« January 2006 | Main | March 2006 »
February 26, 2006
1.6 Trillion Dollars?
That is what the American Society Civil Engineers estimates conservatively is need to repair the failing infrastructure of our country. Not including ANY security improvements. This is last years report, prior to the Hurricane season and Katrina's distruction.
So I ask you WHY are we prosecuting a war in Iraq, that has nothing to do with our national interests, nothing!
Again I urge you to vote your conscience, not the lesser of two evils. Consider the Green Party.
News reports:
USA Today
CBSNews
FOX News
MSNBC
Posted by jjtechno at 04:39 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 25, 2006
A look at reason, an arguement for humanism
1. Humanism is one of those philosophies for people who think for themselves. There is no area of thought that a Humanist is afraid to challenge and explore.
2. Humanism is a philosophy focused upon human means for comprehending reality. Humanists make no claims to possess or have access to supposed transcendent knowledge.
3. Humanism is a philosophy of reason and science in the pursuit of knowledge. Therefore, when it comes to the question of the most valid means for acquiring knowledge of the world, Humanists reject arbitrary faith, authority, revelation, and altered states of consciousness.
4. Humanism is a philosophy of imagination. Humanists recognize that intuitive feelings, hunches, speculation, flashes of inspiration, emotion, altered states of consciousness, and even religious experience, while not valid means to acquire knowledge, remain useful sources of ideas that can lead us to new ways of looking at the world. These ideas, after they have been assessed rationally for their usefulness, can then be put to work, often as alternate approaches for solving problems.
5. Humanism is a philosophy for the here and now. Humanists regard human values as making sense only in the context of human life rather than in the promise of a supposed life after death.
6. Humanism is a philosophy of compassion. Humanist ethics is solely concerned with meeting human needs and answering human problems--for both the individual and society--and devotes no attention to the satisfaction of the desires of supposed theological entities.
7. Humanism is a realistic philosophy. Humanists recognize the existence of moral dilemmas and the need for careful consideration of immediate and future consequences in moral decision making.
8. Humanism is in tune with the science of today. Humanists therefore recognize that we live in a natural universe of great size and age, that we evolved on this planet over a long period of time, that there is no compelling evidence for a separable "soul," and that human beings have certain built-in needs that effectively form the basis for any human-oriented value system.
9. Humanism is in tune with today's enlightened social thought. Humanists are committed to civil liberties, human rights, church-state separation, the extension of participatory democracy not only in government but in the workplace and education, an expansion of global consciousness and exchange of products and ideas internationally, and an open-ended approach to solving social problems, an approach that allows for the testing of new alternatives.
10. Humanism is in tune with new technological developments. Humanists are willing to take part in emerging scientific and technological discoveries in order to exercise their moral influence on these revolutions as they come about, especially in the interest of protecting the environment.
11. Humanism is, in sum, a philosophy for those in love with life. Humanists take responsibility for their own lives and relish the adventure of being part of new discoveries, seeking new knowledge, exploring new options. Instead of finding solace in prefabricated answers to the great questions of life, Humanists enjoy the open-endedness of a quest and the freedom of discovery that this entails.
Further information is here.
Posted by jjtechno at 10:18 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 24, 2006
A warm... ending?
Daniel Schrag
Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University
“This is an experiment on the earth's climate, on the earth's atmosphere that hasn't been done for millions of years, and the choices we make in next few decades are really going to determine how far outside the human experience we're willing to push our planet. I really hope we don't end up at 1,000 parts per million of carbon dioxide, because I think there are going to be many surprises there that none of us are going to be able to predict.
"But most importantly, that the uncertainty, the fact that we don't know exactly how a planet works at a 1,000 parts per million – that is the problem. That is not a reason for inaction. That is the whole reason for doing something about it because we don't want to just try this out – we only have one planet that we can live on.
"The view from the Rovers on Mars is pretty interesting, but its no place I'd like to spend any time."
Posted by jjtechno at 09:25 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Forget Snow, Learn to swim
More floods, more draughts, more vector disease, more extreme weather events.
The Academy of Science
The Earth Institute
NOAA
EPA
Nasa
Protestants, Orthodox, Muslims and Catholics
Who else needs to be added to the list?
How much more evidence does the US need of climate change?
HUMANS ?
Nasa photo otf the greenland glacier flow?
Dr. William Foege
Emeritus Presidential Distinguished Professor of International Health, Emory University, and Gates Fellow
"Even when we see nature overwhelming us with new problems, a thoughtful analysis shows the reason comes back to indict us, not nature."
"The slaves today we call the poor. Those of us in this country are the masters. And we benefit by having the poor subsidize us. This naked exploitation is clothed in the marketplace, national automy and shallow democracy but its still exploitation.
"Roger Bacon, seven hundred years ago, in a report to the pope on science, concluded that science lacks a moral compass. But so does the marketplace, politics, governments, universities, and the institutionalized church, which leads to my sixth, and last point: that is not true of the individuals in those organizations. It is the individuals that inspire the moral compass — Ashoka, Marcus Aurelius, Lincoln, Gandhi, Schweitzer, Martin Luther King, E.O. Wilson. And when institutions get it right, it is because of individuals."
http://www.earthinstitute.columbia.edu/sop2004/dkv/signs_politics.html video presentations
http://www.earthinstitute.columbia.edu/maptool/inter.html Look here for more answers
Where are you here?
Posted by jjtechno at 09:09 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 20, 2006
Headlong into Fascism
Where is Colin Powell, former Sec of State?
Kinda makes me wonder? I just think the Sell Job he put on the Iraq War deserves an oscar. Don't You?
I hope the country is paying attention to this headlong drive to Emipre.
Fascism is has reared its head again!
Posted by jjtechno at 10:16 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Maybe, maybe not...you decide
From an essay by Lawrence Britt
Fascism AnyOne?
1. Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism. From the prominent displays of flags and bunting to the ubiquitous lapel pins, the fervor to show patriotic nationalism, both on the part of the regime itself and of citizens caught up in its frenzy, was always obvious. Catchy slogans, pride in the military, and demands for unity were common themes in expressing this nationalism. It was usually coupled with a suspicion of things foreign that often bordered on xenophobia.
2. Disdain for the importance of human rights. The regimes themselves viewed human rights as of little value and a hindrance to realizing the objectives of the ruling elite. Through clever use of propaganda, the population was brought to accept these human rights abuses by marginalizing, even demonizing, those being targeted. When abuse was egregious, the tactic was to use secrecy, denial, and disinformation.
3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause. The most significant common thread among these regimes was the use of scapegoating as a means to divert the people’s attention from other problems, to shift blame for failures, and to channel frustration in controlled directions. The methods of choice—relentless propaganda and disinformation—were usually effective. Often the regimes would incite “spontaneous” acts against the target scapegoats, usually communists, socialists, liberals, Jews, ethnic and racial minorities, traditional national enemies, members of other religions, secularists, homosexuals, and “terrorists.” Active opponents of these regimes were inevitably labeled as terrorists and dealt with accordingly.
4. The supremacy of the military/avid militarism. Ruling elites always identified closely with the military and the industrial infrastructure that supported it. A disproportionate share of national resources was allocated to the military, even when domestic needs were acute. The military was seen as an expression of nationalism, and was used whenever possible to assert national goals, intimidate other nations, and increase the power and prestige of the ruling elite.
5. Rampant sexism. Beyond the simple fact that the political elite and the national culture were male-dominated, these regimes inevitably viewed women as second-class citizens. They were adamantly anti-abortion and also homophobic. These attitudes were usually codified in Draconian laws that enjoyed strong support by the orthodox religion of the country, thus lending the regime cover for its abuses.
6. A controlled mass media. Under some of the regimes, the mass media were under strict direct control and could be relied upon never to stray from the party line. Other regimes exercised more subtle power to ensure media orthodoxy. Methods included the control of licensing and access to resources, economic pressure, appeals to patriotism, and implied threats. The leaders of the mass media were often politically compatible with the power elite. The result was usually success in keeping the general public unaware of the regimes’ excesses.
7. Obsession with national security. Inevitably, a national security apparatus was under direct control of the ruling elite. It was usually an instrument of oppression, operating in secret and beyond any constraints. Its actions were justified under the rubric of protecting “national security,” and questioning its activities was portrayed as unpatriotic or even treasonous.
8. Religion and ruling elite tied together. Unlike communist regimes, the fascist and protofascist regimes were never proclaimed as godless by their opponents. In fact, most of the regimes attached themselves to the predominant religion of the country and chose to portray themselves as militant defenders of that religion. The fact that the ruling elite’s behavior was incompatible with the precepts of the religion was generally swept under the rug. Propaganda kept up the illusion that the ruling elites were defenders of the faith and opponents of the “godless.” A perception was manufactured that opposing the power elite was tantamount to an attack on religion.
9. Power of corporations protected. Although the personal life of ordinary citizens was under strict control, the ability of large corporations to operate in relative freedom was not compromised. The ruling elite saw the corporate structure as a way to not only ensure military production (in developed states), but also as an additional means of social control. Members of the economic elite were often pampered by the political elite to ensure a continued mutuality of interests, especially in the repression of “have-not” citizens.
10. Power of labor suppressed or eliminated. Since organized labor was seen as the one power center that could challenge the political hegemony of the ruling elite and its corporate allies, it was inevitably crushed or made powerless. The poor formed an underclass, viewed with suspicion or outright contempt. Under some regimes, being poor was considered akin to a vice.
11. Disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts. Intellectuals and the inherent freedom of ideas and expression associated with them were anathema to these regimes. Intellectual and academic freedom were considered subversive to national security and the patriotic ideal. Universities were tightly controlled; politically unreliable faculty harassed or eliminated. Unorthodox ideas or expressions of dissent were strongly attacked, silenced, or crushed. To these regimes, art and literature should serve the national interest or they had no right to exist.
12. Obsession with crime and punishment. Most of these regimes maintained Draconian systems of criminal justice with huge prison populations. The police were often glorified and had almost unchecked power, leading to rampant abuse. “Normal” and political crime were often merged into trumped-up criminal charges and sometimes used against political opponents of the regime. Fear, and hatred, of criminals or “traitors” was often promoted among the population as an excuse for more police power.
13. Rampant cronyism and corruption. Those in business circles and close to the power elite often used their position to enrich themselves. This corruption worked both ways; the power elite would receive financial gifts and property from the economic elite, who in turn would gain the benefit of government favoritism. Members of the power elite were in a position to obtain vast wealth from other sources as well: for example, by stealing national resources. With the national security apparatus under control and the media muzzled, this corruption was largely unconstrained and not well understood by the general population.
14. Fraudulent elections. Elections in the form of plebiscites or public opinion polls were usually bogus. When actual elections with candidates were held, they would usually be perverted by the power elite to get the desired result. Common methods included maintaining control of the election machinery, intimidating and disenfranchising opposition voters, destroying or disallowing legal votes, and, as a last resort, turning to a judiciary beholden to the power elite.
Does any of this ring alarm bells? Of course not. After all, this is America, officially a democracy with the rule of law, a constitution, a free press, honest elections, and a well-informed public constantly being put on guard against evils. Historical comparisons like these are just exercises in verbal gymnastics. Maybe, maybe not.
See the full article here.
Posted by jjtechno at 08:23 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
February 18, 2006
TheSkyIsFalling..TheSkyIsFalling.TheSkyIsFallingTheIceIsMeltingTheIceIsMeltingFast!
If you know anything about Global warming,ignore my Screaming Alarm. I get scared , and feel compelled to tell everyone. The ice is melting.
Do you remember the climate scientist who just last week was fired and gagged for all intents and purposes by the culture of death in washington. Well here is his story. And here.
And Here
Just read a bit and if you feel the same we can both run around and tell everyone,THE ICE IS MELTING! FAST!
Posted by jjtechno at 09:32 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
A little crowing
Cub Scout s, these webelos rule, my guys have been working hard and it pays off for them.
I am way proud of these boys! Arrow of Light recipients. Way to go guys.
On To Boy Scouts! HO!!
Posted by jjtechno at 05:48 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Universal healthcare too
The United States spends far more on health care than any other country in the world, but ranks only 37th in the overall quality of health care it provides, according to the World Health Organization. The U.S. is the only industrialized country that does not provide universal health care. Dr. Steffie Woolhandler of Harvard Medical School points out that "we are already spending enough to provide every American with superb medical care - $5,775 per person this year [2003]. That's 42% higher than in Switzerland, which has the world's second most expensive health care system, and 83% higher than in Canada." Indeed, 14.9 percent of our gross domestic product is spent on health care and the cost is growing rapidly. Japan spends 7.6% of its GDP, Australia 8.5%, Holland 8.6% and Canada 9.5%. By 2013, per capita health care spending in the U.S. is projected to increase to 18.4 percent of GDP.
The numbers speak for themselves.
We cannot afford to continue down this ruinous path. I gave you some of the history in my last post. Except for the folks with a stake in the current system (however poorly it serves us), this system is broken.
We can afford universal health care, The think tank crowd(paid, or employed by the healthcare industry) have argued cost..cost...cost. The real arguement they are making is profit...profit...profit.
This debate must be won by the consumers, me and you. We cannot afford to pump out mountains of propaganda like the industry can.
We must change the industry from profit as its center to people as its center.
Posted by jjtechno at 10:55 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
February 17, 2006
Our healthcare system is broken, how much longer can we wait to fix it?
Here are a few of the reasons for a National health care program. A Single Payer system for the USA. We cannot continue with our expensive, broken system.
We need to have a this debate now! Lets start with a few facts.
• There are now more than 45 million Americans without health insurance,
in itself an important key to adequate access to care .
• Almost 60 million Americans lack health insurance at some point during
the year .
• About 20 million American families, representing 43 million people, had
trouble paying medical bills in 2005; many had trouble gaining access to
health care and paying for other basic necessities—rent, mortgage payments,
transportation, or food .
• Twenty percent of the uninsured cannot afford health insurance even if offered
by their employers .
• About two-thirds of the uninsured have no regular physician and have cost related barriers to physician visits, prescription drugs, and necessary care .
• About one-half of the non-elderly U.S. population earn less than $50,000 a
year, and have major problems in affording health care .
• In 32 states, a parent working full-time at a minimum wage of $5.15 an hour
is ineligible for Medicaid and cannot afford health insurance .
• Americans with above-average incomes have more access problems
than patients in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
All strong democracies with a single payer system.
What do you think?
Posted by jjtechno at 08:26 PM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
February 15, 2006
Please or pleas?
The next time an isreali comes to dinner_______?
Thank you to jesus' general for the great photos
Posted by jjtechno at 12:44 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
My christian? friends
Everybody needs one, right?
Posted by jjtechno at 12:37 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 14, 2006
Hey Zack, you'll like this one!
So who is your lobbyist again?
Posted by jjtechno at 09:15 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 13, 2006
Islam and the koran
Why are we so dumbfouned about Islam? I am always suprised by the ignorant comments so often expressed by many educated people. I wonder if they teach comparative religion in schools anymore? Has college become an extension of business alone? Does a liberal education mean anything, but a core pre-requisite for graduate schools? Are we missing a part of the central needs of education? Do we support exchange students? Is college so business centric that an education is not possible?
I really do not have the answers to these rhetorical questions. I have my suspicions.
Part of what I hear from otherwise educated people, are comments like,"All this bad behavior, and all anyone did was step on the koran? It is not like they blasphemed mohammed or anything?"
The problem here is the misconception that the prophet is the same as jesus. Mohammed is revered yes, but only sofar as the bearer of the koran. Mohammed can be compared to Moses more likely.
It would be better that christians compare the Koran to Christ. Like judaism and christianity, muslims are "people of the book."
The Koran holds a christlike centrality as the revealed incarnation in Islam.
What you will find in visual celebration of Islam is calligraphy, not images.
I hope more people will take the time to research Islam, before making so many blanket statements.
I guess I take for granted sometimes people are educated in comparative religion. I might apologize now, I was blessed with a parochial education. Comparative religion is a required topic in catholic schools.
best regards
Posted by jjtechno at 08:41 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 12, 2006
50 hours, 60 hours 70 hours...how many?
I wonder how much longer the working folks can take the daily onslaught of conservatism?
then again there may not be any working folks around!
Posted by jjtechno at 05:57 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 11, 2006
YesLet it snow! Yeah!
I thought we were going to get passed by. I was wrong! Yea, Let it snow!!!
Posted by jjtechno at 10:02 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 10, 2006
gospel ? truth?
If any clergy actually preach the gospel, will they be ostracized or unemployed? I am not sure but I would guess very quickly. Indeed he or she might not have an opportunity to finish the sermon.I am including the portions of the gospels that are ofensive in my arguement. We very often get into heated discussions at school about these verses. Most of you reading this know I am a liberal christian in the manner of Funk and Spong, the jesus seminar. A humanist.
Well what do you think?
1 Corinthians 11:3-10 But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. 4 Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying, disgraces his head. 5 But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying, disgraces her head; for she is one and the same with her whose head is shaved. 6 For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head. 7 For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. 8 For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man; 9 for indeed man was not created for the woman’s sake, but woman for the man’s sake. 10 Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
1 Corinthians 14:33-35 for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 34 Let the women keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but let them subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35 And if they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.
1 Timothy 5:10 having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.
Titus 2:3-5 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored.
See also 1 Timothy 2:9-15, Romans 16:1-6 and Luke 8:1-3.
I am not the first christian to wrestle with the gospels. I think anytime the gospels are not viewed through the lense of time and culture then they cannot be understood.
Posted by jjtechno at 08:02 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Look over there
Did I miss something ? Are we playing Wag the Dog? HHS did the bad stuff, I was fooled?
Spare me please. If we just need some fill in for Cspan..How about we rerun
Micheal Moore's Canadian Bacon that was at least a funny movie.
Instead we play politics lives of millions.
So there is a CATEGORY 5 storm bearing down on LA. and He might have talked to the President ,"but he is not sure"!!@#?
Let me just say, that anyone who can defend this charade any longer has urgent medical issues!
Posted by jjtechno at 01:41 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 09, 2006
democrats, progressives?
Speaking of slimy politics. Seems the progressive democraps are not all that progressive?!@#!
Panic and retaliation among progressive Democrats over Green challenges are behind HR 4694, say Greens, citing the bill's prohibitive petition requirements, ban on private contributions; Greens call the bill patently unconstitutional.
The Green Party of the United States supports public financing of campaigns as one of several measures to remove the corrupting influence of corporations on U.S. politics
Greens called the bill patently unconstitutional and, if passed, unlikely to survive a court challenge. But Greens said that the bill is significant because of the line-up of Congress members supporting it.
The bill's eight sponsors include liberal Democrats: David Obey (Wis.), Rosa DeLauro (Conn.), Barney Frank and James McGovern (Mass.), Henry Waxman and Bob Filner (Calif.), Steve Israel (N.Y.), and Tim Ryan (Ohio). Mr. Obey, Ms. DeLauro, and Mr. Israel faced Green competition (Mike Miles, Ralph Ferrucci, and John Keenan, respectively) in recent elections, suggesting that their sponsorship is retaliatory. Mr. Miles is seeking the House seat again in 2006 (Wisconsin, District 7); Mr. Ferrucci is running for the U.S. Senate (Connecticut).
see the press release here.
Posted by jjtechno at 10:15 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Eulogy for children
Delivered at funeral service for three of the children - Addie Mae Collins, Carol Denise McNair, and Cynthia Diane Wesley - killed in the bombing. A separate service was held for the fourth victim, Carole Robertson.
African Americans - Eulogy for the Young Victims Addie Mae CollinsAfrican Americans - Eulogy for the Young Victims Carol Denise McNairAfrican Americans - Eulogy for the Young Victims Carole RobertsonAfrican Americans - Eulogy for the Young Victims Cynthia Diane Wesley
This afternoon we gather in the quiet of this sanctuary to pay our last tribute of respect to these beautiful children of God. They entered the stage of history just a few years ago, and in the brief years that they were privileged to act on this mortal stage, they played their parts exceedingly well. Now the curtain falls; they move through the exit; the drama of their earthly life comes to a close. They are now committed back to that eternity from which they came.
These children-unoffending, innocent, and beautiful-were the victims of one of the most vicious and tragic crimes ever perpetrated against humanity.
And yet they died nobly. They are the martyred heroines of a holy crusade for freedom and human dignity. And so this afternoon in a real sense they have something to say to each of us in their death. They have something to say to every minister of the gospel who has remained silent behind the safe security of stained-glass windows. They have something to say to every politician [Audience:] (Yeah) who has fed his constituents with the stale bread of hatred and the spoiled meat of racism. They have something to say
to a federal government that has compromised with the undemocratic practices of southern Dixiecrats (Yeah) and the blatant hypocrisy of right-wing northern Republicans. (Speak) They have something to say to every Negro (Yeah) who has passively accepted the evil system of segregation and who has stood on the sidelines in a mighty struggle for justice. They say to each of us, black and white alike, that we must substitute courage for caution. They say to us that we must be concerned not merely about who murdered them, but about the system, the way of life, the philosophy which produced the murderers. Their death says to us that we must work passionately and unrelentingly for the realization of the American dream.
For the complete eulogy go here
Explain to me again now, what was your problem?
Posted by jjtechno at 07:35 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Green Party 2006
Here is a link to the response of the green party to the State of The Union. I especially enjoyed the 3rd and 5th videos. what do you think?
Posted by jjtechno at 02:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
People of Faith
This is copied from the National Council of Churches statement on the rebuilding of the Gulf region. I would like to believe that all christians could speak in the afirmative. The Council of Churches USA
The Gospel compels the church to advocate on behalf of the voiceless, to be a champion for the rights of the powerless and an ardent guardian of God's creation. The foundations of these renewed communities must be sound ecology, social equity, racial justice and pervasive compassion towards the least, the voiceless and the marginalized.
The rev.Lowery spoke volumes at Mrs. King funeral.
Before you misspeak about your churchs position. I would urge you to read the full report . Most mainstream denominations are a part of the council.
Best regards
Posted by jjtechno at 01:50 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 05, 2006
Albert Meister
AKA Grandpa Al Lewis
He will be morned by greens everywhere.
a quote by Grandpa Al
"We don't inherit the world from our ancestors, we borrow it from our kids."
Rest in peace, Grandpa Al
A bit more biographical info is here.
Posted by jjtechno at 06:48 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 04, 2006
progressive reading
If I could reccomend a book to all my progressive friends, it would have to be "King Leopolds Soliliquy" by Mark Twain. It is a fervent condemnation of Imperialism. Pray that the republicans don't lay hands on it. Or we may never be rid of them and thier corrupt policies. Twain's words ring loud in my ears, your to if you enjoy his texts.
King Leodold II Soliliquy
Posted by jjtechno at 02:11 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Not Suprised, thanks Clifton!
Alright then. Of course it doesn't really reflect green politics. But it is closer than some tests. Not a socialist, I believe in decentralized government.
Thanks
| You are a Social Liberal (78% permissive) and an... Economic Liberal (5% permissive) You are best described as a:
Link: The Politics Test on Ok Cupid Also: The OkCupid Dating Persona Test |
http://gp.org/
Posted by jjtechno at 08:29 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 03, 2006
Who will be the peace candidate for 2008?
My progressive friends,
This is an excellent article. I hope you enjoy reading it.
ZNet | Electoral Politics
Who will be the peace candidate in 2008?
by Ben Manski and Dean Myerson; February 03, 2006
Who will be the peace candidate in 2008? In a desperate era, that is the question on many lips. The answer flows from another question: Are anti-war Americans ready to support a peace candidate? In 2004, most did not. Prominent progressives pledged support to a candidate who did not represent them. Now, that choice seems to have left a bad taste.
This week, Molly Ivins declared she'd had enough, warning that she, "will not support Hillary Clinton for president." Arianna Huffington asked, rhetorically and in all caps, "What The Hell Are They Thinking?" And in November, The Nation pledged that it would, "not support any candidate for national office who does not make a speedy end to the war in Iraq a major issue of his or her campaign."
These statements are understandable. The Democratic leadership has been nothing if not consistent. They abandoned their voters a month after the 2000 elections; they held out for just six hours in 2004. They voted for the "PATRIOT Act." They voted for the invasion of Iraq. They voted for John Roberts. They voted additional funds for the occupation of Iraq, and against an immediate withdrawal. They knew of Bush's wiretapping, and did nothing. They have undercut efforts to filibuster Alito. And they have stalled the drive for impeachment.
Millions of American progressives knew better, know better. A few dozen members of Congress knew better, know better. And what's worse, recent developments within the Democratic Party all but guarantee that it will not back anti-war candidates in 2006 or 2008. Rep. Rahm Emanuel, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, is withholding support from local and state-level ant-war candidates. The D-triple-C would rather support a losing pro-war Democrat than a winning peace candidate. No wonder there is a shift within the progressive community.
Backing peace candidates is a matter of principle. It is also a matter of practicality. Rodham Clinton this week called for sanctions, and possible preemptive strikes, against Iran. The failed politics of "Anybody But Bush" have produced a Democratic presidential frontrunner running to Bush's right. No wonder progressives are pining to get their surrendered independence back. No wonder so many have vowed to reclaim it.
Having vowed their independence, some in 2008 may yet look to a candidate running in the Democratic presidential primaries, the theory being that what failed for Kucinich in 2004 may yet work for Feingold in 2008. Reasonable people, however, will remember the history of the Democratic presidential primaries, littered with the gravestones of Jackson, Harkin, Sharpton, Dean, and Kucinich, among others. Reasonable people will expect that after the primaries, the pressure to close ranks will come to bear; the once insurgent candidate will become the party loyalist and back the pro-war nominee. Will those now vowing their independence do the reasonable thing? Will they make their anti-war pledge matter?
In the wake of over 100,000 Iraqi dead, 2,200 American dead, nearly 20,000 walking wounded, and $2 trillion on route to the dump, a majority of Americans are in the anti-war camp. And according to Zogby International, 52% say Bush's warrantless wiretapping is grounds for impeachment. With the Democratic leadership demonstrating that once again, it is an obstacle to popular sentiment, anti-war Americans must look elsewhere. And what alternative will there be, but that offered by the Green Party?
The Green Party is the only significant progressive party that is united against the war and for immediate withdrawal. The Green Party need not make any pledges to back only anti-war candidates; running anti-war candidates is the party's bread and butter.
But if the Green Party is to run a strong anti-war presidential candidate, an end-the-war candidate, it must have the support of the broader anti-war movement. The Greens may not be a party of the political establishment, but they field state party organizations in most every state, hundreds of elected officials, and hard-won experience with restrictive ballot access laws. There is no need for the anti-war movement to start from scratch.
There is not yet a clear standard bearer for the Green presidential nomination, but party activists are committed to recruiting a candidate. Support from the anti-war movement will make that recruitment effort much more likely to succeed. The Greens are a base for organizing; but it will be up to the broader anti-war movement to call forth a serious anti-war candidate.
Anti-war activists are recognizing that they cannot again back a pro-war candidate. But being against something is not enough. There must be an alternative for there to be an effective opposition. Light a fire, spread the word, begin to beat the drum for a peace campaign. Pledge not only to withhold your vote. Let those who could potentially top that peace ticket know that if they build it, you will come.
Ben Manski is a former Co-Chair of the Green Party of the United States. He currently serves as a Fellow with the Liberty Tree Foundation for the Democratic Revolution.
Dean Myerson is a former Political Director of the Green Party of the United States. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Green Institute.
Posted by jjtechno at 07:56 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
rumi
I ask you again savages?
To Love is to reach God.
Never will a Lover's chest
feel any sorrow.
Never will a Lover's robe
be touched by mortals.
Never will a Lover's body
be found buried in the earth.
To Love is to reach God.
Rumi
My head is bursting
with the joy of the unknown.
My heart is expanding a thousand fold.
Every cell,
taking wings,
flies about the world.
All seek separately
the many faces of my Beloved.
Rumi
Posted by jjtechno at 04:27 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Some poetry
savages?
Love and imagination are magicians
Who create an image of the Beloved in your mind
With which you share your secret intimate moments.
This apparition is made of nothing at al,
But from its mouth comes the question,
“Am I not your Loved One?”
and from you the soft reply”Yes.Yes.Yes.”
~Rumi
Continue reading "Some poetry"
Posted by jjtechno at 09:29 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 02, 2006
Green values
Here is an excerpt from the platform statement of the green party of the united states. It is the Community portion of the platform.
The Green Party platform in it's complete form is here.
Social diversity is the well-spring of community life where old and young, rich and poor, and people of all races and beliefs can interact individually and learn to care for each other, and to understand and cooperate. We emphasize a return to local, face-to-face relationships that humans can understand and care about.
Among Greens, our guiding principle is to think globally and act locally. Community needs recognize a diversity of issues, and local control recognizes a variety of approaches to solving problems, ones that tend to be bottom-up not top-down. Green politics does not place its faith in paternalistic big government. Instead, Greens believe face-to-face interactions are essential to productive and meaningful lives for all citizens.
The Green vision includes building communities that nurture families, generate good jobs and housing, and provide public services; creating cities and towns that educate children, encourage recreation, and preserve natural and cultural resources; building local governments that protect people from environmental hazards and crime; and motivating citizens to participate in making decisions.
The Green vision calls for a global community of communities that recognize our immense diversity, respect our personal worth, and share a global perspective. We call for an approach to politics that acknowledges our endangered planet and habitat. Our politics responds to global crises with a new way of seeing our shared international security.
We will conceive a new era of international cooperation and communication that nurtures cultural diversity, recognizes the interconnectedness between communities, and promotes opportunities for cultural exchange and assistance.
1. We call for increased public transportation, convenient playgrounds and parks for all sections of cities and small towns, and funding to encourage diverse neighborhoods. [See section C.Transportation on page 44 in chapter III]
2. We support a rich milieu of art, culture, and significant (yet modestly funded) programs such as the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities. [See section E.Education and the Arts on page 27 in chapter II]
Families and Children
3. We call for social policies to focus on protecting families. The young - our citizens of tomorrow - are increasingly at risk. Programs must ensure that children, who are among the most vulnerable members of society, receive basic nutritional, educational, and medical necessities. The Green Party supports and seeks to expand Head Start and Pre- and neo-natal programs. A Children's Agenda should be put in place to focus attention and concerted action on the future that is our children. [See section A.8. Youth Rights on page 23 in chapter II]
4. A universal, federally funded childcare program for pre-school and young schoolchildren should be developed.
5. Family assistance such as the earned income tax credit, available to working poor families in which the parent supports and lives with the children, should be maintained and increased to offset regressive payroll taxes and growing inequalities in American society. [See section E. True Cost Pricing and Tax Fairness on page 61 in chapter IV]
6. A living family wage is vital to the social health of communities. [See section D. Livable Income on page 61 in chapter IV]
7. The actuarial protection of social security is essential to the well-being of our seniors, and maintenance of the system's integrity is an essential part of a healthy community. We oppose privatization of social security, call for the program to remain under the aegis of the Federal Government, and seek to expand its effectiveness. [See section M. National Debt on page 70 in chapter IV]
8. We support the leading-edge work of non-profit public interest groups and those individuals breaking out of "careerism" to pursue non-traditional careers in public service.
Alternative Community Service
9. We must create new opportunities for citizens to serve their communities through non-military community service. Alternative community service to the military should be encouraged.
10. We advocate the formation of a Civilian Conservation Corps, with national leadership and state and local affiliates, to spearhead efforts to work on the tasks of environmental education, restoration of damaged habitats, reforestation, and cleaning up polluted waterways. Providing land and resource management skills will challenge young people while encouraging social responsibility.
Posted by jjtechno at 09:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Coal fired plants
This story highlights the changes that should be considered as we address global warming. Coal plants in the tennessee valley are among the plants that will be replaced. 50 billion dollars invested in replacing the existing plants is a major big chunk of change. A lot of that will stay here in the valley. We still have to wait and see if the power companies can wiggle out of thier responsibilities.
Green Rules Could Shut up to 500 US Coal Plants - Study
NEW YORK - New clean air rules could force up to 500 US coal plants to shut spurring billions of dollars in construction of cleaner plants to replace them, according to a study.
Pollution laws including the Clean Air Interstate Rule that caps emissions of smog components sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides (NOX and SOX) could shut the plants in 25 states, according to the study by Colorado-based E3 Consultants, which advises energy companies.
The study, which was funded by E3, said that capital and construction costs to build cleaner new plants could reach well over $50 billion over the next five or 10 years.
Jim Short, one of the report's authors, said states most hit would be Texas and most of the states east of the Mississippi.
Mercury emissions limits being imposed in 2018 add to the costs of operating older dirty plants. And potential global warming gas emissions caps, such as proposed by the seven-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in the Northeast, or potential nationwide limits, would make running such plants even dearer.
Companies with aging coal plants may have been betting that NOX and SOX emissions markets would allow them to simply buy credits from newer cleaner plants for the right to pollute. But they could be mistaken, said Short.
"Allowances will be in very short supply and will be expensive," he said. "Where are the allowances going to come from? The answer is retrofits and retirements (of old plants)."
E3 believes that most of the old plants will be replaced by cleaner coal plants that can burn the fuel more efficiently and to which carbon dioxide capturing can be added more cheaply than conventional coal plants.
Story Date: 2/2/2006
Check out Planet Ark on the web at www.planetark.com
Posted by jjtechno at 09:04 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Outraged
Remember the cry of outrage the christian community raised? 1987 and the whole of christianity was horrified.
I ask you, Is the uproar in islam any different? The outrage any less pointed? The feelings of anger any less potent?
The artist that presented this work of art, when into hiding for fear of death. The senate took up debate, and the matter of freedom was eventually resolved in the supreme court.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piss_Christ
Posted by jjtechno at 05:17 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack