2011: The GOP Candidates' Year Of Living Stupid

 By RF Schatten

There were many good stories about Politics in 2011...some very sad, some very inspiring, some very, very serious, and others...well! others, very stupid and extremely funny!! Which brings me to the 2011 Class of Republican Presidential Candidates. This could have been a very serious matter, with very important issues that could make or brake a candidate, and elevate an individual to possibly become the next President of the United States...but, as the days, weeks, and months past by...and a marathon of GOP Presidential Debates ensued, you just couldn't help but feel, that this whole exercise of Democracy in action, has been one great giant... “put on”.

If you are a political junkie, or someone who just wants to be able to look at the issues and the the people who might someday be the Leaders of the Free World...you would stay tuned to the election cycle's Presidential Debates, by either or both Parties...debates by both sides before the Presidential Primaries, has become part of Americana.

2011 was no different...except, a funny thing happened on the way to the primaries. The Democratic Party, because being the Party in power...and a sitting President ready to take the challenge of all comers...didn't need to participate in that exercise. So, it was up to the GOP, to pick who was going to be their Candidate to challenge the President. And before you can blink, a slew of Candidates were declaring their intention...at least 4 of them, jumped into the race because “God told me to run”...obviously, God must have a sense of humor...since he is “Almighty”, and you're not suppose to question his word, he must have been fucking with the minds with 3 of them.

From the start, the field of Presidential wannabees appeared as if they were a casting call for a Cecil B. DeMille epic!! You had enough people exploring or declaring their candidacy, that the entire Roman Legion in Cleopatra, would look minuscule compared to this field!

In all seriousness...there was nothing serious about the 2011 GOP Class. In fact, they resembled not a class of political candidates, but a mix of the classes in “Welcome Back Kotter” and “Saved by the Bell”. What this “Class” resembles, is a Cast of Clowns, right out of a 3 Ring Circus, which is what many writers and commentators call it...I call it: “The Freak Show”!!

Trying to pick who to start with, is difficult, so I'll just start with the 1^st Clown Freak...and he was dressed for the part...orange face and all...Donald Trump. With “The Donald”, there was nothing really funny about him, except his artificial tan. The only semblance of fun he could be associated with, was that he “was” a joke. He said he could deal with any foreign power, by simply telling them; “This is what I'm going to do...and you better line up with me or else”. Not much for diplomacy, and apparently, not much for the GOP...he dropped out soon...he had a choice of running for President or continue his reality show, “The Apprentice”...the GOP pretty much said to him: “You're Fired!!” His excuse was, that he really never formally decided to run.

Next, was a speech in New Hampshire...by another very scholarly member of the Class of 2011...Michele Bachmann. This Lady, not only professes to be a college graduate...but someone who is extremely patriotic. During her speech, she mentions how proud she is, in being in the Cradle of the American Revolution...Concord, NH!! “That's Concord, Mass” said an old friend of mine, from my days in NH. She continued as if nothing happened. “That's Concord, Mass”...he continued, “This is Cancard, New Hammshaa” he said in your typical Upper New England accent. She thought they were smiling, because they liked her speech...they were really laughing, because they saw a Lady running for President, who knew American History, worse than my 12 year old grandson...BTW, he does know American History...better than her. So did the Teenage Girl, who wanted to debate her. Then came “that” moment in Iowa, as she mentioned how proud she was being in the hometown of that great American, John Wayne...she got part of the name right...except, it was, a not so great American...serial killer John Wayne Gacy. There are so many more stories on our Welfare Queen, but just, not enough space for all of them.

We move on to the god ol' Texas Cowboy...Gov. Rick Perry, the Oops! Guy of the Republican Party. First, he could only remember 2 of the 3 Depts of the Government that he wanted to “Cut”...he just couldn't remember the 3^rd...pretty sorry, when those 3 cuts is a major portion of his very own plan. He just couldn't remember his own plan!!! His only remark, when that happened, during a Debate, was...Oops!!!!!! Then came an interview in which he couldn't remember the name of the SCOTUS Justice that he was criticizing...you might call that, another Ooops moment. But the strangest and funniest moment for this man, was in New Hampshire...when he spoke, and appeared to act...oh well!, a little strange you might say. Bill Maher, commented that he once said, that what Rick Perry needed to do was to take some Magic Mushroom... “Well! I never expected him to take me literally”. He did look a little giddy...as they said back in the 60s and 70s; “He must have taken some Windowpane” Well Rick! OOPS!!!!!

There are so many, many moments. Herman “The Pizza Man” Cain, wanted to be President, but his knowledge of Government was not to Par...he didn't know much about the Constitution...when asked about a controversial Constitutional Amendment, which he wanted passed, he said; “As soon as this Amendment passes...I will signed it immediately”. By the way, Mr. Cain...you don't sign Constitutional Amendments, once they are ratified by the States, they become Law!!! And then came the moment of “Uzbecky Becky Becky Stan Stan” , which he said; don't know where it is, who cares. Well, Uzbekistan happens to be the country from which the US Military uses to send its weapons over to Afghanistan. “Well, since as President, I'll have people to do that...I don't need to know where it is. Let's just say, that Foreign Policy, would not have been his strength...now, Family Values? Cain ran as a very deeply religious man, with Morality and Family Values as his strength. Then came the scandals...women after women... “Never heard of them” he pretty much said, “well! maybe I did know that person, but I was never involved in technical issues like Lawyers and Lawsuit Settlements”. Then his mistress of 13 years, Ginger White, came out...oh!!!! I thought we were just friends?”. It turned out that Herman Cain, Deeply Religious Family Man, was just a dirty old philanderer.

There are many stories in this Naked City of Presidential Wannabees, and we cannot cover them all...so I'll end this with one more Candidate...actually, someone who still not a candidate...the Reality Show version of Michele Bachmann...Sarah Palin. Like Bachman, another not too serious student of American History, as we all found out that Paul Revere was signaling the British, that the Americans were waiting to get them??? Sarah!!! Paul Revere was warning the Americans that the British were coming, not to the British, that the Americans were coming!! But, she just Winked and Smiled, and went on her Merry way, without ever acknowledging her mistake. NOW!! the grand finish for the Hockey Mom...she said, if the GOP Convention becomes brokered, she might just decide to enter the competition!!...because she can beat Obama!!

So, I'll end this little tale of Stupids, with what could be the funniest thought of all. The only person, not acting ridiculous throughout these debates and campaign stumps, has been Jon Huntsman...the only Candidate who has remained a gentleman, and looking like a real statesman. Huntsman, may very well be the only candidate who can seriously give Barack Obama, a run for his money. But, because he is an Honorable, Decent, and Respected Human Being and Politician...he is in last place. He is not stupid, and since stupid is as stupid does...the Grand Old Tea Party, will pick the stupidest person they can find.

The Great Upheaval

By Lorenzo A. Cañizares



To understand what is meant by “The Great Upheaval” is important to provide some pertinent facts. We need to realize that there is a dichotomy amongst the American people in how we experience the reality around us. Regular common people that have been lucky enough not to have had to deal with losing a job or being discriminated because of race, gender, sexual preference or religion trying to understand what’s happening in America today, can become difficult especially if they have been mainly just paying attention to daily living.

As we are seeing, most states are going through an attempt to change the reality that Americans live in. Those with jobs, as teachers and state workers that might have been oblivious to the pain being suffered by those that have lost jobs and benefits in the private sector, are getting to know now how it feels. The people doing the deciding are ruthless in their disregard for the popular will or well-being. For example, Charles M. Blow mentions in his NYT column of 2/12/11 that Republicans in New Hampshire have filed bills to overturn the state’s same-sex marriage law, even though, according to a recent WMUR Granite State Poll, the state’s residents want to leave the law in place by a majority of more than 2 to 1. Who cares about being concerned about what constituents want?

The above example of disregard for the popular will is assisted by the corporate stranglehold that exists in our political life. The Supreme Court through their decision in Citizens United has opened the floodgates to corporate money overwhelming our democracy. Conservatives use a committed group of cadres that through the pretext of social issues push for economic policies that will benefit the Greedy Rich. The excuse of fiscal responsibility is widely used a justification to attain the political goals that the Greedy Rich are after. Notice, as in Wisconsin, dismantling of labor unions is the goal under the banner of fiscal responsibility while promoting tax cuts for the very wealthy, tax cuts that will deepen the deficit even further. As the headlines of the newspaper Roll Call said in its July 18 edition “Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell blasts deficit spending, urges extension of tax cuts.” The monies behind the Citizens United decision allow this utterly ridiculous statement to acquire political legitimacy! To make it a double dosage of hypocrisy, McConnell also considers defense spending to be sacrosanct.

The Democratic Party could have not been more compliant in the last Congress. We have seen Democrats watering down legislation one after another trying to gain the cooperation of Republicans. Take the Health Care bill as an example, the Democrats through compromise watered down the bill, but even that watered down bill that if implemented could have been a windfall for health insurance corporations is being rejected because the goal is to defeat Obama. Can anybody be so witless not to understand what Republicans are trying to do? After such a barrage of verbiage regarding jobs, jobs, jobs they are forcing the nation to revive the health care wars, all with the intent of defeating Obama in 2012, as McConnell has let us know to be the goal. Isn’t it coincidental that several Republican Governors have refused government monies to deal with infrastructure reforms that would have produced hundreds of thousands of good paying jobs throughout the country?

A major part of the “Great Upheaval” is what the lap-dogs of the Greedy Rich have been able to come up with just to make sure that we understand the power that they have over us. What’s more clear than what E.J. Montini, a widely read Arizona Republic columnist, description of Arizona’s Governor and Republican legislators as a “death panel” that has originally condemned 98 Arizonans to death because it’s not cost effective to provide them organ transplants. Two has already died. Republicans do run effective death panels!

But, nothing is a more clear indication of the “Great Upheaval” than what’s going on in Wisconsin. Governor Walker intent is to destroy the unions, to destroy what brought the American working class into the middle class, and to destroy the societal cushion that was the base of America’s prosperity. Governor Walker’s plan would limit collective bargaining for most state and local government employees to wages, leaving issues like benefits and work conditions to their respective employer’s whims. It would require workers to contribute more to their pensions and health care, limit wage increases to a cap based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and limit contracts to one year. It would require unions to take annual votes to maintain certification while also permitting workers to stop paying union dues.

These are just a few examples of what the Greedy Rich have done in their attempt to maximize profits coming their way. Notice we have not talked about wars, Wall Street, the Mortgage crisis, etc. But, we can be certain now that we have arrived to the point that those who don’t see it, is because they just don’t want to see it.

The “Great Upheaval” is about to unravel.

The New Fourth Reich

 By Darwin Phillips


I awakened this morning to a most informative and accurate portrayal of what we are indeed facing once again in this world of cycles, I must have nodded off last night with the TV on, as I woke up to Spencer Tracy and Burt Lancaster in "Judgement at Nuremberg".

I had much to do, but was captivated by the incredible cast of actors and actresses as well as the subject matter, as I watched it became blazingly clear that we are yet again deeply ensconced in the trials and tribulations of that era, in other words what was happening then is again happening now, much the same as the correlation between our War in Iraq and the Police Action that was Vietnam, It became very clear that the Nazi's of that day are here among us yet today, just as the great inspiring words of Martin Luther King, the Kennedy's, and many others survive in the hearts and minds of our people, the evil insanity of a Hitler does as well for others, we must not forget the reality of Yin and Yang, and for every action there is a reaction, Hitler is not dead !...he never died in the minds of people that subscribe to that train of thought.

I have just over 500 friends on Face Book, and I do consider each and every one of them a friend, as most of us have conversed for quite a while, and my new friends seem every bit as committed to saving this Country as do any of us, I do not do this very often but I would urge every one of you to rent, download or otherwise watch this movie, those of you that have seen it in the past, I would urge you all to see it again, it will illuminate a great deal of what is going on today 62 years later !

99 Nazis were sentenced to life, not one of them completed that sentence and some survive I'm sure, what's important here is that I began to see correlations between the Nazi mind and those that conspire against America today...nothing has changed when one takes a hard unbiased look at what the neo-conservative branch of our Government is trying so desperately to accomplish, it is abundantly clear that they have simply expanded a deep hatred for minorities to the entire middle class and the poor, to them we are all JEWS and must be exterminated, the tactics are all the very same although slightly more polished in their presentation, but make no mistake, this is all still about World Domination by the Wealthy, the Corporations, the Banks, and the new Reich !!! from this point forward I have to see the so-called "YOUNG GUNS" the "HOUSE REPUBLICANS" and all of their backers and supporters as the New Nazis of the Fourth Reich.

Everything in our existence is cyclical, there truly is nothing new under the Sun, what has been will be, and what is, shall be repeated...what we need to do is awaken and see the reality for what it is, Please get the movie and see if what it portrays hits you the same as it did me !!!...when I see The John Boehners, Mitch McConnells, Paul Ryans, Dick Armeys of this present world I can't help but see them in SS Uniforms, long Black Boots and a Swastika emblazoned or their chest, yelling zieg heil !!! the difference I see however is that this group of Nazis is by no means as intellectually astute as those that Hitler commanded, they are fragmented and ill advised, but make no mistake about how dangerous they are or can be !!!

The President should never assent to any of their demands as they have made their case blisteringly clear, and we should engage and fight them at every turn, and especially with the VOTE !!!

Why Being Catholic, Necessary Doesn't Mean You Have To Donate To Them

BY RUTH C. SCHATTEN

My husband and I have been married for 36 years; we have 6 children and 7.5 grandchildren. After moving from New Hampshire we realized that we had lost our Citizenship papers, and the kids’ Birth Certificates, Social Security Cards, and any document, such as our marriage licenses and well, basically, we lost any documents that we owned. We did not worry for the kids were born here in the USA. So they were covered, plus the school records had a copy of the documents that were needed for them to transfer here.

One of our children had a baby in New Hampshire, we ordered the baby’s Social Security Cards and his Birth Certificate, BUT! His mother’s papers were lost and she was born in California. Birth Certificates from California take 6 months to get to you. She needed a job to be able to maintain the baby. She was old enough to get a Driver’s License. She needed her Birth Certificate, she needed her Social Security Card, and she needed a Florida ID Card to be able to work.

We decided to go to the States’ Driver’s License Bureau for a week and spoke to everyone we could. After a week, one of the officers felt sorry for her and gave her the Driver’s License. She told us that if we used her name, she would loose her job.

Years later, our finances went out the window and we decided to ask the State for my husband’s Citizenship Certificate (it’s a very long story about his Citizenship situation). According to the website, Homeland Security (www. Dhs.gov/ index.shtm) they would help you get your papers if you send them a notarized paper stating that you don’t have the money to pay their fees. And send them a copy of any paper such as the food stamps qualification notice. By the time that we decided to move on this…for we thought that living in a society that helped each other, the decision to apply for the Citizenship papers was going to be easy and in good order…we were in bad straights.

A tree had fallen on the roof of the mobile home where we lived. We had a big porch so we placed tents there so that we could have a sort of roof over our head. Besides, the county does not allow anyone to live in tents that can be seen from the street, and our neighbors would call code, animal control, and any thing that they could because we were not “Americans”. So, for one year, we tried anything and everything that we could to earn money for the family, we could not afford electricity and the trailer was bad enough that it would be a fire hazard to turn the electricity on. So, my son and my husband decided to go and walk 2 miles to a big intersection and panhandle, beg for money with a sign. Most people were wonderful but others would call them winos and would not help. We did find good neighbors and good friends out of the deal, but we did not want to have to beg, we wanted to go out there and make a decent living!

We started by getting our computers out, and sending letters out to our Governor, our US Representatives, and our Senators. The governor ignored us completely, the representative, ignored us also. Rep. Grayson’s people called us but they ultimately turned their backs on us. (The one and only time that I have voted Republican, was against Grayson). If he could not help a DEMOCRATIC family in need, what good was he? He did Vote for him, though. We were about to give up, when Senator Bill Nelson’s people called us and through them, my husband was able to get his Citizenship and consequently his Social Security benefits.

In between this time, the family needed to eat, and needed to get gasoline for the generator and little things like health care. Neither one of us had a family that could help us. My father is 97 years old and he needs the help himself.

We decided to go out there and ask for help to different agencies that help people in need. I figured that they would be there to help us so that I could get my Citizenship papers and could go out there and work.

I went to a place called Brother’s Keeper. Part of a Catholic Church, in Downtown Ocala. A Mr. Stephens asked me to come into his office.  He wanted me to explain why, being a Catholic, I was not going to church, so stupid me told him what we were going through. If we did not have money for food, how could we get enough money to go to church? He asked about my grandson, who was living with us. Intrusive questions! And proceeded to give me a lecture on why people like us needed to go out and FIND help instead of sitting in his office and asking for things to be given to them for free. Furthermore, he was going to call Children and Family, so that they could go and take my grandson away from lazy good for nothings like us.

The Children and Family people were in my land at 8 AM the next day to take our grandson away from us. Why am I telling you all this?

Well, what goes around comes around and people. Today I found a brown paper bag from Brother’s Keeper in my newspaper asking people to give them things for FREE! They want your donations so that they can help people like me, for the holidays.

According to their rules, they don’t help anyone that is younger then 62 with food. That they make you feel like the shit, they think you are? Of course they do!! The Parish is made up of the Catholic Elite of the County…and it’s not my fault, that where I live, is part of that Parish. The other Parishes won’t help you…unless you are a member of that Parish.

You know what I say to all this? I am the 99% and I don’t give donations to a church that caters to the 1%! Won’t you join me in this?

Send an email to this church and let them know why the 99% does not give them donations! If they want donations, they better go out there and help the unemployed, the senior citizens, and the families that need the help!

Email: oeu@ocalafl.org

In God, Who Do We Trust?

By RF Schatten

Not too long ago, I was going into a supermarket...when suddenly, walking through the parking lot, I noticed a bumper sticker that read: “He Belongs To Us...Keep God In America”

I'm looking at this, and I couldn't stop thinking, how we have gotten, as a Nation, to this point in American History? Who are we, to claim “God” for ourselves?...as he were a product, a commodity.

It has become a sorry state, in which we invoke the name of God, for any reason whatsoever, and specially by Politicos who try to use it, for their greedy self-gains...it's just wrong and shameful, period!

Never in my life, have I seen the use of “God” so much as part of our Political Discourse. Politicians throw the word “God” for anything, specially the Fear of God to grab the minds of the citizenry. The most blasphemous thing a man can do.

There is so much hypocrisy today...the 2012 GOP list of candidates comes to mind. Here we have, at least 3 candidates, who preach GOD, as if he were a Political Talking Point....and the hypocrisy used by them, and all the Tea Party and GOP, these days. All 3 candidates, are running because they all say: “God told me to run”. Somewhere along the line, if God really told them to run...at least 2 them are either lying or really do not understand God. The almighty, can only anoint one person!!

Lets take these 3 Godly people, one at a time. First and foremost, you have one guy, who even sings in his Church's Choir, but has a little problem with his Libido...as much as he denies it, too many people are coming out, accusing him of sexual misconduct...one has even come out in public, on TV, and given her name...it turns out, that this joker...is just a Dirty Old Man. The second Gunslinger, is so religious and fair minded, that his hunting lodge is called “Niggerhead Ranch”...very Christian of him, isn't it? And this is a man, who had a Religious Rally with 30,000 people, and led them in Prayer; “Lord, you are the source of every good thing,” he bowed his head, closed his eyes and leaned into a microphone at Reliant Stadium. “You are our only hope, and we stand before you today in awe of your power and in gratitude for your blessings, and humility for our sins. Father, our heart breaks for America”, like I said, he's a very religious guy!! The third candidate, is known by Politico.com as the “Welfare Queen” ...this “Lady”, attacks the welfare system, and attacks Federal Subsidies on Farming, attacks Medicaid, while all along, accepting over $251,973.00 in Farm Subsidies for her Farm between 1995 and 2006 , accepted Welfare Checks for her Foster Children Program...that's $70,000.00 a year (according to the State Welfare Dept. for the Town of Stillwater...her residence) for each Child, that's 70K per pop for 20something kids. Accepted $137,000 in Medicaid reimbursements for her husband Marcus' Gay Therapy Clinic. Accepted a $417,000 federally subsidized loan from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to help purchase a luxury house, a 5,200-square-foot home on a golf course. This while she was trying to dismantle the two big Mortgage Giants. A truly, very Godly human being.

Then, after all these super human bundles of Christian Kindness, we come to everyone else...unbelievable what you might here these days from these kind, righteous, and very religious Christians.

It's just unbelievable to hear what comes out from today's Christian Conservative Movement... “Let them Die!!, Let them Die!!” was the shouts from the audience at a GOP Debate, when a question was put to the candidates, asking what should a person without Healthcare Insurance do, if he is very sick, and in danger of dying. In another debate, Rick Perry was adulating himself, for his tremendous record of Texas Executions...the crowd had a huge roar of approval...they really must enjoy seeing people die?? At yet, in another debate, a question from a Gay serviceman, who is actively serving in a combat zone, brought a huge round of Boos from the audience...all because he was Gay! Never mind, that he was in a war, defending the freedom...of exactly those, who were booing him. This is all totally despicable, and so Un-Christian, so Un-Godly!

Today, we're seeing people talk about God, being everything! Any fault about the Economy, about Jobs, about Society and its Social Classes, about the environment...is the fault of either Obama, or the Democrats, or the Poor, or the sick, or the homeless...because it was God's way of punishing everyone because these people exist...or because God is punishing us because Obama got elected. The earthquakes, twisters, hurricanes? It's God's way of punishing us for electing Obama. Personally, this is totally sick!!...from the minds of very sick and despicable people.

It's amazing, how so many people who call themselves Christians, can support these Charlatans, who profess to do what they do, because “God told me to”. These are the worst of the worst...using Christianity to drive their megalomaniacal ambitions, while using fanatical ignorance, to reach its followers, and divide this Nation.

The Eight Beatitudes of Jesus Christ are:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

"Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

"Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

"Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God."

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God."

"Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."

“The Corporal Works of Mercy”...are:

1. Feed The Hungry
2. Give Drink To The Thirsty
3. Clothes The Naked
4. Shelter The Homeless
5. Comfort The Imprisoned
6. Visit The Sick
7. Bury The Dead

I don't need to give you all the references, but for the record, this is from:

the Gospel of St. Matthew 5:3-10

Above, is totally contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ, as taught by the Tea Party Nation and the Conservative American Christian Evangelicals...and their belief in the elimination of the Welfare System for the poor, eliminating Healthcare for those in financial despair, the dismantling of Social Security for the Elderly, along with Medicare. Why would they act so Non Christ-Like, with their actions and thoughts?...why would they want to push these ideals on me, and at least 200,000,000 million other Americans? Preaching Hatred, Bigotry, and Racism...while Praising the Lord.

We are in the mist of Social Class Warfare in America...and GOD...has been, and will be, in the center of all Political Talking Points. The Right, wants make God, part of the American Right Wing Establishment...they want God, all for themselves. They are perpetrating all this evil, with the use of Fox News...and all of News Corporation, as their very own Propaganda Machine...to convince the Nation, as well as the World, that whatever they do is right, because “God” is on their side.

My question is; “Who do we trust”? Jesus, according to the Bible, and the Gospel of St. Matthew? Or Jesus, according to the Gospel of Perry, Bachmann, Cain, and all the rest of the Tea Party, GOP, Pat Robertson, and Jimmy Swaggart?

By RF Schatten

Not too long ago, I was going into a supermarket...when suddenly, walking through the parking lot, I noticed a bumper sticker that read: “He Belongs To Us...Keep God In America”

I'm looking at this, and I couldn't stop thinking, how we have gotten, as a Nation, to this point in American History? Who are we, to claim “God” for ourselves?...as he were a product, a commodity.

It has become a sorry state, in which we invoke the name of God, for any reason whatsoever, and specially by Politicos who try to use it, for their greedy self-gains...it's just wrong and shameful, period!

Never in my life, have I seen the use of “God” so much as part of our Political Discourse. Politicians throw the word “God” for anything, specially the Fear of God to grab the minds of the citizenry. The most blasphemous thing a man can do.

There is so much hypocrisy today...the 2012 GOP list of candidates comes to mind. Here we have, at least 3 candidates, who preach GOD, as if he were a Political Talking Point....and the hypocrisy used by them, and all the Tea Party and GOP, these days. All 3 candidates, are running because they all say: “God told me to run”. Somewhere along the line, if God really told them to run...at least 2 them are either lying or really do not understand God. The almighty, can only anoint one person!!

Lets take these 3 Godly people, one at a time. First and foremost, you have one guy, who even sings in his Church's Choir, but has a little problem with his Libido...as much as he denies it, too many people are coming out, accusing him of sexual misconduct...one has even come out in public, on TV, and given her name...it turns out, that this joker...is just a Dirty Old Man. The second Gunslinger, is so religious and fair minded, that his hunting lodge is called “Niggerhead Ranch”...very Christian of him, isn't it? And this is a man, who had a Religious Rally with 30,000 people, and led them in Prayer; “Lord, you are the source of every good thing,” he bowed his head, closed his eyes and leaned into a microphone at Reliant Stadium. “You are our only hope, and we stand before you today in awe of your power and in gratitude for your blessings, and humility for our sins. Father, our heart breaks for America”, like I said, he's a very religious guy!! The third candidate, is known by Politico.com as the “Welfare Queen” ...this “Lady”, attacks the welfare system, and attacks Federal Subsidies on Farming, attacks Medicaid, while all along, accepting over $251,973.00 in Farm Subsidies for her Farm between 1995 and 2006 , accepted Welfare Checks for her Foster Children Program...that's $70,000.00 a year (according to the State Welfare Dept. for the Town of Stillwater...her residence) for each Child, that's 70K per pop for 20something kids. Accepted $137,000 in Medicaid reimbursements for her husband Marcus' Gay Therapy Clinic. Accepted a $417,000 federally subsidized loan from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to help purchase a luxury house, a 5,200-square-foot home on a golf course. This while she was trying to dismantle the two big Mortgage Giants. A truly, very Godly human being.

Then, after all these super human bundles of Christian Kindness, we come to everyone else...unbelievable what you might here these days from these kind, righteous, and very religious Christians.

It's just unbelievable to hear what comes out from today's Christian Conservative Movement... “Let them Die!!, Let them Die!!” was the shouts from the audience at a GOP Debate, when a question was put to the candidates, asking what should a person without Healthcare Insurance do, if he is very sick, and in danger of dying. In another debate, Rick Perry was adulating himself, for his tremendous record of Texas Executions...the crowd had a huge roar of approval...they really must enjoy seeing people die?? At yet, in another debate, a question from a Gay serviceman, who is actively serving in a combat zone, brought a huge round of Boos from the audience...all because he was Gay! Never mind, that he was in a war, defending the freedom...of exactly those, who were booing him. This is all totally despicable, and so Un-Christian, so Un-Godly!

Today, we're seeing people talk about God, being everything! Any fault about the Economy, about Jobs, about Society and its Social Classes, about the environment...is the fault of either Obama, or the Democrats, or the Poor, or the sick, or the homeless...because it was God's way of punishing everyone because these people exist...or because God is punishing us because Obama got elected. The earthquakes, twisters, hurricanes? It's God's way of punishing us for electing Obama. Personally, this is totally sick!!...from the minds of very sick and despicable people.

It's amazing, how so many people who call themselves Christians, can support these Charlatans, who profess to do what they do, because “God told me to”. These are the worst of the worst...using Christianity to drive their megalomaniacal ambitions, while using fanatical ignorance, to reach its followers, and divide this Nation.

The Eight Beatitudes of Jesus Christ are:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

"Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

"Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

"Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God."

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God."

"Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."

“The Corporal Works of Mercy”...are:

1. Feed The Hungry
2. Give Drink To The Thirsty
3. Clothes The Naked
4. Shelter The Homeless
5. Comfort The Imprisoned
6. Visit The Sick
7. Bury The Dead

I don't need to give you all the references, but for the record, this is from:

the Gospel of St. Matthew 5:3-10

Above, is totally contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ, as taught by the Tea Party Nation and the Conservative American Christian Evangelicals...and their belief in the elimination of the Welfare System for the poor, eliminating Healthcare for those in financial despair, the dismantling of Social Security for the Elderly, along with Medicare. Why would they act so Non Christ-Like, with their actions and thoughts?...why would they want to push these ideals on me, and at least 200,000,000 million other Americans? Preaching Hatred, Bigotry, and Racism...while Praising the Lord.

We are in the mist of Social Class Warfare in America...and GOD...has been, and will be, in the center of all Political Talking Points. The Right, wants make God, part of the American Right Wing Establishment...they want God, all for themselves. They are perpetrating all this evil, with the use of Fox News...and all of News Corporation, as their very own Propaganda Machine...to convince the Nation, as well as the World, that whatever they do is right, because “God” is on their side.

My question is; “Who do we trust”? Jesus, according to the Bible, and the Gospel of St. Matthew? Or Jesus, according to the Gospel of Perry, Bachmann, Cain, and all the rest of the Tea Party, GOP, Pat Robertson, and Jimmy Swaggart?

The 2011 Occupy Movement: 60s All Grown Up

 By RF Schatten

Very amazing things are happening in Wall Street, Chicago, LA, Oakland, Detroit, Boston, and other cities around the Country...and around the Globe. I would call the Occupy Movement...The 60s all grown up. They are succeeding where they couldn't in the 60s. Don't take me wrong! the 60s movement won their battles...but not before so much divisiveness in the Country. They stopped the war, the civil rights was vindicated, when LBJ signed the Civil Rights Act...and, to an extent, the Women Rights movement won too. US Society, as well as World Society, has been shaped, by what happened in the 60s.

Today, all those issues are part of the establishment's conventional wisdom. It changed the way American Society is defined today. The Anti-Establishment, grows up...and becomes the Establishment. All this, really brings Hope, to the Progressive and Liberal Movements in America.

We all know, what the Protests are all about, and the reasons for it...what is amazing, the way it has mushroomed throughout the United States, with Occupy groups in every major city in the Country, and spreading though tiny towns in every state. General Strikes are being planned throughout the Nation, Unions are joining in, the Middle Class and the Poor have never related so much, ever before...and it's not just in America...the entire World, now has Occupy in every major City. This has become a World Movement. All with the same significant issue...the disproportion of wealth. How 1%-2% of the wealth...controls the 98%-99% of the population. We all have the same problems, no matter where you're from.

The Occupy Movement, will get those changes they want, in time....but, it will not happen immediately. Now, why are they getting the country, so much...behind them??? Two reasons...they are not resorting to violence, as in the 60s...they are using their heads...the violence is being perpetrated on them, this time!!...that is one thing that has the Citizenry behind them...you will have the sit-ins, etc...the hard core Activists handle that. Activism in protest, whether is the Red or the Blue...is part of the process. Second, in the 60s, the Middle Class...the Hard Hats, followed the Drumbeat of the Republicans...today, that Drumbeat is going down the Democrats' path.

To me, there is no doubt that the 60's movement has grown up...much more organized, which is kind of funny, since in the 60s, they where very well organized by the different groups of those days. Today, in the Occupy Movement, there is no central organization...everyone finds a way to get things done, with virtually, no leadership. It truly is people from all different kinds of lifestyles, working together, for the same goals. The best example, was in Zuccotti Park, when they literally got on their hands and knees, and scrubbed down with soap and water, the entire park...its sidewalks, walkways, benches, etc. They have acted completely responsible for every action, they've taken.

And every time, Law Enforcement gets their little dirty hands on it, every time someone goes to jail...the Movement doubles!! You would think, that they would just ignore it, and let it die down. It won't...they will continue, the Police will continue.

Activism has always been part of demonstrations and protests. Civil Disobedience, has always been the proper and peaceful means to fight for your cause...and now, it is being used once again. Is it wrong for the use of Civil Disobedience? Of course not!! It was used by Ghandhi, it was used by King, it was used by all the 60s movements, it has been used in protests around the world since. This process, has always been scorned by the Right...”blame everything on the Hippies!” was their battle cry...the dirty hippies, free love, dope!! Use the Commie or Socialist label...that always works. Today, the Right, is beginning to revert back to their only attack...”It's Socialism”...even FOX News commentators are saying that the Occupy Movement is Socialist inspired and run by socialists, trying to make America, a Socialist Country. All the Free Sex, the Drugs, public urination...every excuse to put the People there, down, as nobody...”go out and get a job!!” is the cry of the Right. Some are even saying that the movement is being run by Terrorists, and one crazy character of the Tea Party is calling the movement, a part of Muslim Jihad, and run by the “Muslim Brotherhood”. When you don't have positive responses about present circumstances, always fall back to your standard response. What the Grand Old Tea Party doesn't understand, and why so many have started following the Movement everyday, is that...the Socialism bit, and the Drug bit, and the free sex bit, is too old...40-45 years too old. The truth, things are so straight, in the up and up, that Bill Maher...went to an Occupy rally, and was not offered some Pot: “I was totally offended” he said.

Right now, the Dems, Liberals and Progressives, seem to have the upper hand on the whole situation. Who is better? I don't know, I really don't...but, the GOP really needs a leader, who will bring the Mainstream of the Party back...which has been turned off by the Tea Party. As its stands, the GOP internally has more problems now, than they ever had before...and if the Tea Party manages to get control of the GOP Platform in 2012, they will gain control of the Party...and it will mean the end, of the GOP as we know it! Why is Obama favored by almost every Pundit, Republican and Democrat alike? forget the polls...that doesn't mean anything till June or July of 2012. Obama, like him or hate him...looks Presidential and articulate, which he is...the GOP has nobody from this collective group of characters, that can go up on him, except Jon Huntsman...but, Huntsman is too liberal in their minds, and not Christian enough...as Mormons are called by the Right Wing; “Cultists”? Huntsman, is the only candidate they have, that looks Presidential, is articulate, is a bonafide Statesman

(as former Ambassador to China), has true moral character, and is a decent and honorable man...that's why he is near last, in every poll taken by the GOP...it goes with the territory!

The Occupy Movement has grown up, since the Radical 60s. Not as radical, and definitely more Prudent...and Honorable. It has grown beyond, what anybody ever expected...and it just keeps growing by the day...and now worldwide. This Movement cannot be stopped, it's just...”Too Big To Fail”.   Oh yes!! They have grown up!!

Get Serious About Debt Reduction

By Margarita Mercure Hibbs

Everyone agrees that budget cuts are necessary.  Everyone is asked to participate in a shared sacrifice.  Statements like Speaker Boehner’s “So be it!” hit hard and appear to be delivered with indifference to the actual pain of the people that will be impacted by Congress’ $61 Billion decision.  The problem is that these cuts represent less than 2 percent of the deficit. They will not even come close to balancing the budget.  America's debt is $1.65 Trillion Dollars!  This is not serious deficit reduction. This is political posturing.

The Military and Defense Industry budget is never under scrutiny.   There is constant pork barrel for manufacturing plants devoted to military things that were long ago obsolete.  B-2 Bombers and Sea to Land amphibious transports are still being manufactured without regard for necessity or cost, as just two examples.  The industry is not asked to retool and reinvent their plants or products for state of the art improvements or alternative energy components or technologies.  Ironic isn’t it that the Torrance County government budget is managing financially better since the tax revenue from the alternative energy Wind Plant in the south?

The Auto Industry was asked to become more energy efficient when it went seeking Government Loans.  These loans have since been paid off with interest to the American taxpayer, and subsequently saved the industry and most of the jobs.  GM is now recalling the 2000 employees that were let go, back to work.  This is sustainability and innovation in practice.  Why shouldn’t we expect the same from our Military Industry? I am not saying that these jobs should be eliminated.  I am asking the following question. Would it not be better to support their transition to creating and building components that ensure our independence from foreign oil and bring our men, women and resources home?

Now the GOP tells us that cutting Department of Justice Funding is necessary.  This is particularly interesting from a party that has told us that they are “tough on crime”.  According to Conservative politicians and spokespeople like, Tom Tancredo, Jan Brewer and Susana Martinez, Border States like New Mexico are under attack from the rampant and unchecked drug cartels from the south. Having raised two boys who were abandoned by drug addicted mothers; I can assure you that I understand the problems and challenges created by drug-infested communities, first hand.

Every mayor, county commissioner, judge, police chief and sheriff in rural America should be very worried about their Enforcement Department funding.  In particular, the manner in which our rural areas are going to be inundated with said drug trafficking should be of major concern.  For Torrance County, this has long been a problem.  Drugs permeate our schools, businesses and medical and emergency health communities.

We know that when it comes to begging for money, rural communities are low on the totem pole in comparison to cities that have the funding to pay professional lobbyists to beg on their behalf.  The cities get the lion share of the funding. Inevitably, crime will continue to move out to the country where there is less law enforcement in vast geographic territories like Torrance County.

Here are the proposed cuts according to the House Appropriations Committee. Most of these cuts are in the Department of Justice programs, where funding for the states comes. The bill will also include the elimination of the COPS hiring program altogether.

ONDCP - $69 million
BJA Programs - $256 million, from a baseline of $1.48 billion
OJJDP Programs - $2.3 million
Drug Intelligence Center - $11 million
Law Enforcement Wireless Communications - $52 million
US Marshals Service - $10 million
FBI - $74 million
State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance - $256 million
Juvenile Justice - $2.3 million
COPS - $600 million.

We know if we follow the money and dissect the language, their agenda is revealed.  This agenda no longer rests on our interests, but instead benefits attorneys, administrators, insurance industry executives and corporations that care little about us.  God help the taxpayer that is not wealthy and connected.  That now means 98% of us.

We have a Wall Street and Banking industry that has been found culpable for the economic duress that our country is in and not one of these criminals has been indicted.  We taxpayers know that they will skate.  Apparently, white-collar crime is above the law and is now completely politicized.  As we file our taxes, we are told that we should be okay with the many corporations that do not pay one dime in corporate taxes to our country because of instruments like NAFTA and various tax cuts for the extremely wealthy given by the GOP controlled Congress during the Bush Administration.

The premise is if they get to keep more of their money, they create jobs.  The fact is that over the last 12 years they have not created many jobs here in America.  The response of course is “Margarita, it’s legal. So what?”  Yes, it is legal, but is it moral and patriotic that during the worst recession of our time, and the fact that we are at war on three fronts, that small communities and poor people continue to shoulder so much of the burden of this philosophy?  This is not acceptable!  This is not “Shared Sacrifice”.

His Echos Are Being Heard...Howard Beale Lives!!

by RF Schatten

Fascinating things are happening in America...and they are happening fast!!

For the first time since the 60s, people have become inspired and motivated, in what's happening to this Nation.

It started with a little movement, called “Occupy Wall Street”...a little movement that has grown tenfold. And continues to grow...not only in New York, but all over the United States, and now...all over the World!! check out occupytogether.org ...this is real, folks!!

A movement that symbolizes the agony and frustrations of the common man. How it all began, with a minor amount of people...and how it has grown, will make these events, certainly, part of a new chapter, in US History.

What is remarkable, was that just a very few, knew of these Demonstrations. The mainstream media, for whatever absurd or sordid reason...kept it quiet from the public...Fox News, obviously kept a tied lip. Only a few brave souls, decided to report on it. Give the Internet, and Current TV's Keith Olbermann, all the credit in the world.

Now, like most peaceful demonstrations, if it's going to get the attention it deserves, something has to happen...and in this case, it did. Why? Nobody really knows...although, it would be in the interest of everybody, to ask why, and who started it. But, living in an age of high technology and communication...it didn't take long to see, when the NYPD started to Pepper Spray some young women. No one caused any problems for this to happen...it has remained extremely peaceful...but, the actions of the Police, was enough to incite more people to join in. Since then, more than 700 peaceful souls, have been arrested. Now, the Marchers are using acts of Civil Disobedience, and like all Civil Disobedience, its a means of non-violent resistance...but, like the 60s, the Night Sticks of the Police have made their presence felt...more beatings, more arrests!! They say, that if you want a protest to stop, don't piss people off...you will just make it bigger. In the case of New York...the NYPD, just made it mushroom, larger than anyone have ever expected.

Why are so many people, so infuriated...that they are willing to go out and march, to protest, to demonstrate their fillings? In Wall Street, it was simply the fact that people are fed up!!...fed up with not having enough money to buy food for their children...not having enough to buy goods for their family...not having enough to keep themselves, and their families healthy...unable to afford Medical Care for their life threatening diseases. Unable to afford good schooling, unable to afford to pay their mortgages. 400 People in this Country today, have more wealth, in combined Cash, Stock, and Property...than the assets of 155 Million Americans, combined!! The 99% are mad!! and want the 1% to pay their share in taxes...and for Corporations to stop hiding behind loopholes, and pay their Taxes, period. They want the Big Banks and Big Money, to stop ripping the public off.

And the Movement has grown...to all the other ills suffered by US Citizens...their Constitutional Rights, whether those are Immigration Rights, Civil Rights, Women Rights, Gay Rights, and every other Right under our Constitution. Factions in this Country are trying to either remove or forbid others from using...the removal of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Unemployment Compensation, Union Rights, Child labor Laws, Labor Rights to all Individuals, and the Disenfranchisement of the American Voters.

People are tired! people are fed up! people are seeing how the GOP and their fanatical puppets...the Tea Party...have been all bought by the Giant Corporations, and the Conservative Rich Elite, in order to place them in power and control of the US Government, to take away “We, The People”...and replace them with “We, The Corporations”. People are fed up of watching how the Social Conservative Movement is trying to convert this nation from a true Democracy, with a variety of Social Classes...into one Ruling Class Society, run by a Theocratic Fascist Oligarchy!! or even a Plutocracy!!

People are getting tired, they are waking up to the fact, that the GOP doesn't really care about the Middle Class, or the Poor Class...they are saying so, everywhere! “Enough is Enough!!”...and in the words of Howard Beale: “I'M MAD AS HELL, AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!”

Howard Beale, may have been a fictional character made up by Paddy Chayefsky...years ago, in 1976. But, what he said, could very well, be today! It's too long to write down the entire speech of “MAD AS HELL”, but look it up!! in the Internet...the complete speech is all there...and sounds like America 2011.

Yes!! this nation...Progressives, Liberals, Independents, Sensible Decent Republicans...Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Jews, Muslims, Orientals...everybody! Men and Women alike, are Echoing Howard Beale...as is, the rest of the world.

The problems in this Country, has had serious ramifications throughout the world. Everyone is looking at America...as their Lightning Rod, as we looked to the Arab Spring, for inspiration. Remarkable, how a small group of people, have mobilized, not just this Nation...but, the entire Planet.

We’re All In This Together

By James R. Herman



Freedom and the golden rule demands inclusion rather than exclusion. Some people are worried about securing our borders and want to build a fence at the Mexican border. Here’s a lesson we can draw from WWII. This horrible action was repeated many times with the same result. People were gassed to death inside concentration camps. After the gassing was finished and everyone was dead they went in to remove the bodies for cremation. Here’s what they found every time. All the bodies were in a heap. The weak were at the bottom and the strongest were at the top. People fought for that last breath of fresh air. A pregnant woman might expel her fetus in the struggle. The evidence showed that people had bitten, scratched, clawed, punched, kicked and generally fought each other in the most heinous ways to compete for that last breath of air. These were normal, civilized caring people who would never have behaved this way under normal circumstances.

The lesson here is that when people are treated badly, then they behave badly. Or when resources are scarce and people feel threatened, then behavior goes from bad to worse. The expressions of this exclusion on a large scale are war and genocide.


The only way to achieve peace is to make sure everyone has enough. So this certainly means keeping the population at a sustainable level so there are enough resources for everyone to have a quality of life. Certainly we humans are smarter than animals so we do not have to live by the law of the jungle. History shows us that we can always find something to fight about. So having a single race, a single religion or a single country etc will not lead to peace. Each person needs to be judged by his/her own behavior rather than as being part of a group. So rather than exclude the group just exclude the individual who exhibits bad behavior. So we will always need police and jails. Again it comes down to freedom and the golden rule. What follow is tolerance, happiness and having a quality of life which maximizes the probability of having peace, harmony and inclusion.

The really disheartening thing is, that this is not comprehended. If it were then why would we choose misery over happiness? The framers of our constitution said that we all have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They acknowledged that everyone just wants to live a happy life. Exclusionary zoning violates one’s freedom to live in a home of one’s own choosing. Exclusionary zoning denies one the freedom to pursue happiness. It just doesn’t get any more basic than this.

An Insult To The Intelligence Of His Own Race

by RF Schatten

When Herman Cain was interviewed on Television recently, he spoke about something, that he has persistently been questioning...ever since his declaration to run for the Republican Party: “Why can people understand that a Black man, can be a Conservative?”

I don't know, why he is so persistent on letting people know that he is a Conservative? His insistence, appears more a problem with his own inner mind, than anything else. The reality of the matter, is that no one cares...whether he's Conservative or not. But to Herman Cain...it is he, who keeps bringing the subject out...certainly, is not the Press, who are genuinely trying to cover his Candidacy, as just another GOP candidate...a former CEO of a Pizza Chain, who did good as a businessman, and now wants to run for President, on the merits of his financial business knowledge.

Now, he has gone a step further...saying that Blacks have been “Brainwashed” into voting, not being open-minded, not even considering a conservative point of view, and being part of the Democratic Party. I'm not Black, but in all honesty...it appears as an Insult to the Black Community...and, to all my Black fiends and colleagues...that they are not intelligent enough, or not educated enough, or not even, just have plain common sense... to be able to make up their own minds.

What Herman Cain may not understand...or maybe, he's too naïve to understand, is that Blacks do remember “History”...and what lessons they have learned about the Grand Old Party. Now, you mix in Social Conservatism and Fundamentalist Christianity...into the GOP, and it's a clear big sign, that reads: “We don't want people of Color, to mix with our Women and Children, or Ourselves”. Actually, they just don't want Blacks to succeed. A clear indication is Barack Obama...and the treatment, and disrespect he gets from the GOP Tea Party...as Jon Stewart said: The Tea Party claims that they are not Racist...no! they are not Racist!, they just don't like the Blacks.

It's not about Conservatism, Herman...it's about Racism and Bigotry. There is this confusion, that probably, only Herman Cain has...a very large portion of the Black Community is Conservative, and a large portion is against Abortion, and Drug use...and, favor Family Values. But Conservatism, unfortunately...don't care much about the Issues most important to the Black Community. The GOP has been the Party for the Conservative American Aristocracy, for pro-business Corporate America, and tend to favor a limited role for Government in Society.

What Cain refuses to understand, is “that” History. The Republican Party's basic philosophy, has never changed...and now, they have taken on, even more Radical positions.They are in favor of the total elimination of Welfare, Unemployment Compensation, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid...all programs that are invaluable to the Black Community.

Look at what the Black Community, has gone through...KKK lynchings, Cross Burnings, “Poll Tax” and the disenfranchising of the African-American Vote, the determination to make the Civil Right Act, and its Movement, not succeed. Segregation, Martin Luther King and Medger Evers, assassinated...Bobby Kennedy, a white man, who fought for the Rights of Blacks, assassinated. The dehumanizing laws of White/Colored Restrooms, White/Colored Drinking Fountains. Lester Maddox's Refusal to Serve Black People, Blacks sitting in the back of the Bus or for Blacks to come in and leave, through the back door, in an all white establishment. In Miami Beach, FL. Blacks needed an ID Card to travel into the City...and only to work as Domestics...after 6PM...they had to leave and return to the City of Miami. Harry Belafonte, Lena Horne, Sammy Davis, Jr...and all other Superstars, had to enter the Hotels, where they were Headlining the Shows...through the kitchen entrance...and had to leave the Hotel, because they were not allowed to stay there, and go to Miami, and stay at the Hampton House...in Liberty City (the Black Neighborhood, in Miami).

All along, where was the GOP in its defense of the Black Man? Where the Hell were they??...I know where the Democrats were..where Bobby Kennedy was, June 11^th, 1963...making sure 2 Black students got their Right to enter, and call themselves Crimson Tide...and earlier, on October 1^st, 1962, when James Meredith became the first Black Student at the University of Mississippi. The Democrats were right behind the Black Community...and when LBJ passed the Civil Rights Act...and ever since, the Democratic Party has been behind the African-American all the way. It's no coincidence, that of the 41 Black members of the US House of Representatives, now...40 are Democrats. The only Republican? Allen West, if that's any surprise.

The fact that Herman Cain, came out of poverty, studied and worked hard, to achieve his great success, is admirable...his hate and resentment for rising up, literally from the gutter, goes deeper than his Virtues...the truth, whatever happened to him as a child, may or may not be important. What you really see, is his character, a man that went after his goal, at any cost, and who, he had to step over people...a ruthless back stabber, like all big Corporate Execs. He's a Conservative? Fine, that's his right...but, a fool? or is he? Want to be a Conservative? Be a “Republican” Conservative like Edward Brooke, a kind and decent man (91 years old, bless him!)...but, aligning with the Tea Party??...that's just selling your soul!! A group that includes KKK factions, extreme Right Wing Radicals, John Birch Society, Fundamentalist Christians, who really don't like any other Flavor than Vanilla. This is Obscene! It's no wonder, Cain is associated with “Uncle Tom” ...a fool, that acts as their token Black, used by the Tea Party as they wish...and ultimately, will be caste aside. I cannot imagine Herman Caine, side by side with Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Ann Coulter, and the likes.

What else do you want to know, Herman? You said; "I have received some of that vitriol simply because I am running for the Republican nomination as a Conservative."

That's not true, Herman! Those criticisms, are not because you're a Conservative, or because you're Black, or because some people think of you as an Uncle Tom. It's because of your pompous attitude, as if you were above all other Blacks. Because of the way you have Insulted the Black Community...your race, your people!!

But, my personal feeling...the best way I can put this, is...why so many, don't like you? It's because, you're simply, an Asshole!

Can Obama Deliver?

by Lorenzo Canizares


That’s a question in many people’s mind. Pundits are debating back and forth if the American Jobs Act (AJA) could be implemented or not. Have no doubts about it, it will be very important to regular common-folks if AJA was able to succeed. But knowing the cast of players we can safely suspect that if the bill passes it might not be as attractive as the original proposal. After all, Republicans see the solution to the economic crisis through gutting regulations, keeping taxes on the rich low, cutting government programs, and preventing inflation from diluting the wealth of the wealthy.

But, as important as it is, the drama of the bill should not be the main concern of the progressive movement. The main concern of the progressive movement is to continue doing what it has started doing – organize people to take independent action. If we get organized it will help all, including Obama. It will provide the American people the ability to express their frustrations through organized channels, and maximize their power. Occupy Wall Street has shown to the rest of us that anger is widespread. It’s much broader than just the working class, women, gays, and minorities. I sincerely believe progressives speak to what most Americans have on their mind, our inaction in organizing or total dependency on Obama’s appeal could be disastrous for the nation. Representative Peter DeFazio, Democrat from Oregon, says it correctly “In my district, the enthusiasm for him has mostly evaporated. There is tremendous discontent with his direction.” (NYT 9/11/11.) We are talking here about a district that Obama won by 11 points in 2008.

The United States political movement went through a major change when the people that were the backbone of Roosevelt’s support in the 1930-40’s labor and community struggles, were expelled from the AFL-CIO and also had to suffer the McCarthy period. After cleansing the labor movement of first class political activists there was a failure by the Democratic Party to step up to the plate and organize the American people against the ideological offensive being directed at them from conservative forces. Many Democrats couldn’t lead any fight back because many of them “agreed” with what the conservatives were saying.

Obama still has magnificent appeal. Even though columnist Charles Blow points out that according to a NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released in early September, Obama’s approval as a leader have descended from 70 percent when he took office to 42 percent last month. But, a turnaround is not out of the question especially if he shows people that he has a backbone after all. He has promised to take the case of AJA to every corner of America. Progressives should wholeheartedly support that, and furthermore, be participant in organizing people to wherever he is going to be speaking at. As Paul Krugman recently stated “ I was favorably surprised by President Barack Obama’s new jobs plan, which is significantly bolder and better than I expected…If it actually became law, it would probably make a significant dent in unemployment.” We need to create a movement independent of the Democratic Party but this movement certainly needs to open its doors wide to include most of the people that are Democratic Party loyalists.

A large movement will make everybody pay attention to the issues. Part of the Tea Party beginning appeal to common-folks was because it looked strong and could get things done. The progressive movement needs to create the same image and also use the same intertwining that is used by the Tea Party regarding the Republican Party. There are many trying in earnest to organize the progressive movement towards action. All of these independent efforts, including theAFL-CIO, will not mean much if these efforts don’t find common ground to act together. Grouping of a few thousands will not inspire fear or reflection.After all, we are trying to solve the nation’s stagnation peacefully and constructively, and working in peace always requires more strength to get things accomplished.

One very positive aspect that have been developed in the past few weeks is that organizations are making a serious attempt to provide an ideological platform with which we can rally the American people around. The spread of these ideas are indispensable to energize the American people into action and provide direction on what to fight about.

The American Jobs Act is a very powerful tool. As Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, says “The plan, if enacted would boost economic growth next year by2% and create 2 million additional jobs.” Also as Jules Witcover has stated “AJA is designed , if the Republicans slam the door on it, to give Obama more tangible evidence that the opposition party is responsible for what he called the ‘circus’ of partisanship and inaction in Washington.” The American Jobs Act is also a clear indication that Obama has abandoned the belief that you can work with Republicans to improve the economic conditions of the country. Maybe,he is also finally getting ready to remind the nation how Clinton left a balanced budget and how Bush/Cheney turned this balanced budget into a $10.6trillion national debt, with an ongoing $1.3 trillion annual deficit. And that the Wall Street collapse, as well as Europe’s, originated through the same speculative housing bubble.

To conclude,Progressive forces need to come together under a minimum program that will be able to have massive appeal, come together with as many as people as we can from the Democratic Party that agree with the common points, and start working energetically to defeat the Republicans attempt to change the character of our nation.
If we organize and fight back with a minimum program of positive proposals we will win.

Class Warfare In America...But, By Who?

 by RF Schatten

It's remarkable, how the Republican Party can turn “Words” to fit almost any situation they have...and make it sound as if they are the “Victims” of all social ills.

The President, recently announced that the upper 1% and 2% should pay their fair share in Taxes. Is it, that much of a crime, for the wealthiest Americans to pay a larger percentage in Taxes, than a Middle Class or Lower Class individual?

On March 5^th, 2011...Michael Moore gave a speech, and said...that there are 400 individuals in the United States today, that have more wealth, in combined Cash, Stock, and Property...than the assets of 155 Million Americans COMBINED!!! Those facts have been disputed by the GOP, but has been “Verified” as True, by Politifact's Truth-O-Meter. 400 individuals, crying that they should not have to pay their fair share in Taxes...because it would “Hurt Them” financially...as Bill O'Reilly stated...he may even have to quit his show!!! There is one Billionaire though, that believes, he should pay more in taxes than his maid...but, Warren Buffett is not a Republican...instead, he is a decent and honest human being.

And this, is not new...Dave Johnson, a Fellow at the Commonweal Institute, said that in 2007, the combined net worth of the 400 wealthiest Americans, as measured by Forbes Magazine, was $1.5 trillion; and the combined net worth of the poorer 50 percent of American households was $1.6 trillion.

But, the GOP and Tea Party is singing a different tune...BLAME EVERYTHING, all the Social Ills of this Country, all the Economic Ills in America, to the Working Class and the Poor. The GOP Presidential Candidates are saying it (with the exception of Jon Huntsman), the GOP Leadership, the Tea Party...naturally...blame the Poor and the Working Class. FOX News a citing that if the Poor can afford to buy a TV and a Refrigerator, why do they complain about not having money?? That is pure Cynicism! The worst, most blatant acts of Bigotry in US History.

Now, they're accusing Barack Obama and the Democrats of “Class Warfare” because he wants...and the Majority of the Nation wants...that the Wealthiest Americans pay their Fair Share. This, while very openly attacking the Poor and the Working Class of Ad hominem, Labeling, Name Calling, Stereotyping, Appealing to Prejudice, and other means of Bigotry and Racism. Hypocrisy in Action!! Who really is promoting “Class Warfare”?

The Definition of Class Warfare is: A Conflict between Social or Economic Classes (especially between the Capitalist and Proletariat [Lower and Working] Classes). Throughout the 19^th and 20^th Century, Class Warfare has been associated with Socialism and Communism...Hitler used it on his People...but you never see or hear the Right, ever say that. Now the Right, and all Social Conservatives are vehemently denying that they would ever do that, through one side of their face...while, with the other side of their face...blaming the Dems of doing it...it's not surprising that they are 2 Faced, so they can protect “their” pocketbooks.

How can they increase Taxes on their Benefactors?...Everything is the fault of the Poor, the Gays, the Liberals!!...those damn Commie Bastards!!

The Republicans??? why! they are the Party of God...Family Values, Morality, Goodness, Purity, Patriotism, God Bless America!!...and if the Dems don't agree with us? “LET THEM ALL DIE!!”

The Blame Game

by RF Schatten

All you hear today, is...who is to blame for all the ills that is facing this Country?

Social Conservatives blame the Poor, and the Middle Class...Progressives and Liberals blame Obama, and the GOP Congress.

While talking to some friends on Facebook, it really struck me, how Progressives, feel so frustrated with all these issues...The Economy, The Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, The Social Conservatives' Anti-Gay agenda, The Immigration Issue, The Healthcare situation, controversies over Evolution, Creationism...and Science!!...and so many more. Very few, though...are willing to see who really, is to blame.

So, since someone had to do it, I came out with my opinion on who is:

No one is to blame on what is happening today, more than the Progressives and the Liberals...we elected someone, but cannot understand whatever is going inside his mind. No one has taken over a Presidency with so many problems ahead of him...as Barack Obama has...an economy that has been doomed, since Ronald Reagan started changing the entire Economic structure in 1981...George I, was right...Voodoo Economics; it's all Smoke and Mirrors...an Illusion! Then 2 Wars at the same time, and during a time when Social Change was evolving, both Conservative and Liberal...throughout this Nation.

If that wasn't bad enough...he happened to be the wrong Flavor...elected by people who didn't care about what Color a man is. But, Social Conservatism, only likes Vanilla! All this, has given the American Right Wing Movement and specially the John Birch Society, the opportunity to spread their wings...something that has been in the works for many years, but, never has had the opportunity till now...allowing Racism, Bigotry, Hate, and Fear to flourish...after being dormant for so many years. Being President is not an easy Job...specially when you have people wanting to make it as hard as possible to accomplish anything...people who are pissed, because they believe he should be "Serving" them, and going out the back door...instead of being "their" Superior...their Boss...and placing the Red Carpet, while opening the front door for him.

We have to have think Reality...and try to understand what he is doing...because as much as we don't like it...it's more, and better than what the opposition really, deeply wants to do. And if anyone wants to criticize Obama, or criticize the GOP/Tea Bags...then they better start criticizing themselves...by allowing this Radical Fringe, the take over of House of Representatives, and causing the President to have to play their games...just to keep the Country from completely collapsing. We, Progressives and Liberals alike, did not Vote, or Voted for someone else...call it a “protest vote”, if you like, but we didn't try to stop the GOP or The Tea Party from winning in November, 2011. Don't blame the Republican Voters...lets blame ourselves.

The Great Texas Success...Not Told By Rick Perry

By RF Schatten

What's really funny in Politics, is when Politicians run for office...they will always criticize the failures of their opponents...and boast their accomplishments, noting, how much better their achievements are, and how they can do the same for everyone else. “Elect me, and what I have done for my constituency, I can do for you!!”

In the case of Governor Rick Perry, known for his intent to re-write American History to fit his own personal Ideals...it appears that he, is also re-writing the current State of the State, so it would show how marvelous a job, he is doing...building his great success in Austin.

Here is Rick Perry's “Great Success” as Governor of the Lone Star State:
EDUCATION:

High School Graduation Rate - 50^th in the Nation (79.9% - National Avg 85.3%)
College Graduation Rate - 30^th in the Nation (25.5% - National Avg 27.9%)
Verbal SAT Scores - 49^th in the Nation (493)
Math SAT Scores - 46th in the Nation (502)
Per Pupil Education Expenditure - 42^nd in the Nation ($8,350 – National Avg $10,297)

INCOME:

Median Household Income - 26^th in the Nation ($48,259 – National Avg $50,221)

Poverty Rate by Household Income - 46^th in the Nation (16.2% - National Avg – 12.6%)

WOMEN VOTER INFORMATION

Women’s Voter Registrati­­on – 45^th in the Nation

Women’s Voter Turnout – 49^th in the Nation

HEALTH

Percentage of Non-Elderl­­y Uninsured – 1^st in the Nation

Percentage of Low Income Population Covered by Medicaid – 49^th in the Nation

Percentage of Population with Employer-B­­ased Health Insurance – 48^th in the Nation

Total Health Expenditur­­es as % of the Gross State Product – 43^rd in the Nation

Per Capita State Spending on Mental Health – 50^th in the Nation

Per Capita State Spending on Medicaid – 49^th in the Nation

Health Care Expenditur­­es per Capita – 44^th in the Nation

Physicians per Capita – 42^nd in the Nation

Registered Nurses per Capita – 44^th in the Nation

Avg. Monthly Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Benefits per Person – 47^th in the Nation

Percent of Population Who Visit the Dentist – 46^th in the Nation

Overall Birth Rate – 2^nd in the Nation

Teenage Birth Rate – 7^th in the Nation

Births to Unmarried Mothers – 17^th in the Nation

Percentage of Women with Pre-Term Birth – 9^th in the Nation

Percentage of Non-Elderl­­y Women with Health Insurance – 50^th in the Nation

Rate of Women Aged 40+ Who Receive Mammograms – 40^th in the Nation 

Cervical Cancer Rate – 11^th in the Nation

Percentage of Women with High Blood Pressure – 16^th in the Nation
Percentage of Pregnant Women Receiving Prenatal Care in First Trimester – 50^th in the Nation
Percentage of Residents with Health Insurance - 50^th in the Nation (76.2% - National Avg 84.9%)
Percentage of Children with Health Insurance - 50^th in the Nation (83.7% - National Avg 91.4%)
Percent of Children above the Poverty Line - 44^th in the Nation (75.6% - NH 1^st with 89.2%)


Many of these Records reflect Healthcare, so here is other facts about Texas Healthcare...According to AMA records: In 2008, the number of physicians in patient care per 10,000 civilians was 20.2 In the United States, the average, was 25.7. Thus, Texas ranked near the bottom of the 50 states.
Perry also has talked about how many Physicians have come to Texas to Practice Medicine, because of Texas Tort Reforms. He said it gained 21,000 doctors. The accurate increase is 12,788.  That’s about 8,000 doctors fewer than his claim. What he doesn't say, it's because the normal increase in the state's population. And even that figure is inaccurate, because it's just those Licenses given out...you do not have to live in Texas to receive a State Medical License...it's for use as a visiting Physician too. The more accurate count, based on the Texas Alliance for Patient Access is about 5,000...much less than the 21,000 listed by Perry.

Re-writing Facts, like Re-writing History...could be very advantageous!!

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Texas continues to be the state with the highest percentage of its residents without coverage, 25% last year, compared the National 16%. It ranked 50^th in the Country in 2003...this year, Texas ranks 50^th again.

One thing that Texas ranks, among the top in the Nation...and very proudly for the Texas GOP, is: In 2010, the average premium for family coverage in Texas was $14,526. The National Average was $13,375...that's $1,151 higher than the U.S. Average.

His record on Health, Education, Family Income, and Poverty are among the lowest in the Nation...when nearly a quarter (24.4%) of the Children of Texas live in Poverty...I would not think, that is something to be proud of. Neither would be his record on Education, with Texas being 50^th in the Nation with High School Graduation...and for 10 straight years!!!...2001 – 2010.

The one area, that he, all the GOP, and the Tea Party, have been raving about...has been his Economy and Job growth. But how much of it, is totally correct?...how much is what Conservatives say? While a lot said, could be true...you have to take into consideration the fact that most business successes, have come in the Oil Industry, where the Industry have been making Record Profits...and benefiting, most of all... the Wealthy...and, as for Jobs, Texas has had the largest population growth in the country! thus creating more Jobs...but, 90% of those jobs created are minimum wage jobs...with no real future. For an example of low wage jobs, you have to take a look at the Toyota plant in San Antonio. And Texas...still has a $27 billion deficit!

One more quick note...and a very interesting one, indeed. This comes from an article I recently read on Mediaite.com: “Texas Cuts Volunteer Fire Departments Funding By 75%”

Under Rick Perry this year, Texas slashed state funding for the volunteer fire departments that protect most of the state from wildfires like the ones that have recently destroyed more than 700 homes.
Volunteer departments that were already facing financial strain were slated to have their funding cut from $30 million to $7 million, according to KVUE-TV. The majority of Texas is protected by Volunteer Fire Departments. There are 879 Volunteer Fire Departments in Texas and only 114 paid Fire Departments”

All this, from a man who wants to do for America, what he has done for Texas.

THE ONE AREA, THAT RICK PERRY, DOES RANK #1 IS...BULLSHITTING!