the Crystal  Cathedral in Garden Grove, Calif.  Robert H. Schuller is the head of the  famed all-glass church

Schuller Hands His Son Keys to Crystal Cathedral
By William Lobdell and Dan Weikel, Times Staff Writers
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060102/ap_on_re_us/schuller_crystal_cathedral_3

The Rev. Robert H. Schuller handed over the leadership of the Crystal Cathedral to his only son on Sunday, ending a half-century as pastor of a church he started in a drive-in movie theater in Orange County and built into a worldwide ministry.

Schuller, 79, waited until the close of his New Year's Day sermon to announce that Robert A. Schuller would succeed him as senior pastor Jan. 22. He will also take over the popular "Hour of Power," a religious program broadcast around the world.

"Bob needs your prayers," Schuller said, fighting back tears, his strong voice wavering with emotion. "But it is up to the congregation, not this guy or that guy — to make it happen."

The younger Schuller asked the congregation for help. "I need your prayers. I covet your prayers. From the time I was born, God has equipped me and allowed me to take on this incredible challenge. I am honored and humbled."
 

Like the pastor sons of evangelists Billy Graham and Oral Roberts, Robert A. Schuller, 51, follows a well-known figure of 20th century American Protestantism. But unlike televangelists such as Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, the elder Schuller stayed out of politics. He set the tone for his upbeat ministry by first preaching from the roof of a drive-in theater snack bar in 1955. Setting aside the fire-and-brimstone sermons then common, Schuller developed a relentlessly optimistic form of Christianity that linked the power of positive thinking and self-esteem with uplifting Gospel messages. The mix was appealing enough to pack his church and attract millions of TV viewers around the world. His ministry became a model for the thousands of nondenominational congregations — including some of the nation's largest churches — that have popped up in recent decades to serve believers uncomfortable with the formality of old-line faiths. "Schuller is to be credited as one of the inventors of the megachurch," said Donald E. Miller, director for USC's Center for Religion and Civic Culture. "I suppose he is also someone who caused critics to raise questions whether this was just about marketing or about the truth of religion."

COMFORT: Robert A. Schuller, right, consoles  his father, Robert H. Schuller, who shed tears as  he made his announcement. (Allen J. Schaben / LAT)

A devotee of the Rev. Norman Vincent Peale, the power-of-positive-thinking pioneer, Schuller has written more than 30 books, including five New York Times bestsellers. His writing is filled with aphorisms such as "inch by inch, it's a cinch," "turn your scars into stars" and "I will bloom where I am planted today!"

Schuller's message of optimism found favor among world leaders and celebrities, including every U.S. president from Richard Nixon to George W. Bush, industrialist Armand Hammer, Mother Teresa, deposed Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and Coretta Scott King.

"Robert Schuller has had a major religious impact, not only in the United States, but in many parts of the world through his writings and television broadcasts," the Rev. Billy Graham said in a statement. The TV programs offered some of the first Christian broadcasting in the Soviet Union.

"Rev. Robert H. Schuller's great legacy will be his creative use of television to bring the message of Jesus Christ to the world," said Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles. "He was always searching for new ways to bring the Gospel message to as many people as possible."
 

The elder Schuller built the sprawling church complex in Garden Grove, including a glass-walled cathedral with 10,000 panes of glass, so architecturally rich that he received a lifetime achievement award from the American Institute of Architects. Schuller's presence will still be felt throughout the ministry with its $72-million budget, 500 employees and 3,500 volunteers, according to church figures. Crystal Cathedral, part of the Reformed Church in America, has about 10,000 members; its broadcasts reach millions. Freed from managing daily operations, Schuller plans to continue to preach at the church and has formulated a 20-year plan he hopes will culminate with him preaching at the Crystal Cathedral when he is 100. His title will be founding pastor. "I am not retiring," Schuller insisted in an interview Friday. He plans to raise an endowment of about $100 million to cover the $4 million in annual maintenance needed for the church buildings and grounds. Schuller said this would give the Crystal Cathedral the financial footing to continue for "a thousand years." When the younger Schuller is installed as senior pastor, it will mark the culmination of a succession plan formalized in 1996. After his father made the announcement Sunday, the younger Schuller joined him at the altar, and they embraced before an audience of 2,157 people who attended the first of two morning services. An additional 2,200 attended the second service. The church holds 3,000.

NEWS: Robert H. Schuller will continue to preach and  will work to create an endowment to fund church  maintenance. (Allen J. Schaben / LAT)

Crystal Cathedral members said afterward that while the senior Schuller drew them to the church, his son had grown to be a more confident and powerful preacher. They said they expected the church's upbeat tone to change little.

"I think young Robert has come a long way," said Virginia O. Hamilton, 79, of Irvine who has been attending the church for 36 years.

Floyd and Rae Baker, a retired Anaheim couple, agreed. But, his father "will be a hard act to follow," Floyd Baker said.

Some churchgoers said the younger Schuller faced a challenge in taking over a congregation drawn by his father's charisma and eloquence. "His dad, when he talks, he talks straight to your heart," said Celia Concepcion, 45, a cosmetics company owner from Carson.

The new senior pastor is a tall, handsome man with short brown hair and a rugged jaw. He has four children and lives in Laguna Beach with his second wife, Donna. He tries to lift weights daily and is a 20-handicap golfer in the sport he took up eight years ago, after giving up his hobby as a marlin fisherman.

His messages are delivered in a stiffer style than his father, but show the same optimism that runs through the family.

The elder Schuller's path to the Crystal Cathedral was forged on his own will and vision. A native of Iowa, he started preaching in Orange County in the mid-1950s, drawn to California because of its beaches, mountains, deserts and mild weather. He brought with him his wife, Arvella, to whom he has been married 55 years.

In the 1960s, Schuller moved his growing flock to a $5-million complex he called the Garden Grove Community Church. Schuller walked door to door, asking residents what they wanted in a church. His marketing survey would be emulated by churches nationwide.

Through the years, the church campus expanded to 40 acres and includes the work of some of the world's foremost architects. Philip Johnson designed the Crystal Cathedral and Richard Neutra the 14-story Tower of Hope, which houses a round-the-clock telephone counseling service, and is topped by a 90-foot illuminated cross.

Richard Meier designed the $40-million International Center for Possibility Thinking, a building that took 17 years to complete, in part, because of a neighbor who demanded — and got — $1 million for a tract house that stood in the minister's way.

Schuller said the design of the church was intended to reflect his philosophy: A person's deepest need is a spiritual hunger for glory.

Unlike some televangelists and major church leaders, the elder Schuller has remained untouched by major scandal, but not free of controversy. In 1997, he avoided a trial on assault charges when he apologized for "aggressively" grabbing a flight attendant by the shoulders in a dispute over service in the first class cabin.

Critics usually focus on Schuller's theology, believing that his optimistic messages and self-help philosophy act to water down Christianity.

"The idea that people could come to church in their pajamas and sit in their cars, that raised the question: What did this have to do with the cross of Jesus?" said USC's Miller. "Is this religion on the light side?"

A. Larry Ross, president of a Dallas-based public relations firm whose clients include Billy Graham and other famous Christian pastors, said Schuller's nonjudgmental approach brought many questioning people to accept the Gospel.

"Dr. Schuller has been one of God's great servants in the past generation," Ross said. "There is no telling how many people started as tire-kickers and are now believing Christians due to their exposure to Schuller's Gospel message."

Chronology

Highlights from the life and ministry of the Rev. Robert H. Schuller, founder of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove and "Hour of Power" television show.

September 16, 1926: Robert H. Schuller is born in Alton, Iowa.

1950: Receives bachelor of divinity degree from Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Mich. Ordained a minister of the Reformed Church in America. Marries Arvella DeHaan.

1950--1955: Serves as pastor of Ivanhoe Reformed Church, Chicago.

1955: Founds the Garden Grove Community Church in Orange County.

1961: Dedicates the first walk-in, drive-in church.

1968: Dedicates the Tower of Hope, a 14-story office and counseling center designed by architect Richard Neutra.

1970: Begins broadcasting the "Hour of Power" television ministry in Los Angeles. It now runs on hundreds of stations worldwide. Founds the Robert H. Schuller Institute for Successful Church Leadership.

1980: Dedicates the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, designed by architect Philip Johnson. It is the first all-glass church.

1980: Launched "The Glory of Christmas," a pageant that has become a Southern California holiday fixture with its camels, horses, and sheep, flying angels and a cast of hundreds. Five years later, Schuller starts "The Glory of Easter."

1986: Elected to the board of directors of the American Institute of Architects, the only nonarchitect to be elected.

Dec. 25, 1989: Pioneers Christian broadcasting in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe when Mikhail Gorbachev invites Schuller to speak on a telecast to the entire Soviet Union.

April 1996: Formally announced his son, Robert A. Schuller, would succeed him one day.

May 2003: Completes $40-million International Center for Possibility Thinking, designed by architect Richard Meier. It is the final major building on the campus.

Jan. 1, 2006: Announces he is turning over leadership of the Crystal Cathedral to his son, Robert A. Schuller, 51.Source: Crystal Cathedral
 
 

Many are the sheering shepherds who fleece the flock each week and most days.  They are running businesses cloaked in the guise of a religious organization.  Moreover, they promote their religion as being what God wants.  It is true they have a religion, but NOT anything of what God wants.  Let us look at a few and how profitable they are.  Then determine if they have a prophet motive.

Some of these characters KNOW they are telling falsehoods and others honestly believe the crap they spew.  What percentage knows and/or believes the falsehoods does not matter, at least because those who are honestly mistaken choose to persist in the false teaching EVEN after they are exposed to the truth?  In the end, they are all essentially the same, whether de jure or de facto.

Osteen disarms his flock with his Joker smile, and has been nicknamed "The Smiling Preacher".  After all, how can you condemn a man who is smiling at you?  His method is the ubiquitous "feel good" "emotional" "inspirational" type found in most "christian" sects.  He does not have a handle on Scripture, but what does that matter when the flock are made to "feel" good about their slaughter.

Osteen has in the neighborhood of 40K - 45K people in attendance each week.  What is the average stockholder payment each week?  From personal observation I can say that a 10 buck average is a safe figure.  Hence, Osteen brings in at least 450K bucks each service.  This of course does not include profits (yes, profits) from book sales, audio tapes, video tapes, seminars and the numerous other money making schemes.  In an interview with Larry King Live, June 20, 2005 Osteen admitted charging 10.00 bucks for admission to his shows at Madison Square Garden, which seats nearly 20K people [http://www.discernment.org/osteen.htm].  Osteen brags that he sells out his shows, so this means each night of his show is receiving around 200K bucks PLUS profits from book sales, audio tapes, video tapes.

You must understand that the business has multiple tentacles.  There is the business with weekly (or daily) stockholder meetings (oft called "church") then there is the overt marketing of merchandise (book sales, audio tapes, video tapes).

Osteen's book "Your Best Life Now" reached No. 1 on The New York Times bestseller list.  It hovered in the top five of hardcover advice books, selling 2.8 million copies.  Osteen said "I never dreamed my book was going to do what it's done," said Osteen, whose publishing income prompted him to stop taking his $200,000 salary from the church. "Hopefully I'll never have to take a salary from the church again. We plan to be good givers." [http://www.rickross.com/reference/tv_preachers/tv_preachers36.html] [http://www.trinityfi.org/press/osteen01.html]

The obvious point is not a secret and is that Osteen's business makes a LOT of money.  But, if his SALARY from the weekly business, with those stockholders, was 200K and he gave up that for the profits of the books, then surely business is GOOD.

Whatever salary Osteen takes, and from whatever source, either he officially pays for everything or the business covers the other perks.  Things like travel, housing, and other common expenses are figured into his benefits.  Either way, he receives a LOT of benefit from the business.  That is how a business is run.

Business is GREAT.

Hagee butchers Scripture and religion.  An example of this is when he says that a Jewish mother hides a piece of bread for her children to find, and the child who finds it gets a prize greater than any they could get at xmas.  Huh, since when do jews celebrate xmas?

Hagee can not even spell "Pentecost", as evident by the spelling on his on-stage billboard with large print letters displaying the feast times.  For "Pentecost", he has it spelled "Pentacost".  Imagine how many people were involved in the making of that billboard and how much was spent to make it.

The average compensation for a Christian media minister is under $150K per year.  According to the latest GuideStar.org tax return (2003 return, filed on 11/15/04), Pastor Hagee was paid $371,000 as Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio Texas (pg. 19), and  $949,000 as President of Global Evangelism Television (G.E.T.) (pg. 4).  This is over $1 million from donors who intended the money to go into building God's kingdom.  Please note that Pastor Hagee specifies that he works, on average, 16 hrs per week at G.E.T., which works out to over $1,000 per hour.  IRS regulations state that nonprofits must not be operating for the purpose of personal gain; nonprofits are supposed to be working for the public good, and are a "public trust." [http://raydehler.com/fgn/]

Business is GREAT.

Whatever salary Hagee takes, and from whatever source, either he officially pays for everything or the business covers the other perks.  Things like travel, housing, and other common expenses are figured into his benefits.  Either way, he receives a LOT of benefit from the business.  That is how a business is run.

Hinn is the most obvious con man of the "christian" shepherds, but he has many duped stockholders, who obviously enjoy being dupped.  Here are a couple of his award winning quotes.

The Lord just told me, and I do not Know whether this is True or NOT
It does not matter what Hinn allegedly heard, but rather that he is expressing the possibility that his god is a liar.

I am sick and tired of hearing how it used to be back [??] years ago.  I got so sick of it, I said "Lord, if I hear it one more time I am going to throw up".  I would receive NOW.  I am sick and tired of hearing about streets of gold.  I don't need gold in heaven, I gotta have it now.  I got it here.  [??] streets of gold, is full of gold.  But, if I hear the thing one more time of how it will be, and how it was, I am going to kick somebody.
Evidently, Hinn does not care about the "new Jerusalem"

There is a consistent mystery of multiplicity when it comes to explaining either the practical or the supernatural. Impact obtained a copy of his five year employment contract. It set Hinn’s salary at $250,000 a year plus unspecified group benefits. Benny responded to another question, "So you’re asking me if it’s accurate?" (Impact: "If it’s reasonably accurate.") "It’s close." Later Hinn told Impact his yearly income including royalties was much more, between $500,000 and $1,000,000 a year. Two to four times as much is not close!

The week following the Impact program on Larry King Live, Larry asked, "Big salary?" Benny said, "Um. It’s OK." Larry inquired, "Are you wealthy?" Benny said, "No, I’m not wealthy." What is Mr. Hinn’s definition of wealthy or even well-to-do? He recently moved from the exclusive Heathrow Development to an even more exclusive Alaqua $685,000 home. On Impact he stated, "The home…the car, I paid for. The ministry pays nothing when it comes to home and car and all that." That sounds wealthy! His suits are tailored, his shoes are Italian leather, and his wrist and finger are endowed with gold and diamonds. He wears a diamond Rolex watch. How many people do you know who enjoy this kind of lifestyle that are not rich? Benny says, "What’s the big deal, for goodness sake? What am I supposed to do, drive a Honda?" When Larry King asked about his Mercedes, he was not aware that Benny traded it in for a Jaguar. [http://www.apologeticsindex.org/h04.html]

Benny declared to Paul and Jan Crouch, talking about his expensive house:  "The house is my home, I pay for it from my salary. My church does not pay for my home."  Then why did Benny say on the Charisma interview, "My salary is $116,000 plus a housing allowance. [http://fakefaithhealers.com/financialintegrity.htm]

Hinn would have you believe he pays for everything, and not the business.  If that is true, then his salary is MUCH larger than admitted.  Whatever salary Hinn takes, and from whatever source, either he officially pays for everything or the business covers the other perks.  Things like travel, housing, and other common expenses are figured into his benefits.  Either way, he receives a LOT of benefit from the business.  That is how a business is run.

Business is REALLY GREAT.

Wommack has a syrupy charismatic approach which is well described as passive/aggressive.  He mis-characterizes Scripture to fit what he thinks it should be.  He claims to have raised people from he dead and of course he claims to have healed many people.

Wommack's business had a 2004 reported gross receipts of 9,136,713 bucks with total expenses of 6,917,875 bucks and a reported excess of 2,218,838 bucks, and a reported profit of 3,487,832 bucks. [http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/search.summary/orgid/6388.htm]

In 2005, Wommack built a new facility, which he promoted for months to get people to help them meet or beat the planned deadline.  It is not surprising that the stockholders rose to the challenge.

Business is great.

Wommack would have you believe he receives only 129,491 bucks salary.  Whatever salary Wommack takes, things like travel, housing, and other common expenses are figured into his benefits.  Either way, he receives a LOT of benefit from the business.  That is how a business is run.

Talk about money makers and movers.

LaHaye has written many books and associated movies based on a couple hundred year old false doctrine he has revised, so he can make a lot of bucks.  Ever since the days of John Darby (circa 1830) and the alleged dream of Margaret MacDonald regarding a "rapture" of people, there has been a doctrine which has captivated many (no pun intended).  There is only ONE problem with it.  It is NOT Scriptural.  It is leading MANY people to follow false teachings.  This teachings requires a yo-yo effect of the coming of the Lord and is contrary to the teachings of Yahshua (you might call him jesus).

To LaHaye's credit, he does open each book and movie with a disclaimer that the stories are fiction.  But, who reads that stuff.  Then with each interview LaHaye is quick to say everything he wrote comes right from the bible.  Really???

But, do not let the facts get in the way of making a buck.  The "Left Behind" series of novels about events following the Rapture has been a phenomenal commercial success. The authors are Jerry Jenkins, writer-at-large for the neo-evangelical, psychologized Moody Bible Institute, and Tim LaHaye, well-known author (over 40 books), "noted authority" on Bible prophecy (e.g., Revelation Unveiled), and promoter of the heretical "Four Temperaments" theory.  The books have more than doubled both the profits and staff of Tyndale House Publishers (Wheaton, Illinois).  More than 65 million copies have been sold (over 75 million counting the graphic novels and children's versions), generating more than 650 million dollars in sales since first published in 1995. Twelve volumes are now in print. The seventh, The Indwelling, released in May of 2000, pre-sold 1.4 million copies before it was even released (total sales of 2.9 million as of 2/04). [http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/BookReviews/left.htm asof 1/2005]

Now LaHaye and Jenkins are releasing what might be the final book in the series, with the topic being what it will be like in the millennium.  WOW, that will take a great deal of insight or special visions from God.

Business is exceedingly great.

In some cases the figures above do not include what the staff and other members get.  They also do not necessarily include the cost of any "air time", or all those other expenses.  Imagine how much they rake-in each week and every day to support all this - in the name of God????  Who's god and what god?  What are they building?

NOTHING in these lists is intended to say that the MANY other preachers for profit are OK.  The fact is they all share the same traits in some varying degree.  They are in business, YES business, because the money is GOOD.  Each of them plays generally the same act, from a different angle and/or with something different and in this way they claim they are not like all those others.  Ask your preacher is the "church" is incorporated [incorporating means you have made the government your master, to protect you].  Ask if he/she is licensed [license is permission to do something non-lawful].  If the answer to either is "yes", you need none of this proof, as their status is self evident.  Since when has it been not lawful to preach the word of God?  Why does your preacher have a license?  Why does youir "church" have a license?  Why is your "church" incorporated?  If the "church" is incorporated, then you are a stockholder, attending weekly (or otherwise) business meetings - literally.

A few of the names of those who have profitable business in shearing the sheep include T. L. Osborn, Norval Hayes, Marilyn Hickey, Robert Tilton, Jimmy Swaggart and many more.  Some more, by category, are ---

... Andrew Womack	Rick Warren	Kenneth Hagin	Benny Hinn
Fred Price	Creflo Dollar	Rod Parsley	TD Jakes
Rodney H. Browne	Jack Hayford	Paul Crouch	Joyce Meyer
Jesse Duplantis	John Avanzini	Oral Roberts	Robert Schuller (father)
Robert A. Schuller (son)	Charles Stanley	Kenneth Copeland	Randy and Paula White
Billy Graham	Franklin Graham	Trinity Broadcasting Network Founders	Juanita Bynum
Gregory Dickow

James Dobson

Jerry Falwell

John Hagee (father)

Matthew Hagee (son)

Pat Robertson

Dave Hunt	Hal Lindsey	Jack Van Impe & Rexella	... Perry Stone
Thomas Ice	... Tim LaHaye & Beverly	... Jerry Jenkins

These AND OTHERS have crept their way into homes and the people are confused but think they are learning.  Surely the people can spout the rhetoric but they have no true understanding of what God wants.  What is worse, they do not want any understanding.  If you challenge them, usually you get a response like "It all depends how you interpret it" or "It is a mystery we are not supposed to understand".  Their own excuses, if true, make God a liar.  If it all depends how you interpret it, means god is not a bedrock.  If the Scripture are a mystery we are not to understand, then why did God go to the trouble of having his will written?  The excuses are many and just as leaky.
 

The retirement plan is also very good, so long as the sheep willingly line up for sheering and the stockholders continue to pay tribute.

Each of these and most of your local sheering shepherds need to keep you believing false doctrines and non-scriptural teachings.  IF they ever told the truth, they would loose business.

NOTHING in Scripture supports what these business people do and MOST of prophecy identifies them as the woes, or cause of woes, of the people when the Messiah comes.
 

Do not think anything herein is intended to say some of this and others are not good people.  They might be.  But, what is their prophet motive?

It has been mentioned that a workman is worthy of his hire.  Sure they make a lot of money but, look at the size of the companies they run.  Why shouldn't god's CEO's make as much as say, Coke or GM or Microsoft.  It's not how hard you work, it's how well you steer the company.  What you left behind was all the good things they do for their community, city and people in need.  Many people are worried and scared because their jobs are being "raptured" out of the country.  The people find hope and "feel good" about themselves when these men and women explain things to them (more like confused).  This makes them want to give to their god.  How many people have you given jobs to or fed or made to feel better about themselves?

This begs the question of what these alleged shepherds are supposed to be doing if they are doing the work of God.  Are they supposed to be building a successful business or standing as a lighthouse for others to find them.  Nowhere in Scripture will you find that anyone is supposed to be building a businesss.  You definitely will not find any Scripture where "preachers" of God are supposed to get RICH from their "godly" work, but nearly the opposite..

As for giving aid to certain peoples, those people are first supposed to be Israelites (not to be confused with "jews" of this modern age).  Imagine if all those MILLIONS in profit actually went to the needy, how much better their lives might be.  Well business is great.

Matthew 7 and Luke 13 relates how the preachers will claim all their good deeds and God will tell them he never knew them and they can not, and may not, enter the Kingdom.  Matthew 25 relates how the not-prepared people (taught by those false teaching preachers) will knock on the doors of the wedding ceremony and be told by God that he does not know them.  Like the preachers, these people will not be allowed to enter the kingdom.  All because of their "lawlessness".
 

D O    N O T drink the Kool-Aid* The Approaching War with Iran http://www.teamliberty.net/id209.html contributing editor to   - Bill

January 4, 2006 – On November 10th 2005, the Muckraker Report published an article that described one of the unspoken reasons why the United States had to invade Iraq; to liberate the U.S. dollar in Iraq so that Iraqi oil could once again be purchased with the petrodollar.  See The liberation of the U.S. Dollar in Iraq

In November 2000, Iraq stopped accepting U.S. dollars for its oil.  Counted as a purely political move, Saddam Hussein switched the currency required to purchase Iraqi oil to the euro.  Selling oil through the U.N. Oil for Food Program, Iraq converted all of its U.S. dollars in its U.N. account to the euro.  Shortly thereafter, Iraq converted $10 billion in its U.N. reserve fund to the euro.  By the end of 2000, Iraq had abandoned the U.S. dollar completely.

Two months after the United States invaded Iraq, the Oil for Food Program was ended, the country’s accounts were switched back to dollars, and oil began to be sold once again for U.S. dollars.  No longer could the world buy oil from Iraq with the euro.  Global U.S. dollar supremacy was restored.  It is interesting to note that the latest recession which the United States endured began and ended within the same time frame as that during which Iraq was trading oil for euros.  Whether this is a coincidence or related, the American people may never know.

In March 2006, Iran will take Iraq’s switch to the petroeuro to new heights by launching a third oil exchange.  The Iranians have developed a petroeuro system for oil trade which, when enacted, will once again threaten U.S. dollar supremacy far greater than Iraq’s euro conversion.  Called the Iran Oil Bourse, an exchange that only accepts the euro for oil sales would mean that the entire world could begin purchasing oil from any oil-producing nation with euros instead of dollars.  The Iranian plan isn’t limited to purchasing one oil-producing country’s oil with euros.  Its plan will create a global alternative to the U.S. dollar.  Come March 2006, the Iran Oil Bourse will further the momentum of OPEC to create an alternate currency for oil purchases worldwide.  China, Russia, and the European Union are evaluating the Iranian plan to exchange oil for euros and giving the plan serious consideration.

If you are skeptical regarding the meaning of oil being purchased with euros versus dollars and the devastating impact it will have on the economy of the United States, consider the historic move by the Federal Reserve to begin hiding information pertaining to the U.S. dollar money supply starting in March 2006.  Since 1913, the year the abomination known as the Federal Reserve came to power, the supply of U.S. dollars was measured and publicly revealed through an index referred to as M-3.  M-3 has been the main staple of money supply measurement and transparent disclosure since the Fed was founded.  In his report, What’s the Fed up to with the money supply?, Robert McHugh writes, “On November 10, 2005, shortly after appointing Bernanke to replace Greenbackspan, the Fed mysteriously announced with little comment and no palatable justification that they will hide M-3 effective March 2006.”  (To learn more about Robert McHugh's work, please visit https://www.technicalindicatorindex.com/Default.asp)

Is it mere coincidence that the Fed will begin hiding M-3 the same month that Iran will launch its Iran Oil Bourse, or is there a direct threat to the stability of the U.S. dollar, the U.S. economy, and the U.S. standard of living?  Are Americans being set up for a collapse in our economy that will make the Great Depression of the 1930’s look like a bounced check?  If you cannot or will not make the value and stability of the U.S. currency of personal importance, if you are unwilling to demand from your elected officials, an immediate abolishment of the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 and the fiat money scheme that the banking cartel has used for nearly a century now to keep our government and our people in a state of perpetual debt, than you are faced with but two alternatives, abject poverty, or invading Iran.

The plans to invade Iran are unspoken, but unfolding before our very eyes.  The media has been reporting on Iran more often, and increasingly harshly.  For the U.S. government to justify invading Iran, it must first begin to phase out the War in Iraq, which it is already doing.  Next, it must portray the Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, as a threat to the region and the world.  Finally, once naive American people are convinced the “weapons of mass destruction” that were to be found in Iraq are actually in Iran, coupled with the almost daily media coverage of Iran’s nuclear power / weapons program aspirations, and what we will soon have on our hands is another fabricated war that will result in tens of thousands of civilian lives being lost, all because the political elected pawns in Washington DC lack the discipline to return our currency to a gold or silver standard, end the relationship with the foreign banking cartel called the Federal Reserve, and limit the activities of the U.S. government to those articulated in Article I Section 8 of the Constitution for the United States of America.

When a wayward and corrupt fiscal policy and fiat currency, coupled with runaway government spending, forces a nation to only be able to sustain the value of its currency with bullets, the citizenry of the country involved in wars primarily to sustain its currency have historically first became slaves to their government, and then to the nations that finally conquer them.  If you question the validity of such a premise, or whether it could happen to the United States of America, study the fall of the Roman Empire.  If you read the right books on the subject, you’ll quickly discover that towards the end of the Roman reign, the Roman Empire was doing exactly what America is doing today; attempting to sustain a failed fiat money system with bullets.

Understanding fiat money is not an easy task, and the Federal Reserve, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund have purposely made it that way.  They do not want the American people to realize that the money in their wallet loses its value with each new dollar that they print.  They do not want people to understand that our money does not become money until it is borrowed.  When the Federal Reserve has money printed, when it is in uncut sheets of paper, it is not yet money.  After it is cut, bundled, and placed into the Federal Reserve vaults, it still is not money.  It only becomes money once it is borrowed.  Consequently, if all debt were to be paid, if the United States didn’t have an $8 trillion national debt and the American people were debt free, and if all loans of U.S. dollars made to foreigners were paid in full, there would be exactly zero U.S. dollars in circulation because it will have all been returned to the vaults of the Federal Reserve. This might seem hard to fathom, but it is the gospel of fiat money.

The major news media in the United States, fed by Washington DC which in turn is fed by the Federal Reserve, literally, has already begun conditioning the American people for invading Iran.  Media accounts of Iran’s nuclear ambitions along with amplification of the potential instability and core evilness of Iran’s president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is setting the stage to spring the invasion of Iran on the American people.  There does appear to be a direct correlation between the winding down effort underway in Iraq and the increase of anti-Iran rhetoric.  How American soldiers ultimately arrive in Tehran is uncertain at this time, but it is reasonable to expect that if the Iran Oil Bourse opens for business in March 2006 as planned, it will only be a matter of time before the United States will have to blow it up.

If the United States invades Iran, or if Israel starts military actions by launches missiles at Iran’s nuclear power facilities, which then opens the door for the United States to intervene, most Americans will believe that our military actions in Iran will be to defend freedom and liberty while spreading democracy, when the truth is that we’ll be fighting a war in Iran because of our nation’s relationship with the Federal Reserve, a so-called bank that is not owned by the federal government, maintains no reserve, and isn’t a bank at all, but a cartel.  Just like our war in Iraq, Americans and foreigners will die in battle so that the historical power bankers and brokers; cartel members such as Rothschild, Morgan, Lehman, Lizard, Schrader, Lobe, Kuhn, and Rockefeller to name a few, can continue collecting interest on every single U.S. coin and dollar bill in circulation, while controlling the U.S. Congress to the extent that the U.S. taxpayer becomes the collateral and lender of last resort to cover bad loans and unpaid debts that these institutions create by loaning money to third world countries, some of which are devout enemies of the United States.  Remember the $400 billion savings & loan bailout approved by the U.S. Congress during the Reagan Administration?  America is still paying for it – you and me, and so will our children and grandchildren.

It is well overdue for Americans, every American, to do whatever it takes to fully understand the relationship between the United States and the Federal Reserve, along with the grave consequences of our current fiat money system.  For even if the United States wanted to continue to sustain the supremacy of the U.S. dollar with bullets, it is historically, impossible.  When bullets become the commodity to secure a currency, it is a clear sign of devastating calamity looming.  To ignore the warning signs is to suffer like you have never suffered before, or to die.  Harsh words, but true.

Ed Haas is a freelance writer and author originally from Mt. Penn, Pennsylvania.  He currently resides in beautiful Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.  To learn more about Ed's work, please visit craftingprose.com.  http://www.craftingprose.com
 

I am from the gubment, & am here to help you - NOT US Govt Admits Lyme Disease a Bioweapon http://www.rense.com/general69/lyme.htm http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/11/328067.html contributing editor to   - Rodger

[Agents of the gubment tested on blacks in the South, and admitted it decades later.  Agents of the gubment experimented of soldiers in the Middle East in early 90's, and after years of denial, finally slowly admitted they exposed the soldiers to assorted drugs.  The list is long, so is it any surprise to learn that agents of the gubment have and are experimenting on the people in other ways.  --  Tribble]

By Lymerayja, 1-7-6

The existence of the Lyme disease epidemic is officially covered up in the UK, its myriad presentations routinely misdiagnosed as everything from "M.E." to MS to hypochondria. This is the first admission by a US government body that the cause is an incapacitating biowar agent:

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- The $10.6 million Margaret Batts Tobin Laboratory Building will provide a 22,000-square-foot facility to study such diseases as anthrax, tularemia, cholera, lyme disease, desert valley fever and other parasitic and fungal diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified these diseases as potential bioterrorism agents.".

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10039154/

So, for the first time, a US government body admits that Lyme disease is a biological warfare agent. This is the reason that hundreds of thousands of men, women and children around the world have been left to rot with wrong diagnoses, or have had their Lyme disease acknowledged but been told that it is an "easily-treated" disease, given 3 weeks' antibiotics, then told to shove off when their symptoms carried on after that.

In Britain the existence of the epidemic is denied completely, and virtually no effort made to warn or educate the public about the dangers of ticks, which carry the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi.

The Borrelia genus has been a subject of biowar experimentation at least as far back as WW2, when the infamous Japanese Unit 731, which tortured and experimented on live prisoners, studied it.

The reality is, Lyme disease is for many a chronic, horrendous, incapacitating disease producing crippling fatigue, constant pain, loss of memory, possible paralysis, psychosis, blindness and even death.

It was an ideal biowar agent because it evades detection on routine tests, has an enormous range of different presentations, and can mimic everything from ADHD to multiple sclerosis to carpal tunnel syndrome to rheumatoid arthritis to chronic fatigue syndrome (M.E.) to lupus to schizophrenia. Enemy medical staff would never know what had hit them, nor even that ONE illness had hit their population, rather than an unexplained rise in dozens of known conditions.

Honest doctors and scientists who tried to treat or research Lyme disease according to ethical principles have been viciously persecuted by government-backed organisations in the US, Europe and elsewhere. Many specialists in the US were threatened with loss of their license or had anonymous, false allegations sent to the medical board, which tied them up in mountains of paperwork and legal fees...some were forced out of medicine or even driven to suicide.

Instead, medical disinfo agents, most of whom have a background in military/biowarfare units, such as Dr Allen Steere, Mark Klempner, Philip Baker, Edward McSweegan, David Dennis, Alan Barbour etc were enabled to assume top positions in Lyme research , CDC, NIH etc from where they issued false information , covering up the true seriousness and chronic nature of the disease, and comdemned untold numbers to a living hell.

Please help Lyme patients publicise this scandal, which has caused suffering on a massive scale. Contact me by email if you are interested in helping.

Thank you.
Lisa

Lymerayja
e-mail: lymerayja@yahoo.co.uk
Homepage: http://www.lyme-rage.info

http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/11/328067.html

Patricia A. Doyle, DVM, PhD- Bus Admin, Tropical Agricultural Economics
Please visit my "Emerging Diseases" message board at: http://www.clickitnews.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=emergingdiseases
Also my new website:  http://drpdoyle.tripod.com/
Zhan le Devlesa tai sastimasa
Go with God and in Good Health
 

H U M O R Have you Ever Wondered what the Rear of a "Smiley Face" looks like? http://d21c.com/terri1/flash/smile.swf contributing editor to   - Dale

http://d21c.com/terri1/flash/smile.swf
 
 

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain** Silverstein Answers WTC Building 7 Charges http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/january2006/050106silversteinanswers.htm contributing editor to   - Viv

Says "pull it" meant to evacuate firefighters, but there were no firefighters in the building

Paul Joseph Watson, January 5 2006
 

After nearly two years of steadfast silence, Silverstein Properties have finally responded to questions about what Larry Silverstein meant when he told a PBS documentary that WTC Building 7 was "pulled" in the late afternoon of September 11 2001. Building 7 occupied a city block immediately north of the World Trade Center complex. Photos taken minutes before its collapse show small fires on two or three floors. Building 7 became only the third steel building in history before or since 9/11 to collapse from fire damage. The other two were the North and South towers of the World Trade Center. Any building that was not owned by Silverstein Properties strangely remained upright. Photo and video evidence of the collapse shows classic indications of a controlled demolition. The standard 'crimp' in the center-left top of the building and the subsequent 'squibs' of smoke as it collapses clearly represent explosive demolition.

Even Dan Rather, commenting on the collapse for CBS News said that the collapse was, "reminiscent of those pictures we’ve all seen too much on television before, where a building was deliberately destroyed by well placed dynamite to knock it down.”
 

Questions about the highly suspicious nature of the building's collapse remained comparatively muted until January 2004, when a PBS documentary, America Rebuilds, originally broadcast in September 2002, received attention across the Internet. The documentary was made infamous for one comment made by Larry Silverstein on the subject of 9/11. Silverstein states, "I remember getting a call from the, er, fire department commander, telling me that they were not sure they were gonna be able to contain the fire, and I said, "We've had such terrible loss of life, maybe the smartest thing to do is pull it. And they made that decision to pull and we watched the building collapse." Click here to watch the clip. We know that the term 'pull it' means to bring the building down by means of explosives because in the same documentary a cleanup worker (in December 2001) refers to the demolition of WTC Building 6 when he says, "...we're getting ready to pull the building six." The term is industry jargon for planned demolition.

Click here for Alex Jones' video analysis of the collapse of Building 7.

Click here to listen to the clip. For the following year and a half the Internet and alternative talk radio was aflame with talk of Building 7 and Silverstein's apparent admission. For many it is now the central issue of 9/11. In June 2005 this website reported Silverstein's only response to date. It was an ambiguous comment made to New York Post journalist Sam Smith. Silverstein told Smith that he "meant something else" by the "pull it" comment but mysteriously refused to elaborate any further. Silverstein Properties have finally provided a detailed explanation of what Silverstein meant when he said Building 7 was pulled. The State Department, as part of its pathetic efforts to debunk 9/11 research, has posted the response from Silverstein's spokesperson Dara McQuillan on its website. Bear in mind that the State Department said that China's organ trade was a conspiracy theory even though the State Department itself put out a report on how China harvests organs from executed prisoners on a different area of its website.

The response reads as follows. Seven World Trade Center collapsed at 5:20 p.m. on September 11, 2001, after burning for seven hours. There were no casualties, thanks to the heroism of the Fire Department and the work of Silverstein Properties employees who evacuated tenants from the building. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted a thorough investigation of the collapse of all the World Trade Center buildings. The FEMA report concluded that the collapse of Seven World Trade Center was a direct result of fires triggered by debris from the collapse of WTC Tower 1. In the afternoon of September 11, Mr. Silverstein spoke to the Fire Department Commander on site at Seven World Trade Center. The Commander told Mr. Silverstein that there were several firefighters in the building working to contain the fires. Mr. Silverstein expressed his view that the most important thing was to protect the safety of those firefighters, including, if necessary, to have them withdraw from the building. Later in the day, the Fire Commander ordered his firefighters out of the building and at 5:20 p.m. the building collapsed. No lives were lost at Seven World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

The State Department website then comments,

As noted above, when Mr. Silverstein was recounting these events for a television documentary he stated, “I said, you know, we've had such terrible loss of life. Maybe the smartest thing to do is to pull it.” Mr. McQuillan has stated that by “it,” Mr. Silverstein meant the contingent of firefighters remaining in the building.

The insurmountable problem with this explanation of Silverstein's statement is that there were no firefighters inside WTC 7.

Dr. Shyam Sunder, of the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST), which investigated the collapse of WTC 7, is quoted in Popular Mechanics (9/11: Debunking the Myths, March, 2005) as saying: "There was no firefighting in WTC 7."

The FEMA report on the collapses, from May, 2002, also says about the WTC 7 collapse: "no manual firefighting operations were taken by FDNY."

And an article by James Glanz in the New York Times on November 29, 2001 says about WTC 7: "By 11:30 a.m., the fire commander in charge of that area, Assistant Chief Frank Fellini, ordered firefighters away from it for safety reasons."

Some defenders of the official 9/11 story say that the term "pull" is not demolition lingo for "bring down by controlled demolition". However, the same PBS video in which Silverstein makes his admission, contains the following exchange:

(unidentified construction worker): "Hello? Oh, we're getting ready to pull building six." Luis Mendes, NYC Dept of Design and Construction: "We had to be very careful how we demolished building six. We were worried about the building six coming down and then damaging the slurry walls, so we wanted that particular building to fall within a certain area."
 

But even this argument is beside the point. The building's collapse had all the hallmarks of controlled demolition. Silverstein's explanation, after two years of stonewalling, that "pull it" meant to withdraw the firefighters is a lie. There were no firefighters in the building for hours before the building's collapse. So what did Larry Silverstein mean when he stated: "I said, 'You know, we've had such terrible loss of life, may be the smartest thing to do is, is pull it. And they made that decision to pull and then we watched the building collapse." He could not have meant that they should "pull" the firefighters from the building because there weren't any firefighters in the building, at least according to FEMA, NIST, and Frank Fellini, the Assistant Chief responsible for WTC 7 at that time. And if he meant "pull the firefighters" then why did he say "pull it", with no reference to anything other than the building? The argument that "pull" is not used to mean "demolish" a building is belied by the other footage in the PBS documentary. And consider the timing: "they made that decision to pull and then we watched the building collapse." Could it really be possible that some (nonexistent) fire brigade was removed from the building and just at that moment ("then") the building collapsed? Is there really any doubt here about what Silverstein meant? The only reasonable conclusion is that Larry Silverstein's statement is an admission that WTC 7 was brought down by a controlled demolition, meaning that the official version of what happened to WTC 7 is false, and casting serious doubt on the official story that terrorists of a foreign origin destroyed the twin towers, as well as on the rest of the official account of 9/11. Note that this admission is a statement against Silverstein's own interests (putting him at odds with the official version of events and potentially jeopardizing his insurance claims). Such statements are given great weight as a matter of law.

In February of 2002 Silverstein Properties won $861 million from Industrial Risk Insurers to rebuild on the site of WTC 7. Silverstein Properties' estimated investment in WTC 7 was $386 million. This building's collapse alone resulted in a profit of about $500 million.

How concerned should we be therefore that Silverstein Properties bought the lease from MetLife for Chicago's Sears Tower in March 2004?

The length of time that it took Silverstein to respond to these charges and the fact that his eventual rebuttal does not correspond with the facts only gives us more grounds for skepticism.

A real, thorough, impartial, independent investigation of the collapse of Building 7 needs to take place and if the conclusions of that investigation are that Building 7 was professionally demolished, criminal charges need to be brought against those suspected of involvement.

---------------------------------
Thanks to our anonymous reader who contributed to this article.
 

Can you Say Red Herring*** The Mark of the Beast http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48237 contributing editor to   - Rodger

The federal government is launching a National Animal Identification System that will, by 2009, require that every agricultural animal in the nation be equipped with an identification device through which its movement can be traced from birth to slaughter. At the moment, the program is voluntary; by 2009, non-compliance can result in fines of up to $1,000 per day.

Implementation is coming fast. By April, 2006, 25 percent of all "premises" (any location where animals are kept) are to be registered with the government. By July, an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection system is to be in place in every state. By January 2008, all premises and all animals are to be registered. By July, 2008, the movement of all animals will be tracked. In January, 2009, the program becomes mandatory.

The stated purpose of the program is to enable government to trace, within 48 hours, the source of a faulty animal food product. The effect of the program is the transfer of the control of private property to the government – while forcing the property owner to pay the cost of the transfer.

Last week's column asked: "What do you call it when government takes away the use of private property, but leaves the title in the name of the property owner?" Dozens of letter writers correctly responded: "Fascism." Last week's column was about government controlling the use of land; this week, the government is controlling the use of animals.

The program is not limited to commercial producers; it includes the half-dozen chickens at grandma's house. Her "premises" and each chicken must be registered with the government as the program now stands. In fact, the pet parakeet in a cage on the 20th floor of a condo in Miami Beach must also be registered, along with the premises. As the program now stands, there are no exceptions.

Surely some of the stupidity will be squeezed out of the program as more people become aware of it and insist that government has gone too far. The question, however, is not how far is too far, but whether government should go there at all.

Nothing among the enumerated powers granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution can be construed to include the power to control the use of private property. The federal government is empowered to regulate interstate commerce, but grandma's chickens and aunt Jane's parakeet do not constitute interstate commerce.

Everyone wants a safe, abundant and affordable food supply, which America has enjoyed for years – without a National Animal Identification System. Why is it necessary now? The increased terrorist threat certainly justifies tightening up security in the food chain. But the NAIS does little or nothing to tighten security, while imposing ridiculous burdens upon the small producer.

The NAIS was initiated by the National Institute of Animal Agriculture, a non-government organization consisting of the leaders of agribusiness. The program they designed tends to shift the burden, cost and ultimate responsibility for food safety from the agribusiness giants to the small producer.

Interstate commerce conjures up images of businesses such as Tyson Foods, which has mastered the art of vertically integrated marketing. Tyson controls the production of its chickens from birth to market, using farmers only to provide space and labor to get their product to slaughter. Here is where government should focus its regulatory concern – and leave grandma's chickens alone.

Suppliers of beef, pork and lamb, often buy their animals from small producers who work hard to raise healthy, marketable animals. The agribusiness suppliers are free to buy, or not buy, from any producer. Here, at the point where the product enters the food chain, is where responsibility, security and regulatory control should be focused – not on the already overburdened small producer.

But no. The NAIS requires the small producer to not only bear the cost of the program, but also to be the ultimate scapegoat in the event that an agribusiness supplier's product is found to be faulty, for whatever reason. Should little Johnny get sick after eating a hamburger made with beef supplied by BigAgri Packing Company, BigAgri simply points the finger to the producer, or producers, whose cows were in the batch from which Johnny's hamburger was made. Agribusiness shifts its responsibility for buying only healthy product to the farmer, who must guarantee his animals to be healthy.

The NAIS is an industry-designed program which will drive small producers out of business, reduce competition and ultimately put both supply and price in the hands of industry giants – unless opponents of this program get organized.

Henry Lamb is the executive vice president of the Environmental Conservation Organization and chairman of Sovereignty International.
 

Can you Say Red Herring*** The Mark of the Beast in Texas http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48237 contributing editor to   - Rodger

TAHC premises identification proposed regulations, Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Commissioners for the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) proposed regulations for Texas’ premises and animal identification program at their December meeting. Comments will be accepted on the proposals for 45 days from publication in the Texas Register. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2006, and may be submitted to comments@tahc.state.tx.us, faxed to (512) 719-0721, or mailed to: Delores Holubec, TAHC, Box 12966, Austin, TX 78711-2966.  The entire text of the rule proposal may be found at:  http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/sos/PROPOSED/4.AGRICULTURE.html

During the recent legislative session, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1361, authorizing the TAHC to develop and implement an animal identification system consistent with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Identification System (NAIS).  HB 1361 (Chapter 161.056 of the Texas Agriculture Code) also authorizes the TAHC to determine when premises identification will be required and to assess and collect fees for premises registration.

As the NAIS is phased in, the TAHC’s program also will evolve. TAHC commissioners have proposed regulations at this time for premises identification only. Premises identification is the foundation for all other components of the NAIS.

Prior to July 1, 2006, premises in Texas may be registered at no charge, and the premises identification number will remain valid through June 30, 2008.  Although the 7-character premises identification number will not change, the premises registration must be renewed July 1, 2008, and every 24 months thereafter. At renewal, the proposed regulations provide for a yearly premises registration fee of $10, paid biennially. The $20 two-year registration fee is to be submitted to the TAHC at the time of registration renewal.

On July 1, 2006, premises registration will be compulsory in Texas.  All persons who own, manage or are caretakers for locations where livestock, exotic livestock, poultry, or exotic poultry are handled must register their premises with the TAHC and submit the $20 two-year fee.  Renewal and fee payment will be required every 24 months thereafter.

Information collected by the TAHC for premises or animal identification is exempt from public disclosure requirements under the Texas Public Information Act.
 

a r t i c l e   /   c o m m e n t a r y Without Armor http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/08/opinion/08sun2.html?8br contributing editor to   - Jeanne

Marines Without Armor, Published: January 8, 2006

American marines are a proud, tough bunch. They expect to be sent into the most dangerous battles and expect enemy fighters to come at them with everything they have. But they also expect, and have every right to expect, the Pentagon to provide them with the most effective armor available to maximize their chances of staying alive and in one piece. An investigative article in Saturday's Times by our colleague Michael Moss makes painfully clear that the Pentagon has let these brave warriors down.
 

A secret Defense Department study reveals that more extensive armor, of a kind available since 2003, could have saved the lives of some 80 percent of the marines killed by upper body wounds in Iraq between 2003 and 2005. That amounts to scores of needlessly lost lives - hundreds if Army deaths attributable to inadequate armor are counted as well. The ceramic armor plates in question cost about $260 a set.

Marines in the field have been clamoring for additional body armor (and vehicle armor) almost since the Iraq war began. Military officials initially turned them down because of concerns that the added weight might constrict movement. Once the study results came in last summer, Marine Corps leaders belatedly reversed themselves and started speeding armor to the troops.

Still, as of last month, less than 10 percent of the 28,000 sets of armor plates on order had actually reached the Marines in Iraq. Similar delays have plagued deliveries of improved vehicle armor. And the much larger Army contingent in Iraq has faced even more extensive delays.

The Pentagon buys some truly wondrous space-age weaponry with its half-trillion-dollar annual budgets. If the cold war ever resumes, the American military will certainly be prepared. Meantime, surely enough spare change can be found in that vast budget to accelerate deliveries of lifesaving armor to the marines and soldiers coming under fire today, and every day, in Iraq.
 

BLONDE PILOT
contributing editor to   - Dale

A blonde pilot decided she wanted to learn how to fly a helicopter. She went to the airport, but the only one available was a solo-helicopter. The Instructor figured he could let her go up alone since she was already a pilot for small planes and he could instruct her via radio.

So up the blonde went. She reached 1,000 feet and everything was going smoothly. She reached 2,000 feet. The blonde and the Instructor kept talking via radio. Everything was going smoothly.

At 3,000 feet the helicopter suddenly came down quickly!  It skimmed the top of some trees and crash landed in the woods.

The Instructor jumped into his jeep and rushed out to see if the blonde was okay. As he reached the edge of the woods, the blonde was walking out.

"What happened?" the Instructor asked. "All was going so well until you reached 3,000 feet. What happened then?"

"Well," began the blonde, "I got cold. So I turned off the ceiling fan."
 

Finally a blonde who can actually think!!!
contributing editor to   - Dale
[This has been around a while and still good.  --  Tribble]

A blonde walks into a bank in New York City and asks for the loan officer. She says she's going to Europe on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000. The bank officer says the bank will need some kind of security for the loan, so the blonde hands over the keys to a new Rolls Royce. The car is parked on the street in front of the bank; she has the title, and everything checks out. The bank agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan. The bank's president and its officers all enjoy a good laugh at the blonde for using a $250,000 Rolls as collateral against a $5,000 loan. An employee of the bank then drives the Rolls into the bank's underground garage and parks it there.

Two weeks later, the blonde returns and repays the $5,000 and the interest, which comes to $15.41. The loan officer says, "Miss, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely; but we are a little puzzled. We checked you out and found that you are a multimillionaire. What puzzles us is - why would you bother to borrow $5,000?"

The blond replies....."Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $15.41 and expect it to be there when I return?"

Your Duck is Dead
contributing editor to   - Dan
[This has been around a while and still good.  --  Tribble]

A woman brought her pet; a very limp duck; to a veterinary surgeon. As she laid the duck on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird's chest. After a moment or two, the vet shook his head sadly and said, "I'm so sorry, madam, but your duck has passed away." The distressed owner wailed, "Are you sure?"  "Yes, I am sure. The duck is dead," he replied.

"How can you be so sure," she protested. "I mean you haven't done any testing on him or anything. He might just be in a coma or something!"

The vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left the room. He returned a few moments later with a black Labrador retriever. As the duck's owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the duck from top to bottom. He then looked at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head.

The vet patted the dog and took it out, and returned a few moments later with a cat. The cat jumped upon the table and also sniffed delicately at the bird from head to foot. The cat sat back on its haunches, shook its head, meowed softly and strolled out of the room.

The vet looked at the woman and said, "I'm sorry, but as I said, this is most definitely, 100% certifiably, a dead duck."

Then the vet turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill, which he handed to the woman.

The ducks owner, still in shock, took the bill and said, "$150 just to tell me my duck is dead?!!"

The vet shrugged, "I'm sorry. If you'd taken my word for it, the bill would have been $20, but with the Lab Report and the Cat Scan, it's now $150."
 

duh Tyranny contributing editor to   - Dale

"No tyranny is so irksome as petty tyranny: the officious demands of policemen, government clerks, and electromechanical gadgets."
  - Edward Abbey
 

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain** Israel, Let Me Count the Ways http://www.rense.com/general69/letme.htm http://www.aljazeerah.info/Opinion%20editorials/2006%20Opinion%20Editorials/January/9%20o/Israel,%20Let%20Me%20Count%20the%20Ways%20By%20Mark%20Glenn.htm contributing editor to   - Rodger

[One of the misconceptions of "christians" is that jew" and "Israel" are NOT synonymous terms.  But, so long as the sheep handlers keep teaching such to the ignorant masses, then the lie continues.  This article references a VERY OFTEN mis-applied phrase from Scripture, to wit: "I will bless those who bless thee.".  The Scripture in question clearly is referring to a people called "Israel" and not a land by that name.  Moreover, any reference to the people called "Israel" is not the exclusive domain of 1/12th of that family called "Judites" (or some form thereof), and certainly does not belong to a modern people called "jews".

Genesis 12:1  Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:  2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:  3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.  4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

This verse set is referring to Abraham and his descendants - all of them, not only 1/12th.

But, if you do not study history, even a little, then surely you will follow your masters to oblivion.  --  Tribble]

By Mark Glenn
Al-Jazeerah, January 9, 2006

Today, while driving through town, I wound up behind a minivan that had a big sticker on the back. The sticker had an Israeli flag in the middle of it, and under it the quotation from the book of Genesis that reads "I will bless those who bless thee."

I would like to take this time to list my own reasons for thanking and blessing Israel, our lone ally in the Middle East, for everything she has done for us, since I am quite sure most Americans are unaware of just what kind of friend she has been to us.

For extorting from me and my fellow Americans $16,000,000,000.00 a year for the last 4 decades, we bless thee.

For taking our most sophisticated weapons technology and stealing it for yourself without paying the American patent holders, we bless thee.

For taking that high-tech military technology and selling it to our enemies, such as the Russians and Chinese, thus further endangering us, we bless thee.

For using that weaponry in a sustained attack against a United States ship, the USS Liberty, in an attempt to sink her, thus preventing US servicemen from revealing to the rest of the world information concerning the war crimes they witnessed you commit against Egyptian soldiers in the Sinai Desert during the Six Day War, we bless thee.

For killing 35 and wounding 170 American sailors aboard the USS Liberty, we bless thee.

For bribing the United States government into covering it up, preventing any justice from being done for the benefit of the families of the lost sailors - as well as the American People, we bless thee.

For sending your agents into Egypt and blowing up American buildings for the purpose of blaming the Arabs in an event known as the Lavon Affair, we bless thee.

For sending your agents into Libya during the Reagan administration, and broadcasting radio messages in Arabic that were designed to sound like "terrorist cell planning" so that the US would initiate military strikes against Khadafi, we bless thee.

For withholding information from us concerning the planned attacks against the US Marine barracks in Lebanon, attacks you knew about through your moles in the Islamic world and about which you deliberately refused to warn us in order to further your interests against the Arabs, we bless thee.

For employing Jonathon Pollard, an American serviceman paid to spy for Israel in order to steal even more of our National Security secrets for your parasitic purposes, we bless thee.

For blackmailing President Clinton through one of your intelligence agents, Monica Lewinsky, in order to prevent a coherent peace program from being pushed forward between yourself and the Palestinian people that you have brutalized and murdered for the last 50 years, we bless thee.

For breaking every agreement you have made with your Arab neighbors, stealing their land, displacing, murdering, and treating them like the animals you see them as, we bless thee.

For using your agents within the first Bush administration to involve us in the first Gulf War, causing the deaths of American men and women, and exposing our servicemen to whatever bioweapons were/are responsible that has led to Gulf War Syndrome, we bless thee.

For your role in the September 11 attacks in this country, and for blackmailing and bribing the US government into deporting back to Israel the 100 or more intelligence agents that were arrested after the attacks, we bless thee.

For supressing the information from the American people of your involvement in the September 11 attacks and sending us in the wrong direction in search of answers, we bless thee.

For using one of your agents in the US Army Weapons Lab, Lt Colonel Philip Zack to steal anthrax and distribute it into our mail system, terrorizing US citizens and killing several in order to blame the Arabs, we bless thee.

For using your agents in the US Government, namely, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Perle, Abrams, and the rest into initiating this war in the Middle East so that you could bring to heel all the enemies you have made during the last 50 years, we bless thee.

For using your agents in the media to lie to us on a minute by minute basis about the war, how "just" this cause is, and what the real reasons behind it are, we bless thee.

For using your agents in the Christian Evangelical community, such as Falwell, Graham, Swaggert, and the rest who praise you as God’s chosen people and further keep Americans in the dark about who you really are, what you have done, and what you are truly about, we bless thee.

For bringing idiots like Limbaugh, Liddy, Hannity, Beck, and Savage to the forefront as paid liars that will support you and further lead Americans astray, we bless thee.

For making America your attack dog, and for sending her sons and daughters to fight and die in all your future wars, we bless thee.

For using your influence in the media to hide the real statistics about the war, the dead and wounded on both sides, we bless thee.

For using us in such a way that not only further inflames the Arab world against us, but as well has succeeded in our alienating ourselves against those nations with whom we have been friendly for over a century, we bless thee.

And finally, for using your influence in our media and academia to flood our minds with pornography and lies, as well as inculcating in us a hatred for our history, religion, and culture, for dividing our nation between races and sexes, and for releasing into our society all of your plagues and filth that have left us a rotted out corpse of a once great nation, oh Israel, our friend,we bless thee.

Note:

For further information regarding the above cited events, read either books written by ex- Israeli Intelligence agent Victor Ostrovsky entitled "By Way of Deception" and "The Other Side of Deception".

Mark Glenn is an American and former high school teacher turned writer / commentator. mrkglenn@yahoo.com

The article was submitted to Al-Jazeerah on January 7, 2005.
 

Can you Say Red Herring*** The Middle Class on the Precipice http://www.harvard-magazine.com/on-line/010682.html contributing editor to   - Rodger

Rising financial risks for American families
by Elizabeth Warren

During the past generation, the American middle-class family that once could count on hard work and fair play to keep itself financially secure has been transformed by economic risk and new realities. Now a pink slip, a bad diagnosis, or a disappearing spouse can reduce a family from solidly middle class to newly poor in a few months.

Middle-class families have been threatened on every front. Rocked by rising prices for essentials as men’s wages remained flat, both Dad and Mom have entered the workforce—a strategy that has left them working harder just to try to break even. Even with two paychecks, family finances are stretched so tightly that a very small misstep can leave them in crisis. As tough as life has become for married couples, single-parent families face even more financial obstacles in trying to carve out middle-class lives on a single paycheck. And at the same time that families are facing higher costs and increased risks, the old financial rules of credit have been rewritten by powerful corporate interests that see middle-class families as the spoils of political influence.

Raising Incomes the Two-Worker Way

In just one generation, millions of mothers have gone to work, transforming basic family economics. The typical middle-class household in the United States is no longer a one-earner family, with one parent in the workforce and one at home full-time. Instead, the majority of families with small children now have both parents rising at dawn to commute to jobs so they can both pull in paychecks.

Scholars, policymakers, and critics of all stripes have debated the social implications of these changes, but few have looked at their economic impact. Today the median income for a fully employed male is $41,670 per year (all numbers are inflation-adjusted to 2004 dollars)—nearly $800 less than his counterpart of a generation ago. The only real increase in wages for a family has come from the second paycheck earned by a working mother. With both adults in the workforce full-time, the family’s combined income is $73,770—a whopping 75 percent higher than the median household income in the early 1970s. But the gain in income has an overlooked side effect: family risk has risen as well. Today’s families have budgeted to the limits of their new two-paycheck status. As a result, they have lost the parachute they once had in times of financial setback—a back-up earner (usually Mom) who could go into the workforce if the primary earner got laid off or fell sick. This “added-worker effect” could buttress the safety net offered by unemployment insurance or disability insurance to help families weather bad times. But today, a disruption to family fortunes can no longer be made up with extra income from an otherwise-stay-at-home partner.

Income risk has shifted in other ways as well. Incomes are less dependable today. Layoffs, outsourcing, and other workplace changes have trebled the odds of a significant interruption in a single generation. The shift from one income to two doubled the risks again, as both Mom and Dad face the possibility of unemployment. Of course, with two people in the workforce, the odds of income dropping to zero are lessened. But for families where every penny of both paychecks is already fully committed to mortgage, health insurance, and other payments, the loss of either paycheck can unleash a financial tailspin. Nor are such risks solely related to unemployment. Consider health-related exposures. Two wage-earners means either Mom or Dad could be out of work from illness or injury, losing a substantial chunk of the family income. Finally, the new everyone-in-the-workforce family faces higher risks for caregiving. When there was one stay-at-home parent, a child’s serious illness or Grandma’s fall down the stairs was certainly bad news, but the main economic ramification was the medical bills. Today, someone has to take off work—or hire help—in order to provide family care. At a time when hospitals are sending people home “quicker and sicker,” more nursing care falls directly on the family—and someone has to be home to administer it.

Even the economic risks of divorce have changed. A generation ago, the end of a marriage was an economic blow, but a nonworking spouse usually took a job, bringing in new income to stay afloat. Now, whatever the two-income divorcing couple earns has to cover both their old and new expenses. Evidence mounts that post-divorce, both women and men are struggling to make ends meet as they try to support two households on the same combined income. A divorced woman with children, for example, is about three times more likely to file for bankruptcy than a man or woman, single or married, without children. And men who owe child support are about three times more likely to file for bankruptcy than men who don’t.

The news is even worse for single parents. They face all the difficulties of dual-income families—all income is budgeted, there is no one at home to work if the primary earner loses a job or gets sick, and no one to take over if a child gets sick or an elderly parent needs help—and they are trying to make it on a lot less money, competing with two-income families for housing, daycare, health insurance, and all the other goods and services. As one divorced, working mother put it, “With what my ex contributes and what I earn, I can just about match what a man can make, but I can’t match what a man and woman both working can make.” The two-parent families are struggling to swallow the risk, but their single-parent counterparts are choking.

Does this mean that middle-class women should return to the home in order to reduce their families’ risk? Before jumping to that conclusion, it is important to look at the expenses middle-class families face.

Soaring Expenses— and Risk
 

Why are so many moms in the workforce? Surely, some are lured by a great job, but millions more need a paycheck, plain and simple. It would be convenient to blame the families and say that it is their lust for stuff that has gotten them into this mess. Indeed, sociologist Robert Frank claims that this country’s newfound “Luxury Fever” forces middle-class families “to finance their consumption increases largely by reduced savings and increased debt.” Others echo the theme. A book titled Affluenza (by John De Graaf, David Wann, and Thomas H. Naylor) sums it up: “The dogged pursuit for more” accounts for Americans’ “overload, debt, anxiety, and waste.” If Americans are out of money, it must be because they are over-consuming—buying junk they don’t really need. Blaming the family supposes that we believe that families spend their money on things they don’t really need. Over-consumption is not about medical care or basic housing; it is, in the words of Juliet Schor, about “designer clothes, a microwave, restaurant meals, home and automobile air conditioning, and, of course, Michael Jordan’s ubiquitous athletic shoes, about which children and adults both display near-obsession.” And it isn’t about buying a few goodies with extra income; it is about going deep into debt to finance consumer purchases that sensible people could do without. But is this argument true? If families really are blowing their paychecks on designer clothes and restaurant meals, then the household expenditure data should show them spending more on these frivolous items than ever before. But the numbers don’t back up the claim.

A quick summary of the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Expenditure Survey paints a very different picture of family spending. Consider what a family of four spends on clothing. Designer toddler outfits and $200 sneakers are favorite media targets, but when it is all added up, including the Tommy Hilfiger sweatshirts and Ray-Ban sunglasses, the average family of four today spends 33 percent less on clothing than a similar family did in the early 1970s. Overseas manufacturing and discount shopping mean that today’s family is spending almost $1,200 a year less than their parents spent to dress themselves.

What about food? Surely, families are eating out more and buying shopping carts full of designer water and exotic fruit? In fact, today’s family of four actually spends 23 percent less on food (at-home and restaurant eating combined) than its counterpart of a generation ago. The slimmed-down profit margins in discount supermarkets have combined with new efficiencies in farming to cut more costs for the American family.

Appliances tell the same picture. There is a lot of complaining about microwave ovens and espresso machines: Affluenza rails against appliances “that were deemed luxuries as recently as 1970, but are now found in well over half of U.S. homes, and thought of by a majority of Americans as necessities: dishwashers, clothes dryers, central heating and air conditioning, color and cable TV.” But manufacturing costs are down, and durability is up. Today’s families are spending 51 percent less on major appliances than their predecessors a generation ago.

This is not to say that middle-class families never fritter away money. A generation ago, big-screen televisions were a novelty reserved for the very rich, no one had cable, and DVD and TiVo were meaningless strings of letters. So how much more do families spend on “home entertainment,” premium channels included? They spend 23 percent more—a whopping extra $180 annually. Computers add another $300 to the annual family budget. But even that increase looks a little different in the context of other spending. The extra money spent on cable, electronics, and computers is more than offset by families’ savings on major appliances and household furnishings alone.

The same offsetting phenomena appear in other areas as well. The average family spends more on airline travel than it did a generation ago, but less on dry cleaning; more on telephone services, but less on tobacco; more on pets, but less on carpets. When we add it all up, increases in one category are offset by decreases in another.

So where did their money go? It went to the basics. The real increases in family spending are for the items that make a family middle class and keep them safe (housing, health insurance), that educate their children (pre-school and college), and that let them earn a living (transportation, childcare, and taxes).

The data can be summarized in a financial snapshot of two families, a typical one-earner family from the early 1970s compared with a typical two-earner family from the early 2000s. With an income of $42,450, the average family from the early 1970s covered their basic mortgage expenses of $5,820, health-insurance costs of $1,130 and car payments, maintenance, gas, and repairs of $5,640. Taxes claimed about 24 percent of their income, leaving them with $19,560 in discretionary funds. That means they had about $1,500 a month to cover food, clothing, utilities, and anything else they might need—just about half of their income.

By 2004, the family budget looks very different. As noted earlier, although a man is making nearly $800 less than his counterpart a generation ago, his wife’s paycheck brings the family to a combined income that is $73,770—a 75 percent increase. But higher expenses have more than eroded that apparent financial advantage. Their annual mortgage payments are more than $10,500. If they have a child in elementary school who goes to daycare after school and in the summers, the family will spend $5,660. If their second child is a pre-schooler, the cost is even higher—$6,920 a year. With both people in the workforce, the family spends more than $8,000 a year on its two vehicles. Health insurance costs the family $1,970, and taxes now take 30 percent of its money. The bottom line: today’s median-earning, median-spending middle-class family sends two people into the workforce, but at the end of the day they have about $1,500 less for discretionary spending than their one-income counterparts of a generation ago.

What happens to the family that tries to get by on a single income today? Their expenses would be a little lower because they can save on childcare and taxes, and, if they are lucky enough to live close to shopping and other services, perhaps they can get by without a second car. But if they tried to live a normal, middle-class life in other ways—buy an average home, send their younger child to preschool, purchase health insurance, and so forth—they would be left with only $5,500 a year to cover all their other expenses. They would have to find a way to buy food, clothing, utilities, life insurance, furniture, appliances, and so on with less than $500 a month. The modern single-earner family trying to keep up an average lifestyle faces a 72 percent drop in discretionary income compared with its one-income counterpart of a generation ago.

Combine changes in family income and expenses, and the biggest change of all becomes evident—on the risk front. In the early 1970s, if any calamity came along, the family devoted nearly half its income to discretionary spending. Of course, people need to eat and turn on the lights, but the other expenses—clothing, furniture, appliances, restaurant meals, vacations, entertainment, and pretty much everything else—can be drastically reduced or even cut out entirely. In other words, they didn’t need as much money if something went wrong. If the couple could find a way—through unemployment insurance, savings, or putting their stay-at-home parent to work—they could cover the basics on just half of their previous earnings. Given the option of a second paycheck, both could stay in the workforce for a few months once the crisis had passed, pulling the family out of their financial hole.

But the position today is very different. Fully 75 percent of family income is earmarked for recurrent monthly expenses. Even if they are able to trim around the edges, families are faced with a sobering truth: every one of those expensive items—mortgage, car payments, insurance, childcare—is a fixed cost. Families must pay them each and every month, through good times and bad; there is no way to cut back from one month to the next, as can be done with spending on clothing or food. Short of moving out of the house, withdrawing their children from preschool, or canceling the insurance policy altogether, they are stuck.

In other words, today’s family has no margin for error. There is no leeway to cut back if one earner’s hours are cut or if the other gets sick. There is no room in the budget if someone needs to take off work to care for a sick child or an elderly parent. Their basic situation is far riskier than that of their parents a generation earlier. The modern American family is walking a high wire without a net.

The Rules Have Changed

The one-two punch of income vulnerability and rising costs has weakened the middle class, at the same time that the revision of the rules of financing delivers a death blow to millions of families each year. Since the early 1980s, the credit industry has rewritten the rules of lending to families. Congress has turned the industry loose to charge whatever it can get and to bury tricks and traps throughout credit agreements. Credit-card contracts that were less than a page long in the early 1980s now number 30 or more pages of small-print legalese. In the details, credit-card companies lend money at one rate, but retain the right to change the interest rate whenever it suits them. They can even raise the rate after the money has been borrowed—a practice once considered too shady even for a back-alley loan shark. When they think they have been cheated, customers can be forced into arbitration in locations thousands of miles from home. Some companies claim that they can repossess anything a customer buys with a credit card.

Credit-card issuers are not alone in their boldness. Home-mortgage lenders are writing mortgages that are so one-sided that some of their products are known as “loan-to-own” because it is the mortgage company—not the buyer—who will end up with the house. Payday lenders are ringing military bases and setting up shop in working-class neighborhoods, offering instant cash that can eventually cost the customer more than a thousand percent interest.

For those who can stay out of debt, the rules of lending may not matter. But the economic pressures on the middle class are causing more families to turn to credit just to make ends meet. When something goes wrong the only place to turn is credit cards and mortgage refinancing. At that moment, the change in lending rules matters very much indeed. The family that might manage $2,000 of debt at 9 percent discovers that it cannot stay afloat when interest rates skyrocket to 29 percent. And the family that refinanced the home mortgage to pay off other debts suddenly faces escalating monthly payments and may find itself staring at foreclosure. Job losses or medical debts can put any family in a hole, but a credit industry that has rewritten the rules can keep that family from ever climbing back.

A Politics of Living on the Edge?

Every day, middle-class families carry higher risks that a job loss or a medical problem will push them over the edge. Although plenty of families make it, a growing number who worked just as hard and followed the rules just as carefully find themselves in a financial nightmare. The security of middle-class life has disappeared. The new reality is millions of families whose grip on the good life can be shaken loose in an instant.

Although my own work, on bankruptcy and credit, has focused on the specifics of families’ household finances, I cannot help but think that their changed circumstances during the past generation have larger echoes for public policy.

During the same period, families have been asked to absorb much more risk in their retirement income. In 1985, there were 112,200 defined-benefit pension plans with employers and employer groups around the country; today their number has shrunk to 29,700 such plans, and those are melting away fast. Steelworkers, airline employees, and now those in the auto industry are joining millions of families who must worry about interest rates, stock market volatility, and the harsh reality that they may outlive their retirement money. For much of the past year, President Bush campaigned to move Social Security to a savings-account model, with retirees trading much or all of their guaranteed payments for payments contingent on investment returns. For younger families, the picture is not any better. Both the absolute cost of healthcare and the share of it borne by families have risen—and newly fashionable health-savings plans are spreading from legislative halls to Wal-Mart workers, with much higher deductibles and a large new dose of investment risk for families’ future healthcare. Even demographics are working against the middle class family, as the odds of having a frail elderly parent—and all the attendant need for physical and financial assistance—have jumped eightfold in just one generation.

From the middle-class family perspective, much of this, understandably, looks far less like an opportunity to exercise more financial responsibility, and a good deal more like a frightening acceleration of the wholesale shift of financial risk onto their already overburdened shoulders. The financial fallout has begun, and the political fallout may not be far behind.

Elizabeth Warren is Gottlieb professor of law and faculty director of the Judicial Education Program. This article is based in part on “Rewriting the Rules: Families, Money, and Risk,” a paper written for the nonprofit Social Science Research Council (see http://privatizationofrisk.ssrc.org/Warren). Warren and her daughter, Amelia Warren Tyagi, are the authors of The Two-Income Trap: Why Middle-Class Mothers and Fathers Are Going Broke (see “The Middle-Class Trapdoor,” January-February 2004, page 10) and All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan.
 

the offices of Dewey, Cheetum & Howe Create an e-annoyance, go to Jail http://news.com.com/Create+an+e-annoyance%2C+go+to+jail/2010-1028_3-6022491.html contributing editor to   - Rodger

 Annoying someone via the Internet is now a federal crime.

It's no joke. Last Thursday, President Bush signed into law a prohibition on posting annoying Web messages or sending annoying e-mail messages without disclosing your true identity.

In other words, it's OK to flame someone on a mailing list or in a blog as long as you do it under your real name. Thank Congress for small favors, I guess.

This ridiculous prohibition, which would likely imperil much of Usenet, is buried in the so-called Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act. Criminal penalties include stiff fines and two years in prison.
 

"The use of the word 'annoy' is particularly problematic," says Marv Johnson, legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union. "What's annoying to one person may not be annoying to someone else." Buried deep in the new law is Sec. 113, an innocuously titled bit called "Preventing Cyberstalking." It rewrites existing telephone harassment law to prohibit anyone from using the Internet "without disclosing his identity and with intent to annoy." To grease the rails for this idea, Sen. Arlen Specter, a Pennsylvania Republican, and the section's other sponsors slipped it into an unrelated, must-pass bill to fund the Department of Justice. The plan: to make it politically infeasible for politicians to oppose the measure.

It's illegal to annoy A new federal law states that when you annoy someone on the Internet, you must disclose your identity. Here's the relevant language. "Whoever...utilizes any device or software that can be used to originate telecommunications or other types of communications that are transmitted, in whole or in part, by the Internet... without disclosing his identity and with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person...who receives the communications...shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than two years, or both."

The tactic worked. The bill cleared the House of Representatives by voice vote, and the Senate unanimously approved it Dec. 16.

There's an interesting side note. An earlier version that the House approved in September had radically different wording. It was reasonable by comparison, and criminalized only using an "interactive computer service" to cause someone "substantial emotional harm."

That kind of prohibition might make sense. But why should merely annoying someone be illegal?
 

A law meant to annoy? FAQ: The new 'annoy' law explained A practical guide to the new federal law that aims to outlaw certain types of annoying Web sites and e-mail.

There are perfectly legitimate reasons to set up a Web site or write something incendiary without telling everyone exactly who you are. Think about it: A woman fired by a manager who demanded sexual favors wants to blog about it without divulging her full name. An aspiring pundit hopes to set up the next Suck.com. A frustrated citizen wants to send e-mail describing corruption in local government without worrying about reprisals.

In each of those three cases, someone's probably going to be annoyed. That's enough to make the action a crime. (The Justice Department won't file charges in every case, of course, but trusting prosecutorial discretion is hardly reassuring.)

Clinton Fein, a San Francisco resident who runs the Annoy.com site, says a feature permitting visitors to send obnoxious and profane postcards through e-mail could be imperiled.

"Who decides what's annoying? That's the ultimate question," Fein said. He added: "If you send an annoying message via the United States Post Office, do you have to reveal your identity?"

Fein once sued to overturn part of the Communications Decency Act that outlawed transmitting indecent material "with intent to annoy." But the courts ruled the law applied only to obscene material, so Annoy.com didn't have to worry.

"I'm certainly not going to close the site down," Fein said on Friday. "I would fight it on First Amendment grounds."

He's right. Our esteemed politicians can't seem to grasp this simple point, but the First Amendment protects our right to write something that annoys someone else.

It even shields our right to do it anonymously. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas defended this principle magnificently in a 1995 case involving an Ohio woman who was punished for distributing anonymous political pamphlets.

If President Bush truly believed in the principle of limited government (it is in his official bio), he'd realize that the law he signed cannot be squared with the Constitution he swore to uphold.

And then he'd repeat what President Clinton did a decade ago when he felt compelled to sign a massive telecommunications law. Clinton realized that the section of the law punishing abortion-related material on the Internet was unconstitutional, and he directed the Justice Department not to enforce it.

Bush has the chance to show his respect for what he calls Americans' personal freedoms. Now we'll see if the president rises to the occasion.
 

a r t i c l e   /   c o m m e n t a r y Statistics, Lies and the Simple Truth http://www.catholic.org/blast/col/index31.html contributing editor to   - Alan

A Reminder: What we know about the rate of abortion.
Why don't enough of us care any more?

Mark Twain's statement regarding statistics is often quoted and needn't be repeated here. It's enough to say Mr. Clemens believed even reliable statistics were unsafe in the hands of manipulative people. He was right.

You've seen the statistics regarding the prevalence of abortion. Abortion is a common medical procedure. Always wrong. Altogether too common. You've seen the figures. They're staggering. Those who actually support the killing of pre-born children suggest that 1.31 million babies are aborted each year. As a culture, we've been doing this legally at a steady pace for decades. The numbers add up. The most conservative estimates result in a total of over 40 million unborn children aborted since 1973. More than a few estimates approach or exceed 50 million. Fifty million babies! Fifty million! Let's think about that single statistical reality.

No manipulation here. The Centers for Disease Control, the Alan Guttmacher Institute, Planned Parenthood.they use each other's statistical information, and they all agree. We've been killing our pre-born babies at a horrific rate, and most people.too many conscionable neighbors among them.accept the figures with a practiced sense of recognition and detachment. Why the absence of alarm? What does 40 to 50 million dead people look like anyway?

Imagine you named each one after Mr. Guttmacher. And allow yourself a choice, boy or girl, Alan or Aileen. Think of each deserving Guttmacher baby strolling across a graduation stage at the announcement of each name, at least five syllables each. Maybe you could read as many 30 or more a minute. Thirty would be a pretty steady pace. If a team of readers read all the names (and here we'll use the conservative figure of 40 million total), and you and your team of volunteers took turns and read for ten hours a day, you'd still be reading the names of the dead nearly seven years later.

Fifty million people? Can you grasp it? It's similar to the numbers of people who vote as either Republicans or Democrats in a national U.S. presidential election. Choose. Eliminate everybody who voted in the last election as a Democrat or as a Republican. Go ahead. Choose. That's fifty million people. Think of a football stadium crammed with 100,000 partisan fans, people gathered for the national NCAA championship. Add a few more games, and you have the entire BCS. Now, systematically eliminate all those fans just as abortionists have systematically eliminated the pre-born, and you'd need ticket stubs that stretch back a century or more before you'd completely empty the stands.

Fifty million people? Lose the West Coast. That's right. The whole thing. Everybody in California, Oregon and Washington State. Go ahead, throw in Alaska. Everyone. You could lose most of the East Coast, if you preferred. It's a matter of choice, and it's fifty million people.

You know these statistics, you say. Begin counting, count 24/7 and it would take almost two weeks to count to 1 million. Counting to 40 million or more would take you . . . what . . . a year and a half? You know all that. At some point, you've probably been asked by an elementary school teacher to consider the reality of a million of this or a million of that. Most have.

Here's the deal. We aren't talking mere numbers here. Fifty million isn't just a number. Fifty million isn't just a statistical reality that defines the debate between those who support abortion and those who oppose it.

We're talking about people, fifty million of them created in the image of God. Each one precious, vital and meaningful. That's what the number 50,000,000 represents. But sadly, not now living, breathing people. Not the millions who hear their names announced during graduation ceremonies. Not the millions who vote in presidential elections. Not the millions who attend college football championships. Not the millions who actually live on the West Coast, the East Coast, nor those who live in the Heartland.

The dead. Fifty million dead. Fifty million dead babies. That's what the number represents. Would-be names and faces. People allowed to grow up, graduate, vote, enjoy life, and support their peers. Even attend ball games. All killed before birth. The horror is staggering.

How can we let another year slip by? Do we not hear the clock ticking? Do we allow the numbers of aborted babies to continue to rise? At the rate of several every minute?

We must acknowledge the loss for what it is. We must see the killing for what it is. And, we must continue to speak for those unable to speak for themselves. Otherwise, these dear unborn children are reduced to mere statistics.

Refer to the unborn as people, as babies, and some will disagree. Call abortion murder, and some will disagree. Nuance of language allows the living to define the dead in various ways. But, no one disagrees on the extent of the killing. Fifty million abortions. Fifty million dead.

Some refuse to recognize these babies as people. Many others are certain that human beings is exactly who they are. Astonishingly, many more are uncertain. Proclaim the truth. Join the Psalmist David and acknowledge the wondrous work that God is actively performing in .the inmost being. of each unborn child. Encourage others to seek the truth, as well.

End the slaughter. Stop it now. Embrace a future in which the value of each life is cherished as vital.those born, those unborn, and those now aborted.

Will you proclaim that truth? Will you stand up for the pre-born? Will you speak up? Will you?

Not just statistics. Not just numbers. Pre-born babies. Unborn children. They are people, and killing them is wrong. That's the simple truth.

I am Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Michael Galloway
 

a r t i c l e   /   c o m m e n t a r y An Unnecessary War http://www.thenewamerican.com/artman/publish/article_2641.shtml contributing editor to   - Viv

by William Norman Grigg, November 18, 2005

One by one, the rationales put forward by the Bush administration and its allies for the Iraq War have collapsed.

Nasty as it was, Saddam?s regime never posed a threat to the United States ? as the Bush administration admitted in January 2001. No operational contacts existed between Baghdad and al-Qaeda. There is no evidence that by March 2003, when the invasion began, Saddam possessed any weapons of mass destruction, let alone the huge arsenal attributed to him.

Even prior to the invasion, President Bush and his supporters had sought to reframe the issue by describing the military campaign as a war of liberation: Saddam had to be removed in order to install a ?democratic? government. Radio personality Sean Hannity, one of Mr. Bush?s most energetic and least persuasive shills, digested that argument into an incessantly repeated sound bite: ?The world is better off with Saddam Hussein out of power.?

Given that Saddam is being replaced by a revolutionary Shi?ite regime aligned with Iran, Hannity?s assertion is not obviously true. Even if it were, however, it still wouldn?t justify the war, which has devoured the lives of thousands of American and allied troops, and tens of thousands of Iraqis ? since Saddam was willing to leave in order to prevent the invasion.

?Deposed Iraqi president Saddam Hussein accepted an 11th-hour offer to flee into exile weeks ahead of the U.S.-led 2003 invasion but Arab League officials scuttled the proposal,? reported the AP on October 29. The offer had been extended through the efforts of Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late president of the United Arab Emirates, during a February 2003 emergency Arab summit in Egypt. ?Sheik Zayed?s initiative would have given Saddam and his family exile and guarantees against prosecution in return for letting Arab League and UN experts run Iraq until elections could be held in six months,? continued the report.

The 2003 proposal was revealed by Sheik Zayed?s son during an interview aired on the Al-Arabiya television network, and was confirmed by a ?top UAE government official.? The anonymous official said that Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa did not act on the proposal because it had not been presented according to League protocol.

It?s impossible to believe that Washington was unaware of Saddam?s willingness to go into exile and permit elections to take place. And while nothing good can come from turning the political system of any country over to ?UN experts,? that?s essentially what the Bush administration did following its invasion of Iraq. This means that the invasion and war were entirely unnecessary ? and that Americans, allies, and Iraqis have died for nothing.
 

H U M O R A Talking Dog contributing editor to   - Dale

A guy is driving around Texas and he sees a sign in front of a house:"Talking Dog For Sale." He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. The guy goes into the backyard and sees a Labrador retriever sitting there."You talk?" he asks. "Yep," the Lab replies. "So, what's your story?" The Lab looks up and says, "Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the   government, so I told the

CIA about my gift and in no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.  I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running."

"But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I decided to settle down! . I signed up for a job  at the airport to do some undercover security wandering near suspicious characters and listening in."

"I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals.
 

I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired." The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.  "Ten dollars," the guy says. "Ten dollars? This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?" "Because he's a liar. He never did any of that stuff."

 

a r t i c l e   /   c o m m e n t a r y CCTV to Record Every UK Car Journey -- Spy in the Sky Homes by the Taxman http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/dailymail/home.html?in_page_id=1766 contributing editor to   - Viv

CCTV to Record Every UK Car Journey

The government was under pressure to halt plans for a new nation-wide camera surveillance system that will record the movements of every vehicle on Britain's roads.

From March the number plate details of 35 million vehicles per day will be stored for up to five years.  The database, installed alongside the police national computer at Hendon, North London, will include the time, date and precise location of vehicles using CCTV cameras on main roads and motorways and in towns, cities, ports and petrol station forecourts.  Their data will be made available to M15 and other intelligence agencies.

But surveillance revolution does not end there- face recognition is also being tested.

The Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency (DVLA) has signed a deal with the US firm Vilsage to assess whether the DVLA database of driving-licence photographs can be used for 'machine-assisted face recognition.' This technology could then be used to match up images taken by roadside cameras to identify drivers.

Police chiefs claim the vehicle surveillance network plan is the biggest advance in crime and terror technology since the introduction of DNA fingerprinting and is designed to drive criminals and terrorists off the roads.  But this does not come cheaply - Home Office has given £25million grant towards the scheme and it will cost taxpayers millions more, with much of the burden falling on local councils and police authorities, which in turn will drive up council taxes.

Human rights groups demanded a halt to the scheme.  As this is just another example of governments invasion of privacy.  What we have here is wholesale, mass surveillance of a population should this come about it would mean that our movements will be monitored constantly.

Spy in the Sky Homes by the Taxman

A controversial 'spy in the sky' scheme that will raise council tax bills by using aerial and satellite photographs to identify home improvements is being planned by the government.

The plan is contained in a council tax handbook drawn up by the government-run Valuation Office Agency (VOA) part of HM Revenue and Customs.

The secret surveillance will be used to track down homeowners who have built extensions, conservatories or garages and will add hundreds of pounds into the coffers of councils.  These new stealth taxes amount to a wealth tax on the property-owning middle classes. (In other words legalised theft)

Opposition parties claimed this is more evidence of increasing Big Brother style moves by the government to monitor every aspect of individuals' lives.

Currently council tax bills are not affected by home improvements.  But under new government proposals, this will change to take into account alterations such as extensions.

If follows a series of controversial moves including a plan to impose higher tax bills on those whose properties have a pleasant views i.e. overlooking countryside, golf courses, parks, village greens, etc. Householders will be required to allow inspectors into their properties to photograph interiors and make evaluations - with possible £500 fines for those who refuse.

For many people who need more space but cannot afford to move to a bigger house, the answer is to make improvements to their existing home.  But now it seems they are going to be penalised for this through higher council taxes.

The VOA tax valuation handbook, called for mass appraisal of real property states: 'Aerial photographs are another way to spot new construction.  Comparison of property records against aerial photographs can identify unreported improvements.  The handbook also gives inspectors detailed instructions on how to gather information about 'dwelling characteristics'.

It is hard to believe that this kind of surveillance can be lawful said human rights campaigners we are looking at the legal basis of this proposed scheme.  It seems now that an Englishman's home is no longer his castle if he puts a conservatory on it'
 

I N S I G H T Will You Live Under "The Earth Charter"? http://www.newswithviews.com/Cuddy/dennis54.htm contributing editor to   - Rodger

By Dennis L. Cuddy, Ph.D., January 11, 2006

Most people knowledgeable about global events are aware of The Earth Charter. However, what most people do not know is that the principles of this charter could be enacted into the law under which we live! You think not? Most American mayors are members of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, which on June 25, 2001, passed a resolution stating that the conference "endorses the Earth Charter and commits the organization to the realization of its aim." This means YOUR mayor has probably agreed to this!

First, the charter indicates we would live under Socialism, as one of its goals is to "promote the equitable distribution of wealth within nations and among nations." Second, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) would become law, as the charter "affirms gender equality and equity as prerequisites to sustainable development" (note the word "equity" rather than equal opportunity). Third, population control (eugencis and abortion) would be legal, as 2 charter goals state: "Adopt patterns of reproduction that safeguard Earth's regenerative capacities" and "Ensure universal access to health care that fosters reproductive health and responsible reproduction." Fourth, education (including values and school-to-work) would be internationalized, as the charter proposes to "integrate into formal education and life-long learning the knowledge, values, and skills needed for a sustainable way of life" and "recognize the importance of moral and spiritual education for sustainable living."

On October 8, 2005, Earth Charter Community Summits were held in cities (e.g., Chicago, San Diego, Portland, Atlanta, Dallas, etc.) across the U.S. and around the world (e.g., Canada, India, Belgium, etc.). And November 7-9. 2005, a meeting was held in Amsterdam, Holland, attended by Earth Charter sponsors Mikhail Gorbachev and Maurice Strong (U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan's right-hand man) and other notables, partly designed to see how Earth Charter principles could be integrated into international law. Speaking at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on October 25, 2005, Gorbachev proclaimed: "I believe that we need a kind of global compact about the principles of the New World Order....We should also start building a better global governance on the basis of international cooperation, international law." Apparently, Gorbachev believes in international law for others (e.g., Yugoslavia's Slobodan Milosevic hauled off to The Hague for crimes against humanity), but not for himself and his Soviet atrocities against Afghan children (exploding toys). Relevent to the U.S., it is important to remember that several U.S. Supreme Court Justices have indicated they consider international law when rendering their decisions.

Note particularly the "values" and "spiritual" components of the charter. Speaking to the gathering at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce mentioned above, President Clinton remarked: "I support the analysis of world events and the prescription for their solution that President Gorbachev outlined tonight. We live in an interdependent world....We can agree with any people of any faith as long as nobody claims to be in possession of the absolute truth...." Doesn't this mean we are supposed to reject Jesus' statement: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh to the Father, but by me"?

Commenting on the spiritual nature of the charter, Gorbachev in a Los Angeles Times interview said: "My hope is that this charter will be a kind of Ten Commandments, a 'Sermon on the Mount,' that provides a guide for human behavior toward the environment in the next (21st) century and beyond." And charter co-sponsor Maurice Strong similarly remarked: "The real goal of The Earth Charter is that it will in fact become like the Ten Commandments."

The charter was written for Gorbachev (who has said "Cosmos is my god. Nature is my god.") and Strong by Steven Rockefeller (Nelson Rockefeller's son), who in his September 29, 2001, speech "The Earth Charter: Building a Global Culture of Peace" in Tampa, Florida, stated: "One way of understanding The Earth Charter is to think of it as a declaration of global interdependence and universal responsibility....It is in our national interest to be caring global citizens....The Earth Charter sets forth a consensus on ethical values that is taking form in the emerging global civil society....The ethical principles of The Earth Charter...provide a common standard for individuals, organizations, communities, and governments....We must give the United Nations strong and consistent support, financially, diplomatically, and morally." And in an introductory essay in SPIRIT AND NATURE: VISIONS OF INTERDEPENDENCE, Steven Rockefeller asked: "Will human beings develop the faith and imagination to discover the face of the sacred in rocks, trees, animals, women and men, people of all races, and the Earth as a whole?"

This reference to "the sacred in rocks, trees, animals" sounds like long-time U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Robert Muller's NEW GENESIS: SHAPING A GLOBAL SPIRITUALITY, in which Muller refers to "our brethren the animals, our sisters the flowers." He also said we should "display the U.N. flag in all houses of worship" and that "happiness can be achieved by elevating oneself to God." This New Age spirituality is evidenced in the Robert Muller Schools around the world (e.g., in Arlington, Texas), which have an underlying philosophy "found in the books of Alice A. Bailey." Bailey's books were first published by Lucifer Publishing, which changed its name to Lucis Trust and which has been in charge of the U.N. Meditation Room for years.

While the Biblical Ten Commandments are under attack by the ACLU in courts in the U.S. today, pagan deities are allowed to remain in courts (Themis, with blindfold and scales in hand), on state seals, on public property (e.g., Vulcan in Birmingham, Demeter in Annapolis, Quetzalcoatl in San Jose at a cost of $500,000 to taxpayers, etc.), and a statue of Neptune is in the Library of Congress. Also, when one enters the U.N. building in New York City, there is a large statue of Zeus, the pagan god of war.

The Earth Charter Commission, meeting at UNESCO headquarters in March 2000 approved the final version of The Earth Charter. It was later presented to the U.N. in the Ark of Hope, which was designed like the Biblical Ark of the Covenant (see www.ark-of-hope.org/). However, in typical New Age spirituality language, the Ark of Hope website says it's "carrying poles are unicorn horns which render evil ineffective." The ark and charter have been on display in Indiana, Vermont and elsewhere around the world.

The U.N. Environment Program has published a "Sabbath Newsletter" concerning the environment, along with "An Environmental Sabbath---Earth Rest Day Guide." In this guide, one finds an activity for students called "Mount Olympus" described as including "A family meeting of the gods or the Lords of the Universe discussing the problems of the rogue Planet Earth." Students "plead the case for human survival....Try to win over the gods to save the planet and the human race." This represents the spirituality of the U.N. and The Earth Charter. And remember, the U.S. Conference of Mayors "endorses The Earth Charter and commits the organization to the realization of its aim."
 

I am from the gubment, & am here to help you - NOT Report: MS-13 gang hired to murder Border Patrol http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_3386933 contributing editor to   - Rodger

Anyone with an eye to see can see it.  I wonder why so many don't.  He who has ears to hear, now is your chance.  --  Rodger ]

By Sara A. Carter and Mason Stockstill, Staff Writers

Mexican alien smugglers plan to pay violent gang members and smuggle them into the United States to murder Border Patrol agents, according to a confidential Department of Homeland Security memo obtained by the Daily Bulletin.

The Officer Safety Alert, dated Dec. 21, warns agents that the smugglers intend to bring members of the international Mara Salvatrucha street gang also known as MS-13 into the country for the deadly mission.

"Unidentified Mexican alien smugglers are angry about the increased security along the U.S./Mexico border and have agreed that the best way to deal with U.S. Border Patrol agents is to hire a group of contract killers," the alert states.

MS-13, which has a strong base in El Salvador, is considered by the FBI to be one of the most dangerous gangs in the United States, with more than 20,000 members.

Gang members have been found in 33 states and connected to murder, racketeering, assault, rapes and extortion. Last January, Immigration and Customs Enforcement raided six cities and made more than 100 arrests of MS-13 gang members.

Intelligence officials last year reported that MS-13 gang members had been linked to terrorists seeking entry into the country.

Michael Friel, a representative with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said he could not comment directly on the memo, but noted "this wouldn't be the first time agents' lives have been threatened.

"It's no surprise that these smugglers, these criminals, would be threatening our agents," he added. "And that would be a huge mistake on their part if they try."

The alert was labeled "for official use only," meaning that while it does not contain classified information, it is not to be made public or released to the media. It also is required to be stored in a locked container and "burned or shredded" when it is no longer needed.

The memo was issued based on information from a report issued by the FBI. An FBI spokesman reached by telephone in Washington said he could not comment on that report.

A Border Patrol agent who spoke on condition of anonymity said agents in the field have been worried since the release of the alert in December.

"It's not just people coming over here to pick lettuce. These gang members, criminals, are endangering American lives," the agent said.

"Our vests won't stop a rifle bullet, and many of us out here feel like sitting ducks," he added.

Over the past year, Border Patrol agents have warned they are facing more danger than ever before along the divide between the two countries. Many believe stepped-up enforcement by the United States has led to a similar increase in violence by drug smugglers and border crossers.

Last week, agents in Texas reported two separate incidents in which someone fired on them from the Mexican side of the border. Officers in Arizona were issued pocket-sized cards last year with suggested maneuvers in case they encounter Mexican military troops while on patrol.

On Dec. 30, a Border Patrol agent shot and killed an 18-year-old Mexican man agents said had thrown a rock at U.S. officials after crossing the border.

Rep. David Dreier, R-Glendora, chairman of the House Rules Committee and one of the GOP's immigration reform advocates, said security for Border Patrol agents is essential.

"First of all, we need to provide Border Patrol agents with all the resources they need to protect themselves, we need to hire more agents, and we need to make sure we're tracking and targeting gangs coming across the border," Dreier said Monday night. "The security of our agents is of the upmost concern."

T.J. Bonner, president of the National Border Patrol Council, an association representing agents, said Monday that the Homeland Security alert is more proof agents often are putting their lives at risk. Assaults on agents doubled last year, according to Bonner.

"MS-13 has shown that its members have very little regard for human life," he said. "Some of the atrocities they have committed are truly unspeakable, and it worries me to know that our agents on the line are now the targets. I don't know what it's going to take to wake up the folks in Washington."

Some anti-illegal immigrant organizations blame the Bush administration for what they say is a lackadaisical attitude about border security.

"The president still acts like Mexico is a friendly neighbor, when in reality it's the complete opposite," said Andy Ramirez, chairman of Friends of the Border Patrol, a Chino organization that supports border agents. "Border Patrol agents' lives are in extremely high danger, and yet the public isn't notified. When are they going to realize that threats against our law-enforcement officers are threats against this nation?"
 

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain** New Ohio Law Allows Cops to Request ID http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,181382,00.html contributing editor to   - Rodger

[YOUR PAPERS PLEASE.  If you choose to reply to Rodger's question, be certain you are not downwind.  Of course, you are saying something like 'this does not affect me as I do not live in Ohio'.  Just keep waiting.  --  Tribble]

Ohio Republican Gov. Bob Taft on Wednesday signed a bill into law passed by the state legislature with barely a word of dissent. Supporters of the state's security measure, which takes effect in 90 days, say it's a tool the state can use in fighting terrorism.

"Like everyone else, after Sept. 11, I became a lot more concerned about our safety and security," said state Sen. Jeff Jacobson, sponsor of the bill, which also instructs local law enforcement to lend assistance when able to federal authorities carrying out provisions of the Patriot Act.

"We felt very strongly that we needed to have laws in Ohio to out our state on the frontline of fighting terrorism," Jacobson said.

But dissent is building over authority given to police officers, who can now ask, "What's your name?" as a tool to fight terrorism. Failure to identify oneself could land an individual in jail.

Critics call the measure the Ohio Patriot Act. The law also requires those applying for state driver's licenses to sign a form that they haven't supported terrorist organizations.

The American Civil Liberties Union opposed the measure because of the new powers it gives to police.

"[It] takes us back to the days of Sen. McCarthy and the House Committee on Un-American Activities with demands that people confess their sins," said Jeffrey Gamso, a spokesman for the ACLU.

But supporters such as police agencies say the new law will be useful without abusing civil rights.

"I think there's enough checks and balances and enough guidelines have been set up by the courts that we will follow," said Michael Weinman, legal liaison for the Columbus, Ohio, police department.

The final version of the bill passed the state Senate with only two 'no' votes.

"People are very afraid to vote against any bill of this nature," said Daniel Tokaji, a law professor at Ohio State University. "They have to stand for re-election and no one wants to be perceived as soft on terrorism."

Others agree that the measure will come up in the upcoming election.

"This doesn't have a little to do with the upcoming election. It has everything to do with the upcoming election," said Chris Redfern, chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party.
 

I am from the gubment, & am here to help you - NOT New Ohio Law Allows Cops to Request ID http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,181382,00.html contributing editor to   - Rodger

Do you remember how Bush declared he did not care about the Constitution and did not want it thrown up to him any more?  Do you remember that Bush said he was President and should get what he wants?

Yesterday (January 11, 2006), Bush was in Louisville, addressing a select group of Kentucky and Indiana residents.

One of the audience stood to ask a question.  But, prior to asking his question the man made a statement.  What he said something like "On 9/11/2001 we were attacked on our own land, but since then we have not had any attacks".  This was obviously intended to be an expression of support for something Bush has done to protect this guy.  This was obviously intended to give Bush credit for something he did.

Using the same logic, I submit that we can give identical credit to the following men, and MANY more.
 

Using the same logic as the man in question, then the absence of any attack during the administration of these men must surely be to their credit.

There is absolutely NO value in what that man said.  It conveyed NOTHING unless it be ignorance or puppeteering.  At best, it is an emotional comment and not a single cogent thought went into it, even though the man has had 4 years to deal with it and learn.

You may recall that back in December 2005, it was reported [http://www.tellme1st.net/rockyview/200512/issue.html#11 in the article entitled "Bush on the Constitution: 'It's just a goddamned piece of paper' "] that Bush cares less what is Right or wrong, he cares less for the Law.  Bush wants power.  What is most sad is that the ignorant masses are glad to give King George lots of power.

H U M O R South African Cartoons Apply here too contributing editor to   - Viv

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain** Bush Could Seize Absolute Control of U.S. Government http://www.capitolhillblue.com/artman/publish/article_7986.shtml contributing editor to   - Rick and Aurora

By doug thompson
Publisher, Capitol Hill Blue, Jan 13, 2006, 07:42
 

President George W. Bush has signed executive orders giving him sole authority to impose martial law, suspend habeas corpus and ignore the Posse Comitatus Act that prohibits deployment of U.S. troops on American streets. This would give him absolute dictatorial power over the government with no checks and balances. Bush discussed imposing martial law on American streets in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks by activating “national security initiatives” put in place by Ronald Reagan during the 1980s.

These “national security initiatives," hatched in 1982 by controversial Marine Colonel Oliver North, later one of the key players in the Iran-Contra Scandal, charged the Federal Emergency Management Agency with administering executive orders that allowed suspension of the Constitution, implementation of martial law, establishment of internment camps, and the turning the government over to the President.

John Brinkerhoff, deputy director of FEMA, developed the martial law implementation plan, following a template originally developed by former FEMA director Louis Guiffrida to battle a “national uprising of black militants.” Gifuffrida’s implementation of martial law called for jailing at least 21 million African Americans in “relocation camps.”  Brinkerhoff later admitted in an interview with the Miami Herald that President Reagan signed off on the initiatives and they remained in place, dormant, until George W. Bush took office.

Brinkerhoff moved on the Anser Institute for Homeland Security and, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, provided the Bush White House and the Pentagon with talking points supporting revised “national security initiatives” that would could allow imposition of martial law and suspension of the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, the law that is supposed to forbid use of troops for domestic law enforcement.

Brinkerhoff wrote that intentions of Posse Comitatus are “misunderstood and misapplied” and that the U.S. has in times of national emergency the “full and absolute authority” to send troops into American streets to “enforce order and maintain the peace.”

Bush used parts of the plan to send troops into the streets of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. In addition, FEMA hired former special forces personnel from the mercenary firm Blackwater USA to “enforce security.”

Blackwater USA, in its promotional materials, describes itself as “the most comprehensive professional military, law enforcement, security, peacekeeping, and stability operations company in the world,” adding that “we have established a global presence and provide training and operational solutions for the 21st century in support of security and peace, and freedom and democracy everywhere.”

Blackwater is also a major U.S. contractor in Iraq and has a contract with the Bush White House to provide additional security work “on an as-needed basis.”

The Department of Homeland Security established the “Northern Command for National Defense,” a wide-ranging program that includes FEMA, the Pentagon, the FBI and the National Security Agency.  Executive orders already signed by Bush allow the Northern Command to send troops into American streets, seize control of radio and television stations and networks and impose martial law “in times of national emergency.”

The authority to declare what is or is not a national emergency rests entirely with Bush who does not have to either consult or seek the approval of Congress for permission to assume absolute control over the government of the United States.

The White House press office would neither confirm nor deny existence of Bush’s executive orders or the existence of the Northern Command for National Defense.  Neither would the Department of Homeland Security.

But my sources within the White House and DHS tell me the plans are in place, ready for implementation when the command comes from the man who keeps telling the American public that he is a “war time president” who will “do anything in my power” to impose his will on the people of the United States.

And he has made sure that power will be absolute when he chooses to use it.
 

The Flat Earth Report An Interesting Web Site for Historical Documents http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a3a6605427caf.htm contributing editor to   - Fred

This link is to a massive collection of the literature and documents which were most relevant to the colonists' lives in the uSA. If it isn't here, it probably is not available online anywhere.

http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a3a6605427caf.htm
 
 

a r t i c l e   /   c o m m e n t a r y When Good People do Nothing http://www.newswithviews.com/Taylor/linda1.htm contributing editor to   - Viv

By: Linda Schrock Taylor, January 13, 2006

Recently, a retired teacher wrote in response to my biblical literacy article. She expressed concern over my opinion that, "Public schools have led the way in not teaching children to read, and they are responsible for the devastation wrought on the lives of Americans; on the American way of life."

Her letter expressed the following:

    My concern with that statement is that it's coming from a fellow educator. Surely you don't believe that. I could not sleep well if I thought for one moment that I was part of the "devastation wrought on the lives of Americans; on the American way of life." It's an extremely harsh statement and I would think every dedicated educator would take issue with you on that.

    If you're referring to teachers, I completely disagree. Teachers don't make the rules, surely you would admit to that. We are told what the program will be and with the move toward the NWO, schools have changed from teaching the 3-R's to 'facilitating' the kids down the path of 'feeling good' about who they are; developing their global citizen skills so that their 'dumb-down' state prepares them more readily for a one-world government. I sincerely believe your criticism is way too harsh and directed at the wrong people.

    Americans need to know that it is the elite in this country that are pushing us toward the one world government, one world economy, and one world religion better known as the New World Order under the United Nations. It is my belief that our education is in serious trouble but so is our sovereignty; our constitutional republic. The problems in the schools are serious but be sure to give credit for education's demise where it belongs. Education's problems will continue; it's not a priority under the NWO..... all the power elite want at this point are pliable and cooperative feel good global citizens.

Yes, I do teach special education in a public school, but I do it for my special students, as I attempt to 'save one child at a time.' I do not teach in that setting because I believe in public schooling.

I have been teaching since 1972, and I am quite disgusted with what the pubic schools have been doing, and continue to do. I think that most of us in special education have a different and more complicated 'row to hoe' and I have just written an article about that.

Yes, you are very right about the power elites and the hidden agendas manipulating public schooling, however...more teachers could have joined ranks with people like me and fought back from within the walls, rather than following unlawful laws; using curriculum and methods that have obviously damaged children, families and...YES!... America. The herd mentality has been too prevalent among teachers and the teacher unions for far, far too long, and all at the expense of the children. Why are families falling apart? Why is the culture sick? Why is the nation weakening? How has national sovereignty been lost? Answer: Our schools have failed to educate astute future citizens, and our schools have failed to do so for a long, long time.

I am very patient with new teachers, for I know that they have come from teacher colleges where they were not taught how to teach; especially not taught how to teach reading. However...However!!... As the years go by and those new teachers just plod on, nose to the rump of the critter-teacher in front of them; doing the administration's bidding... As the years go by and those teachers never try to analyze their own teaching; never seek the reasons behind the failure of their own instruction methods... As the years go by and the vocabulary for blaming the failure of the schools on the children and the families expands---dyslexia; learning disabilities; ADD; ADHD; ODD; homes without books (Why would the homes have books??? The public schools never taught the parents to read, either!) As I see prisons full of people who read at or below the third grade level...while school people pretend to seek the answers for teaching reading effectively and quickly---PLAY at Pretending, actually…

I cannot forgive the power elites, and I cannot forgive any teacher who complacently followed form and used disastrous programs and took advantage of children's inability to recognize trash and demand proper educations. We teachers, of all people, have been there in the front line and we should have noticed and objected loudly when things did not make sense!! We teachers, of all people, have had the onus of responsibility upon us to assure that we were preparing students to become wise leaders, and knowledgeable voters, for this nation. We teachers, of all people, should never have willingly participated in training impressionable children to become sheep to be herded for slaughter.

If the teachers have not been the people who could have stopped the evil and turned the tide.... WHOSE responsibility was it to handle the job that public schools, supposedly, were designed to fulfill? Teachers have accepted paychecks from the gullible and unknowing public, while actually doing the bidding of the power elites. When members of the public have seen the Truth and called the schools on the corruption and blatant plans to negate America, teachers have stood behind administrators and yelled down the parents. The public education façade has remained intact, but it would not have done so if the teachers had opened their eyes, admitted the wrong being done, and crossed the line to stand shoulder to shoulder with the parents!

I am sorry, but the buck does stop with the teachers. Teachers are supposed to be educated, thinking individuals. Teachers should seriously consider the potential; the probable effects on children when teachers walk lock step with socialist, NWO administrators and legislators. Teachers should question curriculum and whether its purpose is scholarship or brainwashing. When teachers are asked to violate the rights of children to receive real, honest educations, teachers should refuse to play any part in the evil! If good people would simply refuse to help the evildoers, evil plans could not be brought to fruition.

Instead, teachers have carried whole language to full term, even as it became obvious that the pseudo-instruction was destroying nearly every life it touched, generation after generation. Still teachers want to name "whole language"--"balanced literacy" in hopes of continuing the charade, and continuing the use of disastrous methods. Teachers would rather do that than to do their own research on how to really teach reading. Lazy teachers with lazy minds would prefer to continue with what they know, even when what they know is wrong, counterproductive, and harmful.

Teachers have allowed their minds to be warped into believing that the utter foolishness of fuzzy math is good for kids; good for America. Teachers sit in inservices and hear feel-good nonsense, then return to their classrooms to subject ever more children to more evil ways of the evil empire.

No one else is doing that to kids! Teachers are!!!

If teachers would stand up for scholarship; for academic integrity; for intelligent methods; for wisdom in education…If teachers would stand firm against the trash the culture and the evil agenda sifts down to the young---sifts right through the hands of teachers---teachers who then proceed to layer new evil on top of old, as true scholarship, and the once great potential within each child dies, there would be no one to do the dirty work for the powers-that-be!

But, teachers always shun those among them who see the Truth and speak of the Evil that has been creeping into the schools for decades. These seers, these 'canaries,' cry out warnings and refuse to follow in lock step. Their warnings are never heeded because there are too few of them. The majority of the teachers stay in line, following the NWO pipers as they work to steal the minds and souls of our children. These cries from the 'canaries' are dismissed and discounted until most incorruptible teachers just end up leaving the field of teaching. A few hardheaded ones like myself hang on, fighting to save schools that will never be 'saved' in the way that I know they need to be saved, because...the schools are functioning very efficiently.

Public schools are functioning just as they were designed to function. Compliant teachers grease the gears and load the evil weapons provided by the power elites. No one has put any guns to the heads of teachers and ordered them to harm children. Those vital persons on the front line; those vital persons who have accepted the responsibility to educate and prepare children for citizenship in this land of the once-free…let the enemy through and never even challenged the invasion nor requested proof of purpose.

You said, "I could not sleep well if I thought for one moment that I was part of the "devastation wrought on the lives of Americans; on the American way of life."

Committed, caring teachers feel that way upon waking up to the truth; the real purpose of public schooling. When that happens, committed, caring teachers not only suffer for our years of blindness, we are filled with sorrow; with despair; at the thought of all the students who did not learn to read; to cipher; to Think; of all the lost opportunities, for all the lost children, through all the lost years.

Eventually we must move past grief and put aside the blame so that we can become effective and save as many children as possible while we still have the strength to do so.

I would strongly suggest that you read the work of John Taylor Gatto, especially "The Underground History of American Education." If you are interested in reading my extensive rantings at Lewrockwell.com, you can access my archives by clicking here.

I will be speaking in St. Louis on January 28th, and Birmingham, AL on March 31st, should you be near either area and would like to meet for coffee.

Thank you so much for writing, and I hope you can understand that although I blame most teachers for complacency, I do not blame all teachers for I know that many have been like me---willing to close classroom doors while providing real educations, even as they risked their careers to do so.
 

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain** USDA Using Satellites to Monitor Farmers http://apnews.myway.com/article/20060113/D8F3Q1F84.html contributing editor to   - Rodger

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - Satellites have monitored crop conditions around the world for decades, helping traders predict futures prices in commodities markets and governments anticipate crop shortages.
 

But those satellite images are now increasingly turning up in courtrooms across the nation as the Agriculture Department's Risk Management Agency cracks down on farmers involved in crop insurance fraud. The Agriculture Department's Farm Service Agency, which helps farmers get loans and payments from a number of its programs, also uses satellite imaging to monitor compliance. Across government and private industry alike, satellite imaging technology is being used in water rights litigation and in prosecution of environmental cases ranging from a hog confinement facility's violations of waste discharge regulations to injury damage lawsuits stemming from herbicide applications. The technology is also used to monitor the forestry and mining industries. "A lot of farmers would be shocked at the detail you can tell. What it does is keep honest folks honest," said G.A. "Art" Barnaby Jr., an agricultural economist at Kansas State University. Satellite technology, which takes images at roughly eight-day intervals, can be used to monitor when farmers plant their acreage, how they irrigate them and what crops they grow. If anomalies are found in a farm's insurance claim, investigators can search satellite photos dating back years to determine cropping practices on individual fields. What's catching the attention of Barnaby and others is a spate of recent cases involving the use of satellite imaging to prosecute farmers. The largest so far has been a North Carolina case in which a couple faked weather damage to their crops by having workers throw ice cubes onto a tomato field and then beat the plants.

In this photo released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture,  a satellite view shows a higher seed rate in the perimeter of  a field and a lower one in the middle. The bright red edges  and turn rows in the center show a higher plant density than  the center of the field. Satellite images are now increasingly  turning up in courtrooms across the nation as the Agriculture  Department's Risk Management Agency cracks down on  farmers involved in crop insurance fraud.  (AP Photo/U.S. Department of Agriculture)

In September, Robert Warren was sentenced to six years and four months in prison, while his wife, Viki, was sentenced to five years and five months. They were also ordered to forfeit $7.3 million and pay $9.15 million in restitution.

The Warrens and at least three other defendants pleaded guilty. But in one related trial that went to a jury, prosecutors used satellite images and testimony from a satellite image analyst to present their case.

"It was impressive to the jury to have this presentation about this eye in the sky and satellite imagery and a trained expert," said Richard Edwards, the assistant U.S. Attorney in North Carolina who prosecuted the case. "In our case it did not make the case, but it sure helped and strengthened and improved the case."

The Risk Management Agency is involved in three other multimillion-dollar crop insurance fraud cases that have yet to be filed that will rival the Warren case in scope, said Michael Hand, RMA's deputy administrator for compliance.

While fewer than 100 cases have been prosecuted using satellite imaging since the RMA started its crackdown in 2001, data mining - coupled with satellite imaging - pinpoints about 1,500 farms annually that are put on a watch list for possible crop fraud, Hand said. Ground inspections are done on the suspect farms throughout the growing season.

The agency says its spot checklist generated by the satellite data has saved taxpayers between $71 million and $110 million a year in fraudulent crop insurance claims since 2001.

The agency stepped up its enforcement after the Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000 mandated it use data mining to ferret out false claims, Hand said. Every year, it ships claims data to the Center for Agriculture Excellence at Tarleton State University in Stephensville, Texas, where analysts look for anomalies in claims. They generate a list of claims for further investigation, with satellite imaging pulled on the most egregious cases.

Just as U.S. satellites kept track of things like the wheat harvest in the former Soviet Union, other countries have also launched satellites to monitor American crops. Germany, France and others have satellites monitoring crop conditions, and many other private firms sell those images in the U.S.

"Everybody spies on everybody. I was stunned to hear that myself," Edwards said. "Someday, I may have to rely on a French satellite to convict an American citizen."
 

the offices of Dewey, Cheetum & Howe U.S. Supreme Court to Decide if Police Can Barge in Unannounced http://us.oneworld.net/article/view/125457/1/ contributing editor to   - Rodger

[RIGHTS????   You do not have an stinking rights.  Besides - We do not need any stinking warrants.  --  Tribble]

U.S. Supreme Court to Decide if Police Can Barge in Unannounced
Haider Rizvi, Thu., Jan. 12, 2006

NEW YORK, Jan 11 (OneWorld) - Forget the ongoing privacy debate over U.S. government spying on telephone conversations--soon you may not have the right to tell cops to wait until you open your door.

In a case involving a private citizen and police authorities of the Midwestern state of Michigan, a team of civil rights lawyers appeared before the Supreme Court this week to challenge the police practice of storming into homes to look for whatever they want as evidence of a crime.

The case was brought before the Court last year by Booker Hudson, a resident of the industrial city of Detroit. Hudson says he was arrested by several police officers after they broke into his home without any warning.

Hudson was found guilty of possession of a small quantity of cocaine (found in the pocket of trousers), which led him to serve 18 months of probation, as sentenced by a judge at a local court.

Hudson challenged the verdict and took his case all the way to the Michigan State Supreme Court, arguing that that the evidence used against him by the police was found in violation of his constitutional rights.

The court, however, rejected his plea last year in January.

Hudson's lawyers argued that police had no right to enter his home without knocking at the door and announcing their presence, which is a requirement under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

"It is undisputed that the police violated the Fourth Amendment by barging into Hudson's home," says David Moran, a law professor at Wayne State University, who appeared before the Supreme Court Monday on Hudson's behalf.

The fourth amendment states that, "the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated." It also notes that warrants shall only be issued once authorities have established "probable cause" and described the people, places, and things to be searched and seized.

In a 1995 Supreme Court opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas stressed that the "knock and announce" rule that Hudson's case rests upon protects the dignity of residents by allowing them a reasonable time to make themselves presentable before the police enter.

The rule also protects private property by allowing residents to open doors, rather than having them destroyed by a police battering ram, Thomas said, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), who filed an amicus brief in the case last September.

Hudson wants the Supreme Court to reverse the Michigan court's ruling, which embraced the argument that had the search been conducted legally, the evidence against him would have been found anyway. Under this reasoning, Hudson's lawyers say, police would have no incentive to avoid unconstitutional shortcuts--like failing to get a warrant or simply barging into homes--when looking for evidence.

Moran and other lawyers representing Hudson say they are hopeful that the Supreme Court will decide the case in their favor by ordering the suppression of evidence against their client.

"There is a good reason for the 'knock and announce' requirement," says Kary Moss, another lawyer affiliated with the ACLU. "The Court has always placed a higher priority on the rights of people within their homes."

"Michigan's practice has made it too easy to completely disregard those rights," he adds. "We urge the Supreme Court to not allow policy to violate those rights with impunity."

And Hudson's case is not the only one of its kind.

Moran, who has taken up several other similar cases, says the issue of the police transgressing their powers in search of criminal evidence is being disputed in courtrooms across the country.

"This is a frequently occurring issue," Moran told OneWorld. "This must be stopped."

In recent years, a number of rights advocacy groups, including the U.K.-based Amnesty International and the U.S.-based Human Rights Watch, have documented hundreds of cases of police abuse and brutality.

Research shows that in most cases, the poor and minorities are the ones who suffer from police abuse.

While some courts have embraced the Michigan's Supreme Court's position, a number of state and circuit courts of appeal have ruled in favor of the "knock and announce" requirement, according to the ACLU.

The Supreme Court is expected to make its judgment on Hudson's case in June.
 

D O    N O T drink the Kool-Aid* Experimental Weather Modification Bill On Fast Track http://www.newswithviews.com/guest_opinion/guest81.htm contributing editor to  - Dan

By Rosalind Peterson, January 16, 2006

U.S. Senate Bill 517 and U.S. House Bill 2995, a bill that would allow experimental weather modification by artificial methods and implement a national weather modification policy, does not include agriculture or public oversight, is on the “fast track” to be passed early in 2006.

This bill is designed to implement experimental weather modification. The appointed Board of Directors established by this bill does not include any agricultural, water, EPA, or public representatives, and has no provisions for Congressional, State, County, or public oversight of their actions or expenditures.

Weather Modification may adversely impact agricultural crops and water supplies. If the weather is changed in one state, region or county it may have severe consequences in another region, state or county. And who is going to decide the type of weather modification experimentation and who it will benefit or adversely impact?

This experimental weather modification bill will impact residents across the United States, not just in California. Many current and ongoing weather modification programs (47 listed by NOAA in 2005), including the one in Wyoming that is designed to increase the snowpack, may be diverting rainwater away from Oklahoma and Texas, two states that are currently fighting fires caused by a lack of rainfall. We have no idea what the unintended consequences of the Wyoming action or other experimental weather modification programs might be now or in the future.

In addition to the experimental weather modification programs listed by NOAA, there are both private and ongoing government sponsored atmospheric testing and heating programs underway in Alaska and across the United States. Alaska Senator Stevens recently received $50 million in funding for Alaska’s atmospheric heating program.

All of these unregulated, private, government, and public weather modification programs, may also have unintended synergistic effects. Senate Bill 517 does not address these issues but intends to implement more experimental weather modification programs without a national debate or public oversight.

Artificial weather modification can impact all of us by reducing water supplies, changing agricultural crop production cycles, reducing crop production, and water availability. Since most experimental weather modification programs use chemicals released into the atmosphere the public could be subjected increasingly toxic or unknown substances that could adversely impact agricultural crops and trees.

Trimethyl Aluminum (TMA) and barium are just two of the toxic chemicals used in recent atmospheric heating and testing programs according to NASA. The Alaska H.A.A.R.P. atmospheric heating program may have the capability of changing the Jet Stream which could also change our weather.

Many private weather modification companies admit that precipitation effects may be positive or negative. Fog dispersal programs, using dry ice, liquid nitrogen, liquid propane or silver iodide may improve visibility while adversely impacting Redwood Trees along the California coast by depriving them of needed water they derive from the fog.

The increasing use of varied chemicals like aluminum (coupled with increasing air pollution), can severely impact tree health by depriving trees of water and nutrients normally absorbed through their root systems.

The December 2005 Popular Science Magazine discussed a plan to use an oil slick to stop hurricanes without noting the adverse environmental impacts of the oil used to cover the ocean.

Popular Science also noted that a private company, Dyn-O-Mat, plans to purchase jets to drop thousands of pounds of a water absorbing chemical powder (unknown substance), into hurricanes to absorb moisture that may dissipate hurricanes. There is no agriculture oversight or public hearings to determine the consequences of this and other actions or to monitor or prevent adverse impacts of this chemical once it falls on the surface of the ocean or on land.

Alaska and other areas across the United States are beginning to feel the impacts of climate change. Enormous changes are being seen in the declining health of native plant and tree communities in many areas across the United States.

NASA noted in an October 2005 newsletter that increasingly persistent contrails are “…trapping warmth in the atmosphere and exacerbating global warming…” NASA goes on to note that: “…Any increase in global cloud cover will contribute to long-term changes in Earth’s climate. Likewise, any change in Earth’s climate may have effects on natural resources…”

Global dimming and persistent contrails that produce man-made clouds may have serious impacts on crop production. A recent corn crop study in Illinois shows that cloud cover reduces corn crop production while direct sunlight increases production. In addition, increasing man-made clouds may reduce the effectiveness of solar panels.

Gil Smolin, an Avian Bird Flu expert, noted on the Ron Owens Show on KGO Radio (January 5, 2006), that the flu was spread more quickly in the winter when there was a “lack of sunlight”. Would man-made clouds be contributing to the lack of sunlight which might cause the Avian Bird flu to spread more quickly at other times of the year? Experimental weather modification programs could also exacerbate this problem by changing climate patterns and our weather.

Senate Bill 517 does not address any of these important issues. Its sole purpose is to establish an experimental weather modification policy without any agriculture or public oversight of private, military, and government programs. Without oversight or public hearings agriculture, our natural resources, and watersheds may be negatively impacted. And who will be responsible to determine the synergistic effects of these programs or pay for unintended disasters created by this experimentation. If these programs change growing seasons and interrupt the pollination process crop losses could be substantial.

Please contact all of your elected local, state and federal officials to stop this bill in its present form. This bill needs to have appropriate agriculture and public oversight, with public hearings included, prior to any more experimental projects. We need a national dialogue on this subject before more experimentation takes place.
 

I am from the gubment, & am here to help you - NOT The 1918 Influenza Epidemic Was A Vaccine-Caused Disease - &  - The Hidden Results of Human Innoculations http://www.drcarley.com/ contributing editor to   - Dan

"The combined profits for the ten drug companies in the Fortune 500 ($35.9 billion) were more than the profits for all the other 490 businesses put together ($33.7 billion). Over the past two decades the pharmaceutical industry has moved very far from its original high purpose of discovering and producing useful new drugs. Now primarily a marketing machine to sell drugs of dubious benefit, this industry uses its wealth and power to co-opt every institution that might stand in its way, including the US Congress, the FDA, academic medical centers, and the medical profession itself."
  -- Dr. Marcia Angell, former editor in chief of the New England Journal of Medicine

   The crimes being committed by the CDC therefore include the following:1.) False statements within a Government Agency, Title 18 USC § 35.1001.2.) Crimes when death occurs, Title 18 USC § 34.3.) Concealment, removal - Title 18 USC § 2071.4.) Aiding and Abetting, Title 18 USC § 3.5.) Obstruction of Justice, Title 18 USC § 1505 / USC § 2 (26).6.) Defrauding America, Title 18, USC § 1101 (25).     Ergo, this Research Guide is a FRAUD upon the American people, and the people of the world.In Service to the TRUTH, I AM,Rebecca Carley, MDwww.drcarley.com
 
 

E. McBean (Vaccination The Silent Killer p28)

Very few people realize that the worst epidemic ever to hit America, the Spanish Influenza of 1918 was the after effect of the massive nation-wide vaccine campaign. The doctors told the people that the disease was caused by germs. Viruses were not known at that time or they would have been blamed. Germs. bacteria and viruses, along with bacilli and a few other invisible organisms are the scapegoats which the doctors like to blame for the things they do not understand. If the doctor makes a wrong diagnosis and treatment, and kills the patient, he can always blame it on the germs, and say the patient didnt get an early diagnosis and come to him in time.

If we check back in history to that 1918 flu period, we will see that it suddenly struck just after the end of World War I when our soldiers were returning home from overseas. That was the first war in which all the known vaccines were forced on all the servicemen. This mish-mash of poison drugs and putrid protein of which the vaccines were composed, caused such widespread disease and death among the soldiers that it was the common talk of the day, that more of our men were being killed by medical shots than by enemy shots from guns. Thousands were invalided home or to military hospitals, as hopeless wrecks, before they ever saw a day of battle. The death and disease rate among the vaccinated soldiers was four times higher than among the unvaccinated civilians. But this did not stop the vaccine promoters. Vaccine has always been big business, and so it was continued doggedly.

It was a shorter war than the vaccine-makers had planned on, only about a year for us, so the vaccine promoters had a lot of unused, spoiling vaccines left over which they wanted to sell at a good profit. So they did what they usually do, they called a meeting behind closed doors, and plotted the whole sordid program, a nationwide (worldwide) vaccination drive using all their vaccines, and telling the people that the soldiers were coming home with many dread diseases contracted in foreign countries and that it was the patriotic duty of every man, woman and child to get "protected" by rushing down to the vaccination centers and having all the shots.

Most people believe their doctors and government officials, and do what they say. The result was, that almost the entire population submitted to the shots without question, and it was only a matter of hours until people began dropping dead in agony, while many others collapsed with a disease of such virulence that no one had ever seen anything like it before. They had all the characteristics of the diseases they had been vaccinated against, the high fever, chills, pain, cramps, diarrhea, etc. of typhoid, and the pneumonia like lung and throat congestion of diphtheria and the vomiting, headache, weakness and misery of hepatitis from the jungle fever shots, and the outbreak of sores on the skin from the smallpox shots, along with paralysis from all the shots, etc.

The doctors were baffled, and claimed they didnt know what caused the strange and deadly disease, and they certainly had no cure. They should have known the underlying cause was the vaccinations, because the same thing happened to the soldiers after they had their shots at camp. The typhoid fever shots caused a worse form of the disease which they called para-typhoid. Then they tried to suppress the symptoms of that one with a stronger vaccine which caused a still more serious disease which killed and disabled a great many men. The combination of all the poison vaccines fermenting together in the body, caused such violent reactions that they could not cope with the situation. Disaster ran rampant in the camps. Some of the military hospitals were filled with nothing but paralyzed soldiers, and they were called war casualties, even before they left American soil. I talked to some of the survivors of that vaccine onslaught when they returned home after the war, and they told of the horrors, not of the war itself, and battles, but of the sickness at camp.

The doctors didnt want this massive vaccine disease to reflect on them, so they, agreed among themselves to call it Spanish Influenza. Spain was a far away place and some of the soldiers had been there, so the idea of calling it Spanish Influenza seemed to be a good way to lay the blame on someone else. The Spanish resented having us name the world scourge on them. They knew the flu didnt originate in their country.

20,000,000 died of that flu epidemic, worldwide, and it seemed to be almost universal or as far away as the vaccinations reached. Greece and a few other countries which did not accept the vaccines were the only ones which were not hit by the flu.Doesnt that prove something?

At home (in the U.S.) the situation was the same; the only ones who escaped the influenza were those who had refused the vaccinations. My family and 1 were among the few who persisted in refusing the high pressure sales propaganda ,and none of us had the flu not even a sniffle, in spite of the fact that it was all around us, and in the bitter cold of winter. Everyone seemed to have it. The whole town was down sick and dying. The hospitals were closed because the doctors and nurses were down with the flu. Everything was closed, schools, businesses, post office everything.  No one was on the streets. It was like a ghost town. There were no doctors to care for the sick, so my parents went from house to house doing what they could to help the stricken in any way they could. They spent all day and part of the night for weeks, in the sick rooms, and came home only to eat and sleep. If germs or viruses, bacteria, or any other little organisms were the cause of that disease, they had plenty of opportunity to latch onto my parents and "lay them low" with the disease which had prostrated the world. But germs were not the cause of that or any other disease, so they didnt "catch" it. I have talked to a few other people since that time, who said they escaped the 1918 flu, so I asked if they had the shots, and in every case, they said they had never believed in shots and had never had any of them. Common sense tells us that all those toxic vaccines all mixed up together in people, could not help but cause extreme body-poisoning and poisoning of some kind or another is usually the cause of disease.

Whenever a person coughs or sneezes, most people cringe, thinking that the germs are being spread around in the au and will attack people. There is no need to fear those germs any more, because that is not the way colds are developed. Germs cant live apart from the cells (host) and cant do harm anyway, even if they wanted to. They have no teeth to bite anyone, no poison pouches like snakes, mosquitoes or bees, and do not multiply, except in decomposed substances, so they are helpless to harm. As stated before, their purpose is useful, not destructive.

The 1918 flu was the most devastating disease we ever had, and it brought forth all the medical bag of tricks to quell it, but those added drugs, all of which are poisons, only intensified the over-poisoned condition of the people, so the treatments actually killed more than the vaccines did.
OCSO - OPHR - CDC's Research Agenda - Starter List Comments
The most heinous, bone chilling and evil piece of this puzzle has been revealed to the world by an American hero named Habib Peter Kawaja, who worked in the ...
www.cdc.gov/od/ophr/cdcra/comments.htm - 101k - Nov 24, 2005
 

H U M O R It is the Truth contributing editor to   - Jeanne

We all get heavier as we get older because there's a lot more  information in our heads.  So I'm not fat,  I'm just really intelligent and my head couldn't hold any more  so it started filling up the rest of me!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it !!!!

Can you Say Red Herring*** "The American public have not heard who is the real culprit behind 9/11" http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/january2006/190106Edmonds.htm contributing editor to   - Dan

Most Gagged Whistleblower in US history Sibel Edmonds joins Alex Jones on air, says there are strong criminal elements within all three branches of Government.
 

Last Tuesday nationally syndicated radio host Alex Jones was joined on air by FBI whistleblower Sibel Edmonds for an in depth interview Edmonds was hired shortly after Sept. 11 to translate intelligence gathered over the previous year related to the 9/11 attacks. She says the FBI had information that an attack using airplanes was being planned before Sept. 11 and calls Condoleezza Rice's claim the White House had no specific information on a domestic threat or one involving planes "an outrageous lie." Although Edmonds is officially barred from revealing the specifics of what she found out, she has revealed that she was hired to find and cover up the prior knowledge intercepts. She refused to go along with the cover up. Of course only small criminal elements of the government were involved on 9/11, the majority of those working for the FBI, the CIA and the NSA are good people who would have picked up on the pre-intelligence. Edmonds has also previously gone on record with revelations of government run drug shipping and other organized crime operations.

Firstly Edmonds was keen to stress that information relating to pre 9/11 terrorist activity was intentionally blocked by elements of the intelligence agencies. "I started reporting these cases together with documents and other witnesses in the department, within two months after I started working for the bureau, around November/December 2001. I went to my superiors, to their superiors and even all the way to the top of the chin, to Director Mueller himself within the FBI headquarters. Initially they were asking me not to push through this and in return they offered to give me a raise... When I did not continue reporting these issues, in about February 2002, they accused me of reporting these issues to the Congress via email." At this time Sibel was not attempting to do this, she was attempting to raise the issues internally. The FBI then sent several agents to her house and confiscated her home computer and took it apart to check exactly who Edmonds had ben contacting.

They then forced her to take a polygraph test to determine whether she had been speaking to anybody outside the agency. This was the last straw for edmonds who decide it was time to blow the case wide open and go to Congress with her vital information.

"So I went to these people within the Senate Judiciary Committee, I briefed their staff who had clearance, I went inside the secured facility and gave them documents, and about two weeks after that I was terminated without any reason being cited, in fact the letter I received from the Department of Justice said that 'your contract is being terminated as of this date purely for the convenience of the Government."

Ms Edmonds went on to talk about the specifics of what elements of the Government are now doing and covering up.
 

Starting with the revelation that forces inside the Congress and the FBI confirmed that House Speaker Dennis Hastert [right] was illegally receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash bribes from foreign lobbying organizations in exchange for political favors. Other Senators and Congressmen have also been exposed in the activity of taking illegal cash. She then went on to talk about former Attorney General John Ashcroft who in an unprecedented move officially gagged the Congress over her case in order to "protect certain diplomatic relations of the United States and to protect sensitive US-foreign business relations." Ashcroft did not elaborate at all and many have come forward to suggest that the gagging order was wholly illegal.

Edmonds then made an analogy, as she often does when she cannot reveal specific facts. She suggested that there could be a so called "war on drugs" but it is an unwritten rule that you only go after the lower end drug dealers and leave alone the middle men and those at the top because the government can directly profit from their activity. This is how things were handled with terrorism in the lead up to 9/11.

"Intentionally, I and I want to underline this, intentionally they are not going after the middlemen and the people at the top. So to this day the American public have not heard who is the real culprit behind 9/11. There is money laundering, and certain narcotic and weapons procurements involved."

Ms Edmonds went on to reveal that the criminal elements are active within all three branches of Government. Plus there are those who are working outside government towards the same agenda. She suggests that we should look towards lobbying groups who are registering as agents of foreign governments, such as International Advisors Inc, the lobbying company set up by arch Neo-Con Richard Perle, which is registered with the State Department as "agents of Turkey."

These groups, with weighty influences upon the foreign policy of the US Government, some, including Perle, Pentagon architects of the Iraq war, are operating with elements of the Government in a nexus like fashion, moving around vast amounts of money and arms and profiteering from directing world events.

Edmonds suggested that this information would become more widespread should more people demand that the media cover these issues. There are simply too many people who are not concerned by such revelations or who simply take no notice.

"Our founders repeatedly stressed eternal vigilance because we can't say we have separation of powers, we have our Constitution and our Bill of Rights, they're going to take care of themselves and they are going to last, no, it does take eternal vigilance." Edmonds commented.

Prisonplanet.tv subscribers watch this space for the full exclusive audio interview.

Visit Sibel Edmonds' websites at http://www.nswbc.org and http://www.justacitizen.com/
 

H U M O R Single Female, Seeks Male Companionship ... contributing editor to   - Dan & Hank

This has to be one of the best singles ads ever printed. It is reported to have been listed in the Atlanta Journal.

SINGLE ! BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me. Call (404) 875-6420 and ask for Daisy, I'll be waiting....
 

Over 15,000 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta Humane Society about an 8-week-old black Labrador retriever.

HeeeHeee : )~
 
 

a r t i c l e   /   c o m m e n t a r y The Looniest of all 9/11 Conspiracy Theories http://proliberty.com/observer/20030811.htm contributing editor to   - Rodger

by Gerard Holmgren

Astute observers of history are aware that for every notable event there will usually be at least one ,often several wild conspiracy theories which spring up around it. “The CIA killed Hendrix”; “the Pope had John Lennon murdered”; “Hitler was half Werewolf”; “Space aliens replaced Nixon with a clone,” etc, etc. The bigger the event, the more ridiculous and more numerous are the fanciful rantings which circulate in relation to it.

So its hardly surprising that the events of Sept. 11, 2001, have spawned their fair share of these ludicrous fairy tales. And as always, there is -- sadly -- a small but gullible percentage of the population eager to lap up these tall tales, regardless of facts or rational analysis.

One of the wilder stories circulating about Sept 11 (and one that has attracted something of a cult following amongst conspiracy buffs) is that it was carried out by 19 fanatical Arab hijackers, masterminded by an evil genius named Osama bin Laden, with no apparent motivation other than that they “hate our freedoms.”

Never a group of people to be bothered by facts, the perpetrators of this cartoon fantasy have constructed an elaborately woven web of delusions and unsubstantiated hearsay in order to promote this garbage across the Internet and the media to the extent that a number of otherwise rational people have actually fallen under its spell.

Normally I don't even bother debunking this kind of junk, but the effect that this paranoid myth is beginning to have requires a little rational analysis, in order to consign it to the same rubbish bin as all such silly conspiracy theories.

These crackpots even contend that the extremist Bush regime was caught unawares by the attacks, had no hand in organizing them and actually would have stopped them if it had been able. Blindly ignoring the stand down of the U.S. Air Force, the insider trading on airline stocks (linked to the CIA), the complicit behavior of Bush on the morning of the attacks, the controlled demolition of the WTC, the firing of a missile into the Pentagon and a host of other documented proofs that the Bush regime was behind the attacks, the conspiracy theorists stick doggedly to a silly story about 19 Arab hijackers somehow managing to commandeer four planes simultaneously and fly them around U.S. airspace for nearly two hours, crashing them into important buildings, without the U.S. intelligence services having any idea that it was coming, and without the Air Force knowing what to do.

The daunting task of analysis

The huge difficulties with such a stupid story force them to invent even more preposterous stories to distract from its core silliness, and thus the tale has escalated into a mythic fantasy of truly gargantuan proportions.

It's difficult to apply rational analysis to such unmitigated stupidity, but that is the task which I take on in this article. However, it should be noted that one of the curious characteristics of conspiracy theorists is that they effortlessly change their so called evidence in response to each aspect which is debunked. As soon as one delusion is unmasked, they simply invent another to replace it and deny that the first ever existed. Eventually, when they have turned full circle through this endlessly changing fantasy fog , they then reinvent the original delusion and deny that you ever debunked it, thus beginning the circle once more. This technique is known as “the fruit loop” and saves the conspiracy theorist from ever having to see any of their ideas through to their (ill)logical conclusions.

The fruit loop

According to the practitioners of the fruit loop, 19 Arabs took over the four planes by subduing the passengers and crew through the use of guns, knives, box cutters and gas, and then used electronic guidance systems which they had smuggled on board to fly the planes to their targets.

The suspension of disbelief required for this outrageous concoction is only for the hard core conspiracy theorist. For a start, they conveniently skip over the awkward fact that there weren't any Arabs on the planes.

If there were, one must speculate that they somehow got on board without being filmed by any of the security cameras and without being registered on the passenger lists. But the curly question of how they are supposed to have got on board is all too mundane for the exciting world of the conspiracy theorist.

Who's on first?

With vague mumblings that they must have been using false ID (but never specifying which IDs they are alleged to have used, or how these were traced to their real identities), they quickly bypass this problem, to relate exciting and sinister tales about how some of the fictitious fiends were actually searched before boarding because they looked suspicious.

However, as inevitably happens with any web of lies, this simply paints them into an even more difficult corner. How are they supposed to have gotten on board with all that stuff if they were searched? And if they used gas in a confined space, they would have been affected themselves unless they also had masks in their luggage.

“Excuse me sir, why do you have a boxcutter, a gun, a container of gas, a gas mask and an electronic guidance unit in your luggage?”

“A present for your grandmother? Very well sir, on you get.”

“Very strange,” thinks the security officer. “That's the fourth Arabic man without an Arabic name who just got on board with a knife, gun or boxcutter and gas mask. And why does that security camera keep flicking off every time one these characters shows up? Must be one of those days I guess...”

Asking any of these basic questions to a conspiracy theorist is likely to cause a sudden leap to the claim that we know that they were on board because they left a credit card trail for the tickets they had purchased and cars they had rented. So, if they used credit cards that identified them, how does that reconcile with the claim that they used false IDs to get on to the plane?

But by this time, the fruit loop is in full swing, as the conspiracy theorist tries to stay one jump ahead of this annoying and awkward rational analysis. They will allege that the hijackers' passports were found at the crash scenes. “So there!” they exalt triumphantly, their fanatical faces lighting up with that deranged look of one who has just experienced a revelation of questionable sanity.

Hmm? So they got on board with false IDs but took their real passports with them? However, by this time the fruit loop has been completely circumnavigated, and the conspiracy theorist exclaims impatiently, “Who said anything about false IDs? We know what seats they were sitting in! Their presence is well documented!”

And so the whole loop starts again. “Well, why aren't they on the passenger lists?”

“You numbskull! They assumed the identities of other passengers!” And so on...

Finally, out of sheer fascination with this circular method of creative delusion, the rational sceptic will allow them to get away with this loop, in order to move on to the next question, and see what further delights await us in the unraveling of this marvelously stupid story.

“Uh, how come their passports survived fiery crashes that completely incinerated the planes and all the passengers?”

The answer of course is that its just one of those strange coincidences, those little quirks of fate that do happen from time to time. You know, like the same person winning the lottery four weeks in a row. The odds are astronomical, but these things do happen...

This is another favourite deductive method of the conspiracy theorist. The “improbability drive,” in which they decide upon a conclusion without any evidence whatsoever to support it, and then continually speculate a series of wildly improbable events and unbelievable coincidences to support it, shrugging off the implausibility of each event with the vague assertion that sometimes the impossible happens (just about all the time in their world).

There is a principle called “Occam's razor” which suggests that in the absence of evidence to the contrary, the simplest explanation is most likely to be correct. Conspiracy theorists hate Occam's razor.

Hijacking 101

Having for the sake of amusement, allowed them to get away with the silly story of the 19 invisible Arabs, we move on to the question of how they are supposed to have taken over the planes.

Hijacking a plane is not an easy thing to do. Hijacking it without the pilot being able to alert ground control is nearly impossible. The pilot has only to punch in a four digit code to alert ground control to a hijacking. Unconcerned with the awkward question of plausibility, the conspiracy buffs maintain that on that Sept 11, the invisible hijackers took over the plane by the rather crude method of threatening people with boxcutters and knives, and spraying gas (after they had attached their masks, obviously), but somehow took control of the plane without the crew first getting a chance to punch in the hijacking code. Not just on one plane, but on all four. At this point in the tale, the conspiracy theorist is again forced to call upon the services of the improbability drive.

So now that our incredibly lucky hijackers have taken control of the planes, all four pilots fly them with breathtaking skill and certainty to their fiery end -- all four unflinching in their steely resolve for a swift meeting with Allah.

Apart from their psychotic hatred of “our freedoms,” it was their fanatical devotion to Islam which enabled them to summon up the iron will to do this. Which is strange, because according to another piece of hearsay peddled by the conspiracy buffs, these guys actually went out drinking and womanizing the night before their great martyrdom, even leaving their Korans in the bar -- really impeccable Islamic behavior -- and then got up at 5 a.m. the next morning to pull off the greatest covert operation in history.

This also requires us to believe that they were even clear headed enough to learn how to fly the huge planes by reading flight manuals in Arabic in the car on the way to the airport. We know this because they supposedly left the flight manuals there for us to find.

It gets better. Their practical training had allegedly been limited to Cessnas and flight simulators, but this was no barrier to the unflinching certainty with which they took over the planes and skillfully guided them to their doom.

If they are supposed to have done their flight training with these tools, which would be available just about anywhere in the world, its not clear why they would have decided to risk blowing their cover to U.S. intelligence services by doing the training in Florida, rather than somewhere in the Middle East, but such reasoning is foreign to the foggy world of the conspiracy theorist, too trapped in the constant rotation of the mental fruit loop to make their unsubstantiated fabrications seem even semi-believable.

A Ryder truck with wings?

Having triumphantly established a circular delusion in support of the mythical Arabs, the conspiracy theorist now confronts the difficult question of why there's nothing left of the planes. Anybody who has seen the endlessly replayed footage of the second plane going into the WTC will realize that the plane was packed with explosives. Planes do not and cannot blow up into nothing in that manner when they crash.

Did the mythical Arabs also haul a huge heap of explosives on board, and manage to deploy them in such a manner that they went off in the exact instant of the crash, completely vapourizing the plane?

This is a little difficult even for the conspiracy theorist, who at this point decides that its easier to invent new laws of physics in order to keep the delusion rolling along.

There weren't any explosives. It wasn't an inside job. The plane blew up into nothing from its exploding fuel load! Remarkable!

Sluggishly combustible jet fuel, which is basically kerosene and which burns at a maximum temperature of around 800 C, has suddenly taken on the qualities of a ferociously explosive demolition agent, vapourizing 65 tons of aircraft into a puff of smoke. Never mind that a plane of that size contains around 15 tons of steel and titanium, of which even the melting points are about double that of the maximum combustion temperature of kerosene -- let alone the boiling point -- which is what would be required to vapourize a plane. And then there's about 50 tons of aluminium to be accounted for.

In excess of 15 pounds of metal was vapourized for each gallon of kerosene.

For the conspiracy theorist, such inconvenient facts are vaguely dismissed as “mumbo jumbo.”

This convenient little phrase is their answer to just about anything factual or logical. Like a conjurer pulling a rabbit out of a hat, they suddenly become fanatically insistent about the devastating explosive qualities of kerosene, something hitherto completely unknown to science, but just discovered by them, at that very moment. Blissfully ignoring the fact that never before or since in aviation history has a plane vapourized into nothing from an exploding fuel load, the conspiracy theorist relies upon Hollywood images, where the effects are always larger than life, and certainly larger than the intellects of these cretins.

“Its a well known fact that planes blow up into nothing on impact,” they state with pompous certainty. “Watch any Bruce Willis movie.”

“Care to provide any documented examples? If it's a well known fact, then presumably this well known fact springs from some kind of documentation -- other than Bruce Willis movies?”

At this point the mad but cunning eyes of the conspiracy theorist will narrow as they sense the corner that they have backed themselves into, and plan their escape by means of another stunning backflip.

“Ah, but planes have never crashed into buildings before, so there's no way of telling,” they counter with a sly grin.

Well, actually planes have crashed into buildings before (and since). None of them vapourized into almost nothing.

“But not big planes, with that much fuel,” they shriek in hysterical denial.

Or that much metal to vapourize.

“Yes but not hijacked planes!”

“Are you suggesting that whether the crash is deliberate or accidental affects the combustion qualities of the fuel?”

“Now you're just being silly.”

Although collisions with buildings are rare, planes frequently crash into mountains, streets, other aircraft, nosedive into the ground, or have bombs planted aboard them, and don't vapourize into nothing. What's so special about a tower that's mostly glass? But by now, the conspiracy theorist has once again sailed happily around the fruit loop. “Its a well documented fact that planes explode into nothing on impact.”

Effortlessly weaving back and forth between the position that its a “well known fact” and that “its never happened before, so we have nothing to compare it to,” the conspiracy theorist has now convinced themselves (if not too many other people) that the WTC plane was not loaded with explosives, and that the instant vapourization of the plane in a massive fireball was the same as any other plane crash you might care to mention. Round and round the fruit loop...

The “new math”

But the hurdles which confront the conspiracy theorist are many, and they are now forced to implement even more creative uses for the newly discovered shockingly destructive qualities of kerosene. They have to explain how the Arabs also engineered the elegant vertical collapse of both the WTC towers, and for this awkward fact the easiest counter is to simply deny that it was a controlled demolition, and claim that the buildings collapsed from fire caused by the burning kerosene.

For this, its necessary to sweep aside the second law of thermodynamics and propose kerosene, which is not only impossibly destructive, but also recycles itself for a second burning in violation of the law of degradation of energy.

You see, it not only consumed itself in a sudden catastrophic fireball, vapourizing a 65-ton plane into nothing, but then came back for a second go, burning at 2000 degrees C for another hour at the impact point, melting the skyscraper's steel like butter. And, while it was doing all this, it also poured down the elevator shafts, starting fires all through the building.

When I was at school there was a little thing called the entropy law which suggests that a given portion of fuel can only burn once, something which is readily observable in the real world, even for those who didn't make it to junior high school science. But this is no problem for the conspiracy theorist. Gleefully, they claim that a few thousand gallons of kerosene is enough to:

1. completely vapourize a 65 ton aircraft;

2. have enough left over to burn ferociously enough for over an hour at the impact point to melt steel ( melting point about double the maximum combustion temperature of the fuel );

3. still have enough left over to pour down the elevator shafts and start similarly destructive fires all throughout the building.

This kerosene really is remarkable stuff! How chilling to realize that those kerosene heaters we had in the house when I was a kid were deadly bombs, just waiting to go off. One false move and the entire street might have been vapourized. And never again will I take kerosene lamps out camping. One moment you're there innocently holding the lamp, the next moment -- kapow! Vapourized into nothing along with the rest of the camp site, and still leaving enough of the deadly stuff to start a massive forest fire.

These whackos are actually claiming that the raging inferno allegedly created by the miraculously recycling, and impossibly hot burning kerosene melted or at least softened the steel supports of the skyscraper. Oblivious to the fact that the smoke coming from the WTC was black, which indicates an oxygen starved fire and, therefore, not particularly hot, they trumpet an alleged temperature in the building of 2000 C , without a shred of evidence to support this curious suspension of the laws of physics.

Not content with this ludicrous garbage, they then contend that as the steel frames softened, they came straight down instead of buckling and twisting and falling sideways.

Laws be damned

Since they've already re-engineered the combustion qualities of jet fuel, violated the second law of thermodynamics, and redefined the structural properties of steel, why let a little thing like the laws of gravity get in the way?

The tower fell in a time almost identical to that of a free-falling object, dropped from that height, meaning that it's physically impossible for it to have collapsed by the method of the top floors smashing through the lower floors.

But, according to the conspiracy theorists, the laws of gravity were temporarily suspended on the morning of Sept 11. It appears that the evil psychic power of those dreadful Arabs knew no bounds. Even after they were dead, they were able, by the power of their evil spirits, to force down the tower at a speed physically impossible under the laws of gravity, had it been meeting any resistance from fireproofed steel structures originally designed to resist many tons of hurricane force wind -- as well as the impact of a Boeing passenger jet straying off course.

Clearly, these conspiracy nuts never did their science homework at school, but did become extremely adept at inventing tall tales for why they couldn't complete their assignments.

“Muslim terrorists stole my notes, sir”

“No miss, the kerosene heater blew up and vapourized everything in the street, except for my passport.”

“You see sir, the school bus was hijacked by Arabs who destroyed my homework because they hate our freedoms.”

Or perhaps they misunderstood the term “creative science” and mistakenly thought that coming up with such rubbish was in fact, their science homework.

The ferocious heat generated by this ghastly kerosene was, according to the conspiracy theorists, the reason why so many of the WTC victims can't be identified. DNA is destroyed by heat. (Although 2000 C isn't really required, 100 degrees C will generally do the job).

This is quite remarkable, because according to the conspiracy theorist, the nature of DNA suddenly changes if you go to a different city.

Not all DNA created equal

That's right! If you are killed by an Arab terrorist in NY, your DNA will be destroyed by such temperatures. But if you are killed by an Arab terrorist in Washington DC, your DNA will be so robust that it can survive temperatures which completely vapourize a 65-ton aircraft.

You see, these loonies have somehow concocted the idea that the missile which hit the pentagon was not a missile at all, but one of the hijacked planes. And to prove this unlikely premise, they point to a propaganda statement from the Bush regime, which rather stupidly claims that all but one of the people aboard the plane were identified from the site by DNA testing, even though nothing remains of the plane.

“The plane was vapourized by the fuel tank explosion,” maintain these space loonies, but only one of the people inside it were not identified by DNA testing.

So there we have it. The qualities of DNA are different, depending upon which city you're in, or perhaps depending upon which fairy story you're trying to sell at any particular time.

Missiles have wings, too

This concoction about one of the hijacked planes hitting the Pentagon really is a howler. For those not familiar with the layout of the Pentagon, it consists of five rings of building, each with a space in between. Each ring of building is about 30 to 35 feet deep, with a similar amount of open space between it and the next ring.

The object which penetrated the Pentagon went in at about a 45 degree angle, punching a neat, circular hole about 12 feet in diameter through three rings (six walls).

A little later a section of wall about 65 feet wide collapsed in the outer ring. Since the plane, which the conspiracy theorists claim to be responsible for the impact, had a wing span of 125 feet and a length of 155 feet and there was no wreckage of the plane, either inside or outside the building, and the lawns outside were still smooth and green enough to play golf on, this crazy delusion is clearly a physical impossibility.

But hey, we've already disregarded the combustion qualities of jet fuel, the normal properties of common building materials, the properties of DNA, the laws of gravity and the second law of thermodynamics, so what the hell -- why not throw in a little spatial impossibility as well?

I would have thought that the observation that a solid object cannot pass through another solid object without leaving a hole at least as big as itself is reasonably sound science. But to the conspiracy theorist, this is “mumbo jumbo.” It conflicts with the delusion that they're hooked on, so it “must be wrong” although trying to get them to explain exactly how it could be wrong is a futile endeavour.

Conspiracy theorists fly into a curious panic whenever the Pentagon missile is mentioned. They nervously maintain that the plane was vapourized by it's exploding fuel load and point to the WTC crash as evidence of this behavior (That is a wonderful fruit loop).

Like an insect which has just been sprayed, running back and forth in its last mad death throes, they first argue that the reason the hole is so small is that the plane never entered the wall, having blown up outside, and then suddenly backflip to explain the 250 feet deep missile hole by saying that the plane disappeared all the way into the building, and then blew up inside the building (even though the building shows no sign of such damage).

As for what happened to the wings, here's where they get really creative. The wings snapped off and folded into the fuselage which then carried them into the building, which then closed up behind the plane like a piece of meat.

When it suits them, they'll also claim that the plane slid in on its belly, (ignoring the undamaged lawn) while at the same time citing alleged witnesses to the plane diving steeply into the building from an “irrecoverable angle.”

How they reconcile these two scenarios as being compatible is truly a study in applied stupidity.

Epilogue

Once they get desperate enough, you can be sure that the UFO conspiracy stuff will make an appearance. The Arabs are in league with the Martians. Space aliens snatched the remains of the Pentagon plane and fixed most of the hole in the wall, just to confuse people. They gave the Arabs invisibility pills to help get them onto the planes. Little green men were seen talking to Bin Laden a few weeks prior to the attacks.

As the nation gears up to impeach the traitor Bush, and stop his perpetual oil war, it's not helpful to have these idiots distracting from the process by spreading silly conspiracy theories about mythical Arabs, stories which do nothing but play into the hands of the extremist Bush regime.

At a less serious time, we might tolerate such crackpots with amused detachment, but they need to understand that the treachery that was perpetrated on Sept. 11, and the subsequent war crimes committed in “retaliation” are far too serious for us to allow such frivolous self indulgence to go unchallenged.

Those who are truly addicted to conspiracy delusions should find a more appropriate outlet for their paranoia.

Its time to stop loony conspiracy theories about Sept 11.
 

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain** A Snapshot of CFR Dominance http://www.thenewamerican.com/artman/publish/article_3098.shtml contributing editor to   - Jeanne

by John F. McManus, February 6, 2006

The major media widely reported the January 5 meeting President George W. Bush had with current and former secretaries of State and Defense at the White House to discuss the war in Iraq. In fact, President Bush and the other participants posed in the Oval Office for a group photo.

However, the media overlooked a very important aspect of the photo, and that is that 14 of the 17 policymakers in the picture currently belong to the Council on Foreign Relations. Two others (Rumsfeld and Laird) are formers members of the CFR. Of the 17, George W. Bush himself is the only one who has not belonged to the organization.

The CFR, a private organization based in New York City, has about 4,200 members, several hundred of whom are in the Bush administration. Hundreds of CFR members also served in past administrations, irrespective of whether the president in the White House was a Republican or a Democrat. The picture above provides just a snapshot of the dominance that the CFR has held over the executive branch of the U.S. government for decades.

Is the CFR dominance at the upper echelons of our government newsworthy? Imagine how the liberals in media would howl if the president assembled a group of 16 influential policy advisers, and it turned out that all but the president himself were past or present members of the National Rifle Association? Or if the president had selected hundreds of NRA members for top posts in his administration? Yet the NRA is an organization boasting millions of members, while the CFR consists of select government officials and the captains and kings of business, finance, and the media. The CFR is so influential that it has been called “the invisible government of the United States.”

The CFR claims not to have an agenda, but it does. That agenda — the promotion of more and more internationalism leading to world government — has been pursued for decades by both Republican and Democrat administrations. Much of the evidence of the group’s malfeasance is compiled in The Insiders by John F. McManus. In this book, Mr. McManus, the publisher of THE NEW AMERICAN and president of The John Birch Society, exposes the dominance of the CFR from the Carter administration through the first administration of George W. Bush and explains what we can do about it. The book (paperback, 205 pages) is available at $3.95 from American Opinion Book Services, P.O. Box 8040, Appleton, WI 54912; by calling: 920-749-3783; or from http://aobs-store.com/store/page7-ss2.html.
 

Former Secretaries of State and Defense, with President Bush  -- AP Photo

Establishment photo-op: (from the left) former Secretary of Defense Harold Brown, former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger, former Secretary of State James Baker, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, former Secretary of Defense James Schlesinger, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Vice President Dick Cheney, President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State George Shultz, former Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State Alexander Haig, former Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci, former Secretary of Defense William Perry, and former Secretary of Defense William Cohen.

 

$$$ Follow the Money $$$ No Tossup Regarding Legality of Liberty Coins http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060122/1068456.asp?PFVer=Story contributing editor to   - Rodger

By DAN HERBECK, 1/22/2006
 

Southtowns businessman Daniel Buczek said he has had "no trouble" using Liberty silver dollars to buy coffee, oil filters for his car and other items at a number of area businesses. But when someone in his family tried to use them to buy beer at a Buffalo Sabres game, Buczek and his son wound up in trouble with the law. Buczek, 55, and Shane Buczek, 34, both of Derby, are believed to be the first people to be charged in this region for trying to make purchases with the Liberty dollar, a privately minted $20 coin. In fact, some businesses in the Southtowns told The Buffalo News they do accept the currency. Liberties, as the coins are called, are viewed by some people as an alternative to the U.S. government's monetary system. The organization that makes Liberties claims that more than $15 million worth are in circulation throughout the nation.

Dennis C. Enser/Buffalo News Daniel Buczek of Derby says he uses Liberty $20 coins  because they are backed by silver.

"We weren't trying to break any law," Daniel Buczek said. "We weren't passing counterfeit currency. We use Liberty silver dollars because they are backed by silver, and I believe the American monetary system is going to collapse."

According to police, the Buczeks were arrested after they tried to buy beer with $20 Liberties from "numerous" vendors at the Dec. 26 Sabres game against the New York Islanders at HSBC Arena.

Acting on a complaint filed by a security officer at the game, Buffalo police charged the two men with felony counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument and criminal impersonation. A misdemeanor count of harassment was also filed.

The two Buczeks deny allegations they pushed and shoved the security officer, Edward M. Cotter, an off-duty Buffalo Police detective. They also deny allegations that Shane Buczek pulled out a badge and falsely identified himself as a federal agent.

Erie County District Attorney Frank J. Clark said the felony charges will be reduced before the case goes to trial at City Court. The trial is tentatively scheduled for Thursday. The two men should not have been charged with felonies, Clark said, but he added his office will pursue charges of attempted petit larceny and misdemeanor criminal impersonation.

"I was investigating complaints made by beer vendors all over the arena," Cotter said. "The vendors said these people were trying to make them accept these silver coins, and getting very pushy about it. They were telling the vendors, "Hey, these coins are worth $100.' "

The Buczeks deny claiming the coins were worth $100. They said they spent 16 hours in jail after their arrests and were briefly questioned as suspected counterfeiters by the U.S. Secret Service. The two Derby men insist they never intended to violate any law.

"It was actually my daughter who was trying to buy the beer, but they charged us instead," Daniel Buczek said.

According to the Secret Service and a Washington spokesman for the U.S. Mint, Liberties are not cash. They are not made by the government and are not considered legal tender. The coins are made by an Evansville, Ind., organization called the National Organization for the Repeal of the Federal Reserve Act and the Internal Revenue Code.

"We did send an agent to question [the Buczeks], but we determined this was not a counterfeiting case," said Michael C. Bryant, special agent in charge of the Buffalo Secret Service office. "Counterfeiting is when someone illegally makes a copy of actual U.S. currency."

Liberties are not made by the government, are not legal tender and "the U.S. Treasury Department does not approve of it," said Michael J. White, a spokesman for the U.S. Mint.

No business is required to accept Liberties, White said, but he added there is no law preventing businesses from accepting Liberties for goods and services, if they choose to do so.

And according to Karl J. Reile of Elma, the regional distributor of Liberties, a small but growing number of area businesses are accepting them. He said the Liberty was introduced nationally in 1998. Reile has been marketing Liberties in the region for six years.

"There are business people who like the fact that it is backed by silver. They see the value in it," Reile said. "On the horizon, we see some incredibles crises involving the U.S. dollar. It only makes sense to protect your wealth by moving to gold or silver currency."

Reile identified several area businesses - mostly in the Southtowns - as being among those that accept Liberties. Two of the businessmen he named told a reporter they accept Liberties.

"About 20 of my regular customers use them. They pay me with silver, and they accept silver as change," said Daniel Hyman, owner of the Red Apple convenience store on Route 78 in Strykersville. "With inflation and government deficits, I see more and more people who don't trust paper anymore. Eventually, I hope the banks will accept Liberties for deposits."

"We take it at par with dollars," said Shawn Clawges, owner of Opener's Grille, a restaurant on Seneca Street in East Aurora. "They're a pretty coin, and they're backed by silver. It's a commodity that's going up in value, unlike the U.S. dollar."
 

a r t i c l e   /   c o m m e n t a r y ABR ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER http://www.biblearchaeology.org contributing editor to   - Dale

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IN THIS ISSUE:
- Staff Commentary: Indiana Jones and Hazor
- News Reports, Featured Links, ABR Happenings
- Speaking Schedules
- Subscription Notes
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Dear friends of ABR,

This monthly Electronic Newsletter is being sent to everyone interested in the mission and work of the Associates for Biblical Research. If you would rather not receive it, please see the removal information at the end of this issue. If you like it a great deal, please consider forwarding copies to interested friends!

The views and comments made in materials from sources outside of the Associates for Biblical Research are not necessarily those of ABR. Such materials are included only insofar as they relate to the general subjects of archaeology and creation/evolution issues, and are provided for your information only.

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ABR Banquet—Dr. Duane Gish

ABR recently announced that world-renowned creationist speaker, Dr. Duane Gish, will be speaking at our annual fundraising banquet on May 25, 2006 in Lancaster PA. There is an excellent opportunity to support ABR by sponsoring a table. Table sponsorships are $200 each. If you would like to sponsor a table for this event, click here: https://christiananswers.net/forms/abr-support.html
...and note "Banquet Table Sponsorship" in the Comments section.

Thanks so much for your support!

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Staff Commentary

Indiana Jones and Hazor
Gordon Franz

Someone shouted, “Bucket chain!” All the volunteers and area supervisors took their positions and passed 200-plus buckets from one to another across Area A-5, up the ladder and into waiting wheelbarrows. Others pushed the wheelbarrows to the dump a few meters away. Last summer (2005), we literally moved tons of dirt and rocks at the excavations at Tel Hazor by doing 10-15 bucket chains per day for six weeks.

We accomplished a lot as far as moving dirt was concerned, but had little to show for it with regard to small finds. I came to the startling realization that Indiana Jones and his clones are purely fictional characters. Real archaeology is a lot of donkey work!

The 2005 Season
This past summer was the 16th season of the renewed excavations in memory of Professor Yigael Yadin. ABR had a group of 21 volunteers, lead by Larry Fuller (ABR Board president) and myself. We had tours around Israel as well as actual digging at Tel Hazor. Our people worked in two areas: A-4 and A-5.

A-4 was divided into two sections, south and north respectively. The last of the 10th century BC Solomonic remains were removed in the southern section in order to penetrate into the Bronze Age. In this section, a plaster floor from the Early Bronze IV period emerged. This discovery, plus other information, demonstrated that the Upper City of Hazor was densely populated.  Underneath these remains was a room from the Early Bronze III period. In the northern section a massive stone was discovered, possibly of a palace (?) from the Middle Bronze II period.

A-5 is an east-west trench located in front of the Solomonic Gate. This area was also divided into two sections, south and north respectively. In previous seasons we found large walls with mudbrick preserved to the height of 4 meters on top of stone foundations that are placed on bedrock. The function of these walls is elusive. I jokingly refer to them as the "Canaanite rat maze!" We have two large "halls" that seemingly do not have entrances.

As Amnon Ben-Tor, the excavator of Hazor, has observed: “The remains exposed in Area A-5 raise three main issues: 1) the nature of the exposed hall; 2) the date of the structure; and 3) the question how the mudbrick walls survived to almost their original height of over 4 m., until the halls were filled the Iron Age II” (Ben-Tor 2005).

The restoration projects at Hazor continued this season as well. Orna Cohen and her restorers have beautifully reconstructed the Late Bronze palace on the top of the tel. Tourists will now be able to sense some of the power and glory of the Canaanite kings of Hazor in this ceremonial reception hall.

The Prospects for the 2006 Season
One question that is asked of Dr. Ben-Tor is: “Have you found the Canaanite archives yet?” It is known that at least two Canaanite archives existed at Hazor, one in the Middle Bronze Age and the other in the Late Bronze Age. In the 2006 season there will be an attempt to answer this question. One of the staff members, Dr. Sharon Zuckerman, has suggested that the administrative palace of Hazor was near the gate from the Lower City to the Upper City. She will set forth her case in a forthcoming issue of Biblical Archaeology Review. In order to test this hypothesis, the 2006 season will concentrate on a reopened Area M that Dr. Zuckerman directed for a number of years (Ben-Tor and Rubiato 1999: 32-34). There are still several little projects to be completed in Areas A-4 and A-5, including finding the elusive entrances to the halls.

When the archive(s) are found at Hazor, it/they will be a major contribution to Biblical studies and go a long way to resolve some of the thorny issues in Biblical Archaeology.

ABR will be there!
ABR is planning to participate for a third season with the Hebrew University expedition to Hazor. As in previous seasons, we will tour Israel before the excavation and on weekends, as well as ten days of hands-on archaeology. The dates are June 27 to July 16. There is also an option to stay the entire six weeks of the dig season. The dig ends August 8, 2006.

Why not join us?
If you are interested in participating with ABR at Hazor, see our website at http://www.biblearchaeology.org/dig_hazor.html. Please note, the deadline to sign up is March 30, 2006.

Bibliography

Ben-Tor, Amnon
2005Notes and News: Tel Hazor, 2005.  Israel Exploration Journal.  Forthcoming.

Ben-Tor, Amnon, and Rubiato, Maria Teresa
1999Did the Israelites Destroy the Canaanite City?  Biblical Archaeology Review 25/3: 22-39.

Gordon Franz is a Bible teacher who has engaged in extensive archaeological research in Israel and the Mediterranean world. He presently team-teaches the Talbot School of Theology's Bible Lands program and is an ABR staff member.

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News Reports

Phyllis Schafly comments on Dover, PA case
"False judge makes mockery of case for 'intelligent design'"
http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/phyllisschlafly/2006/01/02/180785.html

Analysis of Dover, PA anti-Intelligent Design court ruling
John West of The Discovery Institute has a four-part analysis of Judge Jones's ruling.
http://www.evolutionnews.org/2005/12/dover_in_review_part_1_is_judg.html
http://www.evolutionnews.org/2005/12/dover_in_review_pt_2_did_judge.html
http://www.evolutionnews.org/2005/12/dover_in_review_pt_3_did_judge.html#more
http://www.evolutionnews.org/2005/12/dover_in_review_pt_4_are_the_n_1.html#more

Is Intelligent Design Science? Dissecting the Dover Decision
In the case of Kitzmiller et al. v. Dover Area School District, et al., Judge Jones ruled that a pro-intelligent design disclaimer cannot be read to public school students. In his decision, he gave demarcation criteria for what counts as science, ruling that intelligent design fails these criteria. I argue that these criteria are flawed, with most of my focus on the criterion of methodological naturalism. The way to refute intelligent design is not by declaring it unscientific, but by showing that the empirical evidence for design is not there.
http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/archive/00002583/

Intelligent Design Gains Momentum, Raises Eyebrows on Campuses
At nearly 30 public and private universities across the country, students have started clubs aimed at promoting intelligent design. The clubs, sponsored by the Intelligent Design and Evolution Awareness Center (IDEA), a small, nonprofit organization based in San Diego, have been gaining members and visibility.
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/182/story_18244_1.html

Two ancient anchors found in the Dead Sea
Two remarkably well-preserved wooden anchors more than two millennia old, discovered recently on the shores of the Dead Sea, are now on view opposite the book shop at the Israel Museum, on loan from the Israel Antiquities Authority.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1134309585514&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

1st Amendment 'doesn't create church-state wall of separation'
A U.S. appeals court upheld the decision of a lower court in allowing the inclusion of the Ten Commandments in a courthouse display, hammering the American Civil Liberties Union and declaring, "The First Amendment does not demand a wall of separation between church and state."
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48006

New finds in the area of the Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem
The pool, whose present small dimensions date from Byzantine times, is the outlet for the spring water coursing through the ancient Hezekiah's tunnel. It was once huge - three to four dunams.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=661578
http://www.haaretz.co.il/hasite/pages/ShArtPE.jhtml?itemNo=661643 (Hebrew)

More on the 6th-century seal with an image of Jesus
A rare 6th-century seal that bears the likely image of Jesus on one side and a cross symbol signifying the name "Christ" on the back recently was excavated in Tiberias, Israel, according to archaeologists who continue to work at the site.
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/briefs/20051219/jesus_his.html

Warning label on Darwin sows division
Parents in Cobb County, Ga., clash over sticker in textbooks.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/10/AR2005121000911.html?referrer=email&referrer=email

Phoenician ports at Tyre and Sidon found
Thanks to political tensions easing in Lebanon, archaeologists have finally managed to locate the sites of ancient Phoenician harbors in the seaports that dominated Mediterranean trade thousands of years ago.
http://www.physorg.com/news9599.html

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Featured Links

The Dying Church in England
A recent survey of 14,000 citizens in England and Ireland reveals what ABR already knows to be true: People are desperate to hear reasons for the validity of the Christian faith. Find out the details by downloading the report at http://www.churchsurvey.co.uk/?download. The conclusions found in this report further validate the need for apologetic teaching in the church, and the need for the ministry of ABR in providing answers related to the historical accuracy of the Biblical record.

ABR Website "Weekly Article" - UPDATED 1/16/06
http://biblearchaeology.org/articles/article.html
The latest article posted on our website is "The Mystery and Miracle of God's Artifacts" by ABR's Executive Director, Pastor Scott Lanser. An archive of earlier Weekly Articles can be found at http://biblearchaeology.org/articles/contents.html.

The Moral Implications of the Conquest
Dr. Bryant Wood and the ministry of ABR have worked extensively on the evidence from Jericho and Ai that supports the Biblical record. Skeptics and some Christians are often troubled by the moral implications of the Conquest and the loss of life associated with it. Here is one apologist's detailed explanation of the moral and theological ramifications. http://www.christian-thinktank.com/qamorite.html

Laughing at Evolution - the skeletons in Evolution's closet

The Earth as a grain of sand in God's eyes
Florida State University in Tallahassee has put up a very interesting page on their site. It begins as a view of the Milky Way Galaxy viewed from a distance of 10 million light years and then zooms in towards Earth in powers of ten. If ever there was a witness to Holy Creation , these folks have captured it for our viewing pleasure!
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/scienceopticsu/powersof10/index.html

Streaming video, "Herod: The Builder King"
This video describes the life and times of Herod the Great, builder-king of Judea, who ushered in a new age for Judaism and ironically laid the groundwork for the emergence of Christianity. The website also includes links to other videos of interest in Biblical archaeology.
http://www.archaeologychannel.org/content/videoguide.asp

Book Review: "Herod the Great"
A king in power when Jesus Christ was born was a political genius, a cruel despot and a man whose architectural designs have amazed engineers for centuries, according to a book written by a local author.
http://www.register-herald.com/cnhi/registerherald/features/local_story_349230712.html?keyword=topstory

Fossilized hands in Cretaceous rock?
Dr. Jamie Gutierrez from Columbia discovered the fossilized bones of two human hands imbedded in Cretaceous rock. Near the discovery site of the fossilized hands are the fossilized bones of a large Ichthyosaurus marine dinosaur, giving the assignment of late Cretaceous period (on the evolutionary scale) to the rock.
http://www.texasmusicguide.com/creationlecture.htm

King Tut exhibit opens in Fort Lauderdale FL
The stairwell descent into King Tut's tomb leads to darkened rooms that showcase, among other things, a holographic image of the young ruler's golden casket. The layers slowly peel off, until a stunning sight is revealed: the image of gruesome, mummified remains.
http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/nation/13413824.htm

Survey of famous sites in Jordan
A red stone carved city as tall as 200 meters at around 50 kilometers distance from the Jordanian capital, Amman, Petra is the top attraction in the country. The ancient city was built more than 2000 years ago by the Arab people called the Nabateans.
http://www.daily-news.ro/article_detail.php?idarticle=20632

The boneyards...800 billion fossils at single site
"...Why are there great fossil graveyards of dinosaurs, where the bones of millions of these beasts lie entombed in vast heaps, together with the piles of fossilized mammals, fish, insects, plants etc., testifying that they all perished together in a great mass death?"
http://www.s8int.com/boneyard1.html

Ancient dinosaur depictions on stone
Various evidences that humans and dinosaurs coexisted.
http://www.genesispark.com/genpark/ancient/ancient.htm
http://s8int.com/dinolit1.html

"Treasures from the Royal Tombs of Ur" at the St. Louis Art Museum
This exhibit of art from ancient Sumer, which is today located in Iraq and is the traditional site of the Garden of Eden, is up through mid-January.
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051227/ENTERTAINMENT08/512270337/1094

New Egyptian Museum to open in 2010
Plans have been announced for the $550 million Great Egyptian Museum, to be established near the Pyramids near Cairo. It will be among the world’s largest museums, and is by far the biggest to be built from scratch.
http://www.theartnewspaper.com/article01.asp?id=116

Pompeii exhibit at Chicago's Field Museum through March 26
Coins, fused by heat. Lavish jewelry, shoved into pockets by people trying to flee. A dog, twisted in anguish. And families, huddled beneath archways for protection against skies raining ash and pumice.
http://www.statesman.com/life/content/life/stories/travel/01/8POMPEII.html

Review of PBS's new series "Walking the Bible"
On the first installment of "Walking the Bible," a three-part PBS documentary created to complement his book of the same name, Mr. Feiler, a journalist, moves slowly, even ponderously.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/04/arts/television/04heff.html

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ABR Happenings

Dr. Duane Gish Speaking at 2006 ABR Banquet
Dr. Gish, world-renowned creation scientist, Vice-President Emeritus of the Institute for Creation Research, staunch defender of the Biblical record, and friend of ABR, will be the keynote speaker at the ABR annual fundraising banquet. The event will take place on May 25, 2006 at Calvary Church, Landis Valley Rd., Lancaster, PA. You don’t want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to see one of the great Biblical creationists of this era. Mark your calendars early because tickets will be going fast! We look forward to seeing you there.

Dig at Biblical Hazor - DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: 3/30/06
June 27th - July 16th, 2006
Join other friends of ABR as we help excavate Tel Hazor, one of the most important Biblical sites in Israel. Hazor is the largest biblical-era site in Israel, located about 5 km north of Rosh-Pinnah. As the largest city in the region, it was strategically located on the route between Egypt and Babylon. This trip includes touring to many Biblical sites in Israel. Come and experience a real archaeological dig in the land that God promised to Abraham 4000 years ago! Complete information, including itinerary and a registration form, can be found on our website at http://www.biblearchaeology.org/dig_hazor.html. If you have any questions, please contact the ABR office at ABRdig@aol.com.

Mediterranean Cruise - DETAILS NOW ONLINE
October 26th - November 6th, 2006
ABR will be setting sail in the Mediterranean Sea on our “Footsteps of Paul” cruise and tour in Greece, Turkey and Rome! Internationally recognized archaeologist Dr. Bryant Wood will be our featured teacher and speaker. This once-in-a-lifetime cruise will be going to Athens, Rome, Philippi, Thessalonica, Ephesus, Corinth, and many other fascinating Biblical sites. For complete details and a full-color brochure, contact Henry Smith, Director of Outreach, at the ABR office if you are interested in this beautiful trip. Email: ABRHenrySmith@aol.com or call 800-430-0008. A complete itinerary, a link to sign up, and links with trip details can also be found on our website, at http://www.biblearchaeology.org/tour_med.html.

JETS Article on the Conquest by Dr. Bryant Wood
The Rise and Fall of the 13th Century Exodus-Conquest Theory
Dr. Bryant Wood, Senior Archaeologist and Director of ABR, has recently published this article in the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. Find out why Christians should abandon this theory based on the Biblical, historical and archaeological evidence. For a FREE copy of this excellent work, contact the ABR office at ABRHenrySmith@aol.com.

ABR Online Catalog
http://www.biblearchaeology.org/abrcatalog.html
ABR offers a wealth of books, videos, curriculum materials and other publications, and our online catalog tells you what we have! Pay a visit and browse for the perfect book or tape for your personal learning, church library, or as a unique gift for a friend.

The Stones Cry Out
LISTEN TO OUR WEEKLY 15 MIN. PROGRAM, The Stones Cry Out. Each week you can hear an informative radio program over one of the stations listed on our website. Dr. Clifford Wilson, from Australia, is the principal speaker who will share with you how Biblical Archaeology helps to undergird, substantiate and verify the claims to Scripture. Thy Word is settled in the heavens...

ABR Staff Needs
Volunteers Needed
ABR is looking for volunteers:
1) To assist in the set up of book tables and displays for our seminars.
2) To assist in the ABR office with filing, data entry, copying, and mailings.
3) To coordinate prayer requests and needs for the ministry and its associates.
If you are interested in serving in this area, please contact Henry Smith at the ABR office.

In-Kind Giving Opportunities
ABR has a regular in-kind giving list of items needed to operate the ministry. This includes computers, laptops, printers, phones and other items. Our top priority at this point is procuring a new high-powered laptop for our webmaster. If you are interested in giving in this fashion, please contact Henry Smith at the ABR office for details at abrhenrysmith@aol.com.

Renew Your Bible and Spade!
If you are a member or subscriber to Bible and Spade and you have received a renewal notice in the mail, you can now renew online at: https://christiananswers.net/forms/abr-support.html.

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Speaking Schedules and Public Events

Pennsylvania
Akron  January 26, 2006
Pastor's Breakfast held at ABR's facility, 309 Colonial Drive, Akron, Pa. 17501. Pastors are invited to join us from 9:00-10:30am for a breakfast and a FREE gift. For sign up, contact the ABR office at 800-430-0008.

Millersville  January 28, 2006
Biblical Archaeology Seminar. ABR will be taking its seminar series to the campus of Millersville University, Millersville, PA. The event will run from 12:30-5 pm. Topics include: "Jericho: The Lies Come Tumblin’ Down," "Whose Image and Inscription is This?" and "Amazing Discoveries." For pricing, detailed agenda and sign up information, contact the ABR office at 800-430-0008 or abrofc@aol.com.

Lancaster  January 16-February 13, 2006
ABR staff members Dr. Bryant Wood, Walter Pasedag, Pastor Scott Lanser, Richard Lanser and Henry Smith will be teaching at Lancaster Bible College’s "Institute for Biblical Enrichment." The classes will be held on Monday evenings from 7-9pm at Hinkletown Mennonite Church, Ephrata, Pa. For details and to sign up, contact LBC at 717-560-8231, or check out their webpage at http://www.lbc.edu/public/Academics.03/Institute_of_Biblical_Enrichment.05/.

Glenside  March 24, 2006
The annual meeting of the eastern region of the Evangelical Theological Society will be held at Westminster Theological Seminary, Glenside Pa. ABR staff archaeologist Gordon Franz will be presenting a paper entitled: "He Shall Be Called a Nazarene: Isaiah, an Olive Tree and Yeshua." For more information, go to www.lbc.edu and type in the keywords, "ETS Competition."

Bethlehem  April 2006
Henry B. Smith Jr., Director of Outreach for ABR, will be appearing on “60 Live with Pat Huber” on WBPH TV-60, airing out of Bethlehem PA. Tune in and hear more about the mission of ABR’s ministry!

Lancaster  April 22, 2006
Biblical Archaeology Seminar. ABR will be taking its seminar series to the campus of Lancaster Bible College. This seminar will run from 9am-1pm, with free coffee and donuts. Details and final date to follow shortly.

Lancaster  May 25, 2006
Dr. Duane Gish, world renowned creation scientist, Vice-President Emeritus of the Institute for Creation Research, staunch defender of the Biblical record, and friend of ABR, will be the keynote speaker at our annual fundraising banquet. The event will take place at Calvary Church, Landis Valley Rd., Lancaster, PA. You don’t want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to see one of the great Biblical creationists of this era. Mark your calendars early because tickets will be going fast! We look forward to seeing you there.

Montana
Lakeside  February 27-March 3, 2006
Former ABR Board President, Col. (Ret.) David G. Hansen, Ph.D., will be teaching at the School of Biblical Studies, Youth with a Mission (YWAM) Lakeside. The topic will be "Joshua." For information contact Mr. Sean Ellis, 406-844-2045 or skellis5@hotmail.com.

Lakeside  March 8-10, 2006
Former ABR Board President, Col. (Ret.) David G. Hansen, Ph.D., will be teaching at Youth with a Mission Lakeside Base Leadership Workshop. For information, contact Mr. Ron Brewster, ronbrewster@ywammt.org.

Hawaii
Kona  February 9,10,13-15, 2006
Former ABR Board President, Col. (Ret.) David G. Hansen, Ph.D., will be teaching at the University of the Nations. The topic will be "Joshua." For information contact Mr. Jo Van Bakel, vanbakel2000@yahoo.com.

Canada (Alberta)
Former ABR Board President, Col. (Ret.) David G. Hansen, Ph.D., will be teaching at: Medicine Hat, YWAM School of Biblical Studies. "Joshua, Judges and 1&2 Kings." For
information, contact Mr. Johann Roduit, roduitjohann@hotmail.com.

For further details on any of these events, contact the ABR office by phone (1-800-430-0008) or e-mail (abrofc@aol.com).

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Subscription Notes

Please spread the word! Feel free to send a copy of this newsletter to your friends and colleagues. If you have received it from a friend and would like to subscribe, send a blank e-mail to abrnews@dejazzd.com with the subject line "Newsletter" (without quotes).

If your ISP uses spam filtering, please add "abr@enter.net" to your address book, and see the notes on our website regarding "white-listing" at http://www.biblearchaeology.org/abr-newsletter.html. Taking the steps outlined there will help ensure your Internet Service Provider (ISP) does not reject the ABR Electronic Newsletter as spam, resulting in interruption of your subscription. If you find you no longer receive the Electronic Newsletter around the 15th of each month, please try subscribing again, and consider what steps you might take to avoid continued rejected e-mails. (And it will also make the newsletter editor's job MUCH easier!)

If you use Yahoo, Hotmail or another ISP with mailbox size limits, issues may be rejected if your e-mail storage capacity is exceeded. If you cannot consistently maintain about 35-40 KB of free storage space, consider providing us with an alternative e-mail address not subject to size limits. It may help to request a smaller "plain text" version of the newsletter, without the attractive fonts and formatting, though this does not guarantee delivery. If you want to receive a plain text version, send an e-mail to abrnews@dejazzd.com with the subject line "plaintext newsletter."

If your e-mail address changes, please send an e-mail to abrnews@dejazzd.com with the subject line "address change." Mention your old address as well as the new one.

Should you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please send an e-mail to abrnews@dejazzd.com with the subject line "Remove."
 
 

a r t i c l e   /   c o m m e n t a r y Flouride and You http://www.octive9.com/Fluoride.wmv contributing editor to   - Crystal

Please take 4 minutes of your time to view this video and then pass it on to your family and friends.  We will be seeing alot more of this subject in 2006......Crystal

http://www.octive9.com/Fluoride.wmv
[this file is downloadable, for viewing at your liesure, rather than trying to stream it]
 

The Flat Earth Report City Files Motion to Muzzle Attorney Known for Religious References http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/1/242006c.asp contributing editor to   - Dale

By Allie Martin, January 24, 2006

(AgapePress) - Attorneys for one Mississippi city are trying to restrict a lawyer from using references to religion or God in opening or closing statements in a discrimination case.

Tupelo attorney Jim Waide represents Charles Flemons, a man who claims he was fired from his job at the City of Oxford Water Department because a supervisor did not approve of his dating a white woman. The case is set for trial in U.S. District Court in Oxford next summer.

Attorneys for the City of Oxford have filed a motion in an effort to limit Waide's comments. The motion states that, in past trials, the Tupelo lawyer has made references to God and Jesus in his addresses in court and has suggested to jury members that they should let their decisions in the case be guided by their religious faith.

According to attorney Mark Fijman's motion, Waide has "while addressing the jury ... inserted prejudicial and inflammatory comments suggesting to the jury that their decision should be guided on the basis of religious belief or bias." Fijman also noted that Flemons' legal representative has in previous trials "told jurors in closing to essentially do what Jesus would do."

Waide says he has never before heard of such a pre-trial motion as this one, which seeks to bar him from any religious references, citing violation of the U.S. Constitution's much-debated "establishment clause." He believes the defendants are off base in using this church-state "wall of separation" argument to try to restrict his speech in court.

"They're saying that the Constitution requires a separation of church and state," the Tupelo litigator notes. However, he points out, "Of course, I'm a private attorney. I don't represent the government. I'm speaking for myself and speaking on behalf of a private client. And I don't think there's anything in the Constitution that prohibits this type of argument."

Waide insists that the opposing counsel's arguments against him are baseless. "The law, to me, is so thoroughly settled on the wide range of arguments you can make," he asserts, "and I don't see how they could possibly extend the separation of church and state to try to apply this when I don't work for the government."

According to a Jackson (Mississippi) Clarion Ledger newspaper report, Fijman said religious appeals and biblical arguments like those used by Waide in the past may "distract the jury from its sworn duty to reach a fair, honest and just verdict according to the facts and evidence presented at trial." Also, the news article notes, a legal scholar with UCLA's School of Law -- Professor Eugene Volokh -- said a judge can limit an attorney to sticking with secular law instead of biblical in presenting his case.
 

I N S I G H T The Next 90 Days Could Bring Nuclear War and ... http://www.arcticbeacon.com/22-Jan-2006.html contributing editor to   - Dan

Former Washington Insider, Once Asked To Be President Carter's Campaign Finance Chairman, Said The Next 90 Days Could Bring Nuclear War And A U.S. Financial Collapse

By Greg Szymanski, 22 Jan 2006

George Green sat next to Sen. Ted Kennedy, sipping cocktails.

On a table nearby, he noticed a bowl of white powder as Kennedy kept shooting the breeze and playing the part of a loudmouth big shot, something politicians are exceptionally good at after a few drinks and a snort of coke.

Green, a former Washington insider and financial whiz-kid, knew he was smack in the middle of a "den of wolves," when Kennedy, out of nowhere, made a ridiculous comment about his 14-year-old daughter who had just entered the room.

"Par for the course," some might say, considering the source.

But Green didn't brush it off so easily, taking offense at the time and 40 years later still wanting to pop Kennedy square in the nose for his rude comments about his young daughter.

"Even after I told him it was my daughter, he didn't care," said Green in an extended conversation from his Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, home, where he says he has taken refuge from the neo-con power brokers he once rubbed shoulders and walked with arm-in-arm.

The meeting where Kennedy disrespected his daughter took place two years before Jimmy Carter became President at an Aspen ski lodge, where Green was invited by the "movers and shakers" to talk over money strategy and how to fill the coffers of the corrupt Democratic Party.

Back then Green, who has since gone on the attack against government corruption, was just like the people who invited him to the affluent Aspen ski lodge: rich, egotistical, power-hungry and liable to do anything for money.

In fact, Green became so good at making money, besides the blood sucking politicians who invited him to Aspen, even the most powerful U.S. bankers wined and dined him, trying to get him to play ball on their "money team."

In the money circles, Green was considered a "cash cow." He was considered one of the big time players who knew how to raise money - lots of money -- something politicians are attracted to like bees on honey or, more appropriately like "flies on you know what."

So, two years before Carter was elected, he found himself sitting in a lounge at an Aspen ski lodge with the big shots like Kennedy and Paul A. Volcker, former chairman of the Board of Governors of the U.S. Federal Reserve System and North American chairman of The Trilateral Commission.

"I remember being flown to Aspen in a private jet and then being asked to be the Democratic Finance Chairman for the Carter election," said Green last week on Greg Szymanski's radio show, The Investigative Journal. "I remember then saying I was a Republican and then Paul Volcker, leaned over and said "That's OK, kid. It doesn't matter, we control them both."

But besides the political talk, Green said he was privy to listening to initial chatter about the infamous Armageddon plan called Global Report 2000, a mass genocidal plan to drastically reduce to the world's population, eventually endorsed as official U.S. policy during the Carter administration.

And the Aspen global rumblings, overheard by Green, turned out to be more than just idle parlor talk by a group of drunken politicians. It turned out, according to Green, to be "the God-awful truth."

"Kissinger loved to refer to the American public as 'useless eaters' and back then all the men in that room in Aspen, including Kennedy, Volcker and the others were endorsing this Armageddon-type plan, which is now being played out right before our very eyes in Iraq and soon in Iran," warned Green, adding the next 90 days may prove to be the beginning of the end of America as we know it.

"I worry about the next 90 days. All the signs are leading to nuclear war and an economic collapse."

Since the Aspen meeting, Green's made a complete about-face, snubbing his nose on the neo-cons and trying in the 1980's to expose their genocidal plans. Although his efforts to use his millions never materialized in a corrupt, neocon controlled Hollywood,  he began publishing anti-establishment books in what he considered to be "the only viable outlet left to get out the truth" in a country headed in the direction of fascism and martial law.

"They even tried to end my publishing house after putting out Gerald Carroll's book, Project Seek, about the Onassis connection to the Kennedy assassination," said Green who still is fighting back against his old neo-con buddies on his informative web site at www.nohoax.com.

Asked why the power brokers and war mongers haven't tried to stamp out him or his anti-neocon message, he added:

"They really don't care any more because I think the powers that be feel they have already won."

And Green's ominous message of a devastating financial collapse in America in the next 90 days has been verified by reports circulating that the neocon's long plan of world domination and collapsing the U.S. economy are imminent.

Other financial analysts, along with Green, have been sounding the "red warning signal," saying 2006 will spell the end for America based on five major signs as listed on the Italian web site BellaCiao:

"Sign 1: The U.S., Great Britain and Israel are preparing to attack Iran. As it appears the main reason for invading Iraq was to stop it from selling oil in Euros, likewise Iran has plans to dump the dollar come March 2006.

"Sign 2: U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow issued a warning recently that the U.S. Government is on the verge of collapse - as the statutory debt limit imposed by Congress of $8.184 trillion dollars would be reached in mid-February - the government would then be unable to continue its normal operations. Considering the current total U.S. debt stands at $8.162 trillion dollars, once the official debt ceiling ($8.184 trillion) is reached, the U.S. government's credit abroad (its borrowing power) is gone. Those countries (mainly China) who presently keep America afloat by holding U.S. Treasury Notes, will most likely no longer continue doing so.

"Sign 3: Bank Of America and Compass Bank managers (probably all other U.S. banks too) have been instructing their employees in the last few weeks on how to respond to customer demands in the event of a collapse of the U.S. economy - specifically telling the employees that only agents from the Department Of Homeland Security will have authority to decide what belongings customers may have from their safe deposit boxes - and that precious metals and other valuables will not be released to U.S. citizens. The bank employees have been strictly prohibited from revealing the banks' new "guidelines" to anyone. (however, employees have been talking to friends and family)

"Sign 4: FEMA has activated and is currently staffing its vast network of empty internment camps with armed military personnel - unknown to most Americans, these large federal facilities are strategically positioned across the U.S. landscape to "manage" the population in the event of a "terrorist" attack, a civilian uprising, large-scale dissent ,or an insurrection against the government. Some of these razor-wired facilities have the capacity of detaining a million people.

"Sign 5: The Patriot Act and the US Senate's vote to ban habeas corpus (Nov 14th) - along with George W. Bush having signed executive orders giving him sole authority to impose martial law, suspend habeas corpus and ignore the Posse Comitatus Act, have together pretty much destroyed any notions of freedom and justice for Americans."

To back up the gloomy forecast and the fact the destruction of America has been on the neocon agenda for years, Green has outlined a quick history of Global Report 2000 on his web site, complete with statistics and quotes from American politicians, going all the way back to former Secretary of State, Edmund Muskie, calling for the elimination of 2 billion people by the year 2000.

"I might add," said Green. "There's a lot to worry about because the neocons are actually behind schedule."

On his web site the following points regarding Global Report 2000 should be seriously considered when looking at the present situation around the world, the devaluation of the dollar and the declining condition of the U.S. economy.

"In July of 1980, Secretary of State endorsed as official Carter administration policy the Global 2000 report, which according to then Secretary of State Edmund Muskie's own words "THE ELIMINATION OF 2 billion human beings by the year...2000. The Office of Population Affairs of the U.S. State Department from the National Security Council's Ad Hoc Group on Population policy, U.S. Foreign Polity is being planned and implemented on the basis of its effectiveness in murdering human beings.

"Unprecedented Population growth as spelled out in the ECO summit Meeting in 1992 in Brazil has required the examination of the statistics provided in the studies of "Human Environment" (1972), "Population" (1974), "Human Settlements" (1976), "Water" (1977) and others has shown the MOST growth of Human species in the last 40 years. The first Billion of population occurred on the planet around 1800, the next century ended with about two Billion, the 3rd Billion around 1960, the 4th Billion in approximately 1974 and reach 5 Billion in 1987. We currently exceed 6 Billion on the Planet and the Technicians of Genocide are now stepping up their programs.

"Thomas Ferguson was the head of the Latin America desk at the U.S. State Department's Office of Population Affairs. "Every hot spot in the Third World is in fact a result of failed population policy. There is a single theme behind all of our work - we must reduce population levels. Either governments do it our way, through nice clean methods, or they will get the kinds of mess that we have in Iran or Beirut. Population is a political problem. Once population is out of control, it requires authoritarian government, even FASCISM, to reduce it. To really reduce population quickly, you have to put all the males into fighting and you have to kill significant numbers of fertile females.

"At present 250 million Africans are threatened with death by starvation and AIDS, nearly twenty million in the coming months. The immediate cause is a collapse in food production in most areas of the continent. In truth, the collapse of African agriculture is due to the 'Global 2000' policies of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and like agencies of the NWO.

"The lending policies of the World Bank, under Global 2000 supporter, Robert McNamara, have been designed to force African nations NOT to develop irrigation or any advance farming techniques but to rely on labor intensive low technologies."

According to Green's analysis, the following is a country-by-country of the devastating effects Global Report 2000 has had on the world:

 "ETHIOPIA: Some 5 million people are in danger of starvation. Ethiopia-Somalia warfare largely provoked by Henry Kissinger.

 "SOMALIA: 1.5 million refuges and many more nomadic people wait for death. Government is seeking $2 billion in reconstruction aid. United Nations actions are a preparation for the understanding and use of the NEW WORLD ORDER Police Force to control the world and put us all under the dictums of the United Nations.

"KENYA: Acute hunger and starvation are occurring in the Karamoja and West Nile regions. 9000 women and children died over a two month period. Food relief is nonexistent.

"According to Rep. Richard Ottinger, Democratic congressman from New York's Westchester County area, sponsor of the Population Policy Act of 1981, "Overpopulation is a national security question." We have much greater demand on our food stocks, and WE WILL MAKE GOD-LIKE decisions on WHO LIVES and WHO DOES NOT.

"William Paddock, advisor to the U.S. State Department under three administrations. In 1980 he was an unofficial advisor to the State Department Office of Population. In an interview, "We're going to see a rollback of the population. It will happen somehow. One of the four horseman, and the FIFTH ONE, WHICH IS "THE BOMB."

"Rep. Paul McClosky, "Population is worse than Nuclear Proliferation." When you are trying to dispense contraceptives and advice, as AIDS tried to spread condoms all over the world, you have to question if that is a valid program."

"Henry Kissinger, National Security Memorandum #200, "Reduction of the rate of population in these States is a matter of vital U.S. national security. The U.S. economy will require large and increasing amounts of mineral from abroad, especially from less-developed countries. That fact gives US enhanced interests in the political, economic and social stability of the supplying countries. Wherever a lessening of population can increase the prospects for such stability, population policy becomes relevant to resources, supplies and to economic interests of the United States." "

"President George Bush: "Out of these troubled times, our fifth objective - a new world order - can emerge. We are now in sight of a United Nations that performs as envisioned by its founders." September 11, 1990.

More Bush quotes:

"(The Gulf Crisis) has to do with a new world order. And that world order is only going to be enhanced if this newly activated peacekeeping function of the United Nations proves to be effective." January 9, 1991.

"When we are successful, and WE WILL BE, we have real chance at this new world order, an order in which a credible United Nations can use its peacekeeping role to fulfill the promise and vision of the UN's founders." January 16, 1991.

For more informative articles, go to www.arcticbeacon.com.

Greg Szymanski

Listen to my Radio Broadcast live Monday night at 8pm Pacific time on LewisNews, returning Jan. 1 2006 Radio http://webs.lewisnews.com/radio/index.htm. Greg is also regular on Rense.com the first Thursday of every month at 9pm pacific time.

Greg also has his own daily show on the Republic Broadcast Network. Go to www.rbnlive.com and will be starting a daily program on the Genesis Communications Network soon at www.gcnlive.com Greg Szymanski is an independent investigative journalist and his articles can been seen at www.LewisNews.com. He also writes for American Free Press and has his own site www.arcticbeacon.com
 
 

the offices of Dewey, Cheetum & Howe Group Seeks Souter Eviction As Protest http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060121/ap_on_re_us/hotel_souter contributing editor to   - Dan

CONCORD, N.H. - Angered by a Supreme Court ruling that gave local governments more power to seize people's homes for economic development, a group of activists is trying to get one of the court's justices evicted from his own home.

The group, led by a California man, wants Justice David Souter's home seized to build an inn called the "Lost Liberty Hotel."
 

They submitted enough petition signatures — only 25 were needed — to bring the matter before voters in March. This weekend, they're descending on Souter's hometown, the central New Hampshire town of Weare, population 8,500, to rally for support. "This is in the tradition of the Boston Tea Party and the Pine Tree Riot," Organizer Logan Darrow Clements said, referring to the riot that took place during the winter of 1771-1772, when colonists in Weare beat up officials appointed by King George III who fined them for logging white pines without approval. "All we're trying to do is put an end to eminent domain abuse," Clements said, by having those who advocate or facilitate it "live under it, so they understand why it needs to end." Bill Quigley, Weare deputy police chief, said if protesters show up, they're going to be told to stay across the street from a dirt road that leads to Souter's brown farmhouse, which is more than 200 years old. It isn't known whether Souter will be home. "They're obviously not going to be allowed on Justice Souter's property," he said. "There's no reason for anybody to go down that road unless they live on that road, and we know the residents that live there. The last time (Clements) showed up, they had a total of about three or four people who showed up to listen to him." Clements, of Los Angeles, said he's never tried to contact Souter, who voted for the decision.

Eric Marquis listens as Logan Darrow Clements talks  about his plans to seize the home and property of U.S.  Supreme Court Justice David Souter Saturday Jan. 21, 2006.  Clements is going door-to-door getting signatures and  leading an effort to seize U.S. Supreme Court Justice David  Souter's property and buid an inn for being one of five  justices who sided with a decision favoring government  power to seize private property by eminent domain.  (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

"The justice doesn't have any comment about it," Kathy Arberg, a Supreme Court spokeswoman, said about the protesters' cause.

The petition asks whether the town should take Souter's land for development as an inn; whether to set up a trust fund to accept donations for legal expenses; and whether to set up a second trust fund to accept donations to compensate Souter for taking his land.

The matter goes to voters on March 14.

About 25 volunteers gathered at Weare Town Hall on Saturday before setting out in teams to go door-to-door. Organizer Logan Darrow Clements gathered nine signatures in less than an hour, with only one resident declining to sign.

He also distributed copies of the Supreme Court's decision, Kelo vs. City of New London, to residents.

The court said New London, Conn., could seize homeowners' property to develop a hotel, convention center, office space and condominiums next to Pfizer Inc.'s new research headquarters.

The city argued that tax revenues and new jobs from the development would benefit the public. The Pfizer complex was built, but seven homeowners challenged the rest of the development in court. The Supreme Court's ruling against them prompted many states, including New Hampshire, to examine their eminent domain laws.

Supporters of the hotel project planned a rally Sunday at the town hall. Speakers were expected to include some of the New London residents who lost the Kelo suit.

State Rep. Neal Kurk, a Weare resident who is sponsoring two pieces of eminent domain legislation in New Hampshire, said he expects the group's proposal to be defeated overwhelmingly.

"Most people here see this as an act of revenge and an improper attack on the judicial system," Kurk said. "You don't go after a judge personally because you disagree with his judgments."

Weare-based Committee for the Preservation of Natural Rights: http://www.natural-rights.org
 
 

Teaching Falsely The Other Gospel of John Hagee http://www.pfo.org/jonhagee.htm contributing editor to   - Dan

The Houston Chronicle article reported:
Houston Chronicle, April 30, 1988, sec. 6, pg. 1

    “John Hagee, fundamentalist pastor from San Antonio and friend of Israel, is truly a strange fish. ... The man has a mission. He’s out to attack anti-Semitism. He also believes that Jews can come to God without going through Jesus Christ.”

The Houston newspaper then quoted Hagee’s own shocking words: “I’m not trying to convert the Jewish people to the Christian faith.”

And further revealed:

    “In fact, trying to convert Jews is a ‘waste of time,’ he said. ‘The Jewish person who has his roots in Judaism is not going to convert to Christianity. There is no form of Christian evangelism that has failed so miserably as evangelizing the Jewish people. They (already) have a faith structure.’ Everyone else, whether Buddhist or Baha’i, needs to believe in Jesus, he says. But not Jews. Jews already have a covenant with God that has never been replaced by Christianity," he says.” “San Antonio fundamentalist battles anti-Semitism".

    This certainly is a shocking statement in the light of Jesus’ words that “I am the way no man comes to the Father but through me” (John 14:6). John further writes, in his first Epistle: “He who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:12).

    The Apostle Paul, as well, would say the opposite of Hagee: “I do not set aside the grace of God: for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain” (Galatians 2:21). Paul is affirming that nothing that the Old Testament offered could avail apart from the death of Jesus.

[To read further on this in an article by G. Richard Fisher, entitled "Christian Zionism And Ethnic Salvation", clickhttp://www.pfo.org/jonhagee.htm or a cached copy at here http://www.tellme1st.net/rockyview/200601/Christian Zionism And Ethnic Salvation.html  --  Tribble]
 

Bush Is Conciliatory in Accepting Victory of Hamas
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/26/AR2006012601009.html?nav=rss_email/components

By Glenn Kessler, Washington Post Staff Writer, Friday, January 27, 2006; Page A15

President Bush accepted the stunning election results in the Palestinian territories yesterday with a conciliatory tone, saying the landslide victory of the militant Islamic group Hamas was rejection of the "status quo" and a repudiation of the "old guard" that had failed to provide honest government and services.

"There's something healthy about a system that does that," Bush said at a news conference. He reiterated that he will not work with Hamas, formally known at the Islamic Resistance Movement, as a "partner of peace" until it renounces its goal of destroying Israel and disarms its militias. But he left unsaid what a Hamas-led government will mean for the distribution of U.S. financial assistance and for American involvement in trying to reach a peace deal.
 

Bush says U.S. will not deal with Hamas as long as it threatens Israel
http://www.salisburypost.com/area/285273161156324.php

WASHINGTON (AP) — Stunned by Hamas' decisive election victory, President Bush said Thursday the United States will not deal with the militant Palestinian group as long as it seeks Israel's destruction.

"If your platform is the destruction of Israel, it means you're not a partner in peace," the president said. "And we're interested in peace." He urged Hamas to reverse course.
 

I N S I G H T The Mouse Story http://www.rkba.org/ contributing editor to   - Bob

This moral has been told several ways.  Here is yet another.  --  Tribble]

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package.

What food might this contain?" The mouse wondered- he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning.

There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me.  I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers."

The mouse turned to the cow and said "There is a mousetrap in the house!  There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey.

The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught.

The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital, and she returned home with a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer's wife did not get well, she died. So many people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them.

The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem, like those who own sporting weapons with military characteristics, or 50 caliber long range target rifles, or who want to be able to defend themselves and their families by carrying a firearm concealed, and think it doesn't concern you, remember -- when one class of gun owners is threatened, we are all at risk.

We call that the "NATO DOCTRINE."
 

We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another to defend the RKBA at any and all costs. EACH OF US IS A VITAL THREAD IN ANOTHER PERSON'S TAPESTRY; OUR LIVES ARE WOVEN TOGETHER FOR A REASON.  PROTECT THE SECOND AMENDMENT AND YOU PROTECT FREEDOM FOR ALL.

 

I N S I G H T The Hidden Face of Terrorism http://www.nexusmagazine.com/articles/hiddenterror.html contributing editor to   - Dan

[This is a studious examination of political dialectics. Share with any church friends who may be deluded into thinking these militant Islamic groups exists and act merely on their own, with no impetus to move them. This is hard for many to swallow, but they had better realize it...  --  Dan]

Terrorism does not emerge by accident but is usually sponsored by the state to serve the demands of a powerful elite, as can be seen in the creation of Osama bin Laden's al-Qa'ida.

Extracted from Nexus Magazine, Volume 10, Number 3 (April-May 2003)
PO Box 30, Mapleton Qld 4560 Australia. editor@nexusmagazine.com
Telephone: +61 (0)7 5442 9280; Fax: +61 (0)7 5442 9381

© by Paul David Collins © 2002
11 Fair Avenue
Medway, Ohio 45341 USA
Telephone: +1 (937) 849 4514
Email: thefaceunveiled@excite.com

The following is an edited extract from The Hidden Face of Terrorism: The Dark Side of Social Engineering, From Antiquity to September 11, by Paul David Collins.

In our modern world, discomforting truths are usually discarded in favour of fictions. One such fiction is the idea that terrorists are disenfranchised dissidents who independently generate the wealth and resources necessary for their heinous acts. Such is the contention of Professor Mark Juergensmeyer. In his article, "Understanding the New Terrorism", he says that modern terrorism "appears pointless since it does not lead directly to any strategic goal" (p. 158).

Juergensmeyer arrives at this conclusion because he restricts his examination to the visible perpetrators, whose motives may be, in fact, irrational. However, he does not examine the patrons of terrorism. Given the exceptional subtlety and discretion of terrorism's shadowy sponsors, Professor Juergensmeyer may just be oblivious to their existence. On the other hand, he could simply be parroting his fellow academicians in order to maintain the status quo.

Whatever the case may be, this contention seems to be the overall view held by the orthodoxy of academia. With such a view vigorously promulgated by the arbiters of the dominant national paradigm, few can recognise those shady individuals who stand to profit from terrorist acts.

To understand terrorism, one must discard the view that arbitrarily characterises it as "a resort to violence or a threat of violence on the part of a group seeking to accomplish a purpose against the opposition of constituted authority" (Adler, Mueller & Laufer, p. 309). Such an impotent notion is predicated upon the hopelessly flawed accidentalist perspective of history. It relegates terrorism, which is the product of conscious effort and design, to the realm of circumstantial spontaneity. In other words, a contrived act suddenly becomes an inexplicable social phenomenon.

In November 1989, Father Ignacio Martín-Baró, a social psychologist, delivered a speech in California on "The Psychological Consequences of Political Terror". In his speech, Martín-Baró gave a much more precise definition of terrorism, one that is ignored only at great peril. Noam Chomsky provides a synopsis of this speech (p. 386):

He [Martín-Baró] stressed several relevant points. First, the most significant form of terrorism, by a large measure, is state terrorism--that is, "terrorizing the whole population through systematic actions carried out by the forces of the state". Second, such terrorism is an essential part of a "government-imposed sociopolitical project" designed for the needs of the privileged.

Disturbing though it may be, Martín-Baró's definition is one validated by history. The majority of terrorism throughout history has found its sponsors in the hallowed halls of officialdom, in the entity known as government. Terrorism is surrogate warfare, a manufactured crisis designed to induce social change. Its combatants consciously or unconsciously wage the war on behalf of higher powers with higher agendas. Whether its adherents are aware of it or not, terrorism always serves the ambitions of another.

In his article, "Fake Terror: The Road to Dictatorship", Michael Rivero states that "It's the oldest trick in the book, dating back to Roman times: creating the enemies you need" (p. 1). The strategy is quite simple: individuals create a crisis so that they can then introduce their desired solution.

Are there recent, modern examples of state-sponsored terrorism? Unfortunately, the answer to that question seems to be "Yes".
Operation Northwoods

The first example is in 1962. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Lyman L. Lemnitzer, and his fellow JCS members wanted to remove Castro from Cuba. Exactly what interests Lemnitzer and his fellow warhawks represented are unclear. However, one thing is apparent: these military men considered Castro an impediment to be expunged by means of overt war.

According to James Bamford, former Washington investigative producer for ABC, the Joint Chiefs of Staff planned to engineer several terrorist acts to instigate war (p. 82):

According to secret and long-hidden documents obtained for Body of Secrets, the Joint Chiefs of Staff drew up and approved plans for what may be the most corrupt plan ever created by the US government. In the name of anticommunism, they proposed launching a secret and bloody war of terrorism against their own country in order to trick the American public into supporting an ill-conceived war they intended to launch against Cuba.

Codenamed Operation Northwoods, the plan, which had the written approval of the Chairman and every member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called for innocent people to be shot on American streets; for boats carrying refugees fleeing Cuba to be sunk on the high seas; for a wave of violent terrorism to be launched in Washington, DC, Miami and elsewhere.

People would be framed for bombings they did not commit; planes would be hijacked. Using phony evidence, all of it would be blamed on Castro, thus giving Lemnitzer and his cabal the excuse, as well as the public and international backing, they needed to launch their war.

Northwoods even called for the military to turn on itself (p. 84):

Among the actions recommended was "a series of well-coordinated incidents to take place in and around" the US Navy Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This included dressing "friendly" Cubans in Cuban military uniforms and then have them "start riots near the main gate of the base. Others would pretend to be saboteurs inside the base. Ammunition would be blown up, fires started, aircraft sabotaged, mortars fired at the base with damage to installations".

Operation Northwoods would draw upon history as well, using the 1898 explosion aboard the battleship Maine in Havana harbour as inspiration (p. 84):

"We could blow up a US ship in Guantanamo Bay and blame Cuba," they proposed; "casualty lists in US newspapers would cause a helpful wave of national indignation."

The attempt to create a Cuban terrorist threat makes it clear that the US government has no reservations about using state-sponsored terrorism to achieve its ends.
American Imperialism and the Terrorist Threat

However, it is in the Oklahoma City bombing of 1995 that one sees the tangible enactment of modern-day state-sponsored terrorism. Many Americans have been taught that loners Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, fuelled by militia-inspired conspiracy theories and white supremacist propaganda, perpetrated one of the worst terrorist acts in American history all by themselves.

[to read the remainder of this article goto http://www.nexusmagazine.com/articles/hiddenterror.html .  --Tribble]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

*  What does "do not drink the kool-aid" mean? [click this line]  or goto this link http://www.tellme1st.net/rockyview/kool-aid/do not drink the kool-aid.html

**  As the ‘Great And Powerful Oz' once said to Dorothy, "Pay No Attention To The Man Behind The Curtain!" because appearances can be deceiving.  You HAVE TO look behind to curtain to learn the truth.
*** Red Herring.  The name of this fallacy comes from the sport of fox hunting in which a dried, smoked herring, which is red in color, is dragged across the trail of the fox to throw the hounds off the scent. Thus, a "red herring" argument is one which distracts the audience from the issue in question through the introduction of some irrelevancy. This frequently occurs during debates when there is an at least implicit topic, yet it is easy to lose track of it. By extension, it applies to any argument in which the premisses are logically irrelevant to the conclusion.

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