Senator Mc Cain said WHAT?!?

Subject: Tell McCain: Stop insulting women

Dear Readers,

Last Wednesday, Senate Republicans filibustered the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a law that would have overturned an appalling Supreme Court decision that practically abolished remedies for gender-based compensation discrimination in the workplace. In opposing this legislation, Senator John McCain said that if women want better-paying jobs, they just need more "education and training." Then, he didn't even show up for the vote.

Let's tell Senator McCain that should stop blocking an up or down vote on the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act if he wants to ensure equal rights for women under the law.

Please have a look and take action.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/mccain_vs_ledbetter/?r_by=-1590405-cgnBBY&rc=paste

Thanks!

Shanti

Feel free to forward the above letter to others, it's simply the plea provided when you sign the petition. Now onto my own thoughts about Mc Cain:

John McCain lost my vote when he said he reversed his views on torture. As someone who lived as a prisoner of war, he used to oppose torture. Now he's fine with it as long as it's not Americans being tortured? That is a rather large thing to change your mind on, and to me morally and ethically inept. A disagreement worthy of moving one's vote. Then he said he would be happy if we stayed in IRAQ for 100 years, and proved himself supportive of continuing the trend towards Martial Law that Bush has taken this country on. I decided McCain was dangerous and worth opposing.

As Benjamin Franklin said, "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

Now he's openly making sexist remarks? Is he TRYING to lose the election? I believe all humans should have equal rights and protection under the law. So please go to

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/mccain_vs_ledbetter/?r_by=-1590405-cgnBBY&rc=paste

take a look, and take action. Let McCain know how you feel.

It Can Happen Here

Recently I received a new book to read titled "It Can Happen Here" by Joe Conason. So far it is highly informative. It is giving me a more intricate look into the politics of the last 7 years that I had previously glimpsed. I will share more as I get more deeply into the book.

In the mean time, passing on this latest tidbit shared with me by a dear friend:
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in passports, credit cards, etc. to track where you go, and what you buy. It sounds like something out of an old sci fi thriller, but it is actually happening today. I wanted to know more so tried to do a search online, and came across this Wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RFID

Passports

RFID tags are being used in passports issued by many countries. The first RFID passports ("E-passport") were issued by Malaysia in 1998. In addition to information also contained on the visual data page of the passport, Malaysian e-passports record the travel history (time, date, and place) of entries and exits from the country.

Standards for RFID passports are determined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and are contained in ICAO Document 9303, Part 1, Volumes 1 and 2 (6th edition, 2006). ICAO refers to the ISO 14443 RFID chips in e-passports as "contactless integrated circuits". ICAO standards provide for e-passports to be identifiable by a standard e-passport logo on the front cover.

In 2006, RFID tags were included in new US passports. The US produced 10 million passports in 2005, and it has been estimated that 13 million will be produced in 2006. The chips will store the same information that is printed within the passport and will also include a digital picture of the owner. The US State Department initially stated the chips could only be read from a distance of 10 cm (4 in), but after widespread criticism and a clear demonstration that special equipment can read the test passports from 10 meters (33 feet) away, the passports were designed to incorporate a thin metal lining to make it more difficult for unauthorized readers to "skim" information when the passport is closed. The department will also implement Basic Access Control (BAC), which functions as a Personal Identification Number (PIN) in the form of characters printed on the passport data page. Before a passport's tag can be read, this PIN must be entered into an RFID reader. The BAC also enables the encryption of any communication between the chip and interrogator ^[14]. Despite this precaution, the Center for Democracy and Technology has issued warnings that significant security weaknesses that could be used to track U.S. travelers are apparent in the specifications of the card design as outlined by the U.S. Department of State.^[15]

If you don't trust the government to successfully include the thin metal sheathe, you can protect your passport with these envelopes: http://tech.propeller.com/story/2006/08/01/rfid-blocking-passport-covers-for-your-passport/

Seperation of Church and State? Fairplay and Equality.

What the heck. Instead of clarifying separation of church and state over the years, it seems to be ever foggier:

Perhaps if they had the option to have any religion on your license plate this would be a cool idea. But even then, these are ridiculous. Our President can't seem to lay off trying to press his religious views on us which is bad enough, and the whole prayer in school debate rages on I'm sure, but license plates for Jesus? LOL give me a break.

http://news.aol.com/story/_a/florida-considers-christian-license/20080424065909990001

I think Martha Nussbaum says it well here:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/04182008/watch2.html

What's the real deal with marijuana?

I received this email the other day from a friend of a friend who was mass emailing, and it made me stop to ponder. A month or so ago, I watched a documentary about cigarettes, alchohol, and marijuana which I believe was on Discovery channel. Whichever channel, it was intriguing. A man lost his mother to the ravages of alchohol, his father to cancer caused by cigarettes, and yet both are legal. Marijuana has only claimed lives in the sense of people being put away from using it, not in terms of cancer caused, nor drunk driving type episodes, and yet a national campaign is waged against it? Why?

He made some good points about finances, politics, and governmental involvement in drug trade and financing military actions. All very interesting and seemingly conspiracy theorist wet dreams, and yet he provided much proof. I believe there is a copy of his video online, I should find the link.

Anyway... the following email also gives me pause for thought. Marijuana has less side effects than most of the medicine my doctors prescribe for my chronic illness, and yet they can't prescribe it to me because it is currently against federal law. Even when I lived in California, where some cities have legalized the use of medical marijuana, I didn't take it nor did my doctor prescribe it, for that reason. She said something to the efffect of, "I can not officially recommend medical marijuana, although eating it certainly would be healthier than smoking it. I would be legally responsible for prescribing a substance which is against federal law." Your city or state may support it, your doctor may wish he or she could prescribe it, but our country does not. WHY?

Perhaps there is good reason. But so far in my studies, I am finding little actually vaild reasoning other than the general desire by companies which manufacture drugs, who worry they would not be able to make money on it. Visions of Bayer sponsered Marijuana fields just crack me up. Is it part of our future? Well if Barney Frank has his way, perhaps.

We are told Pot users are criminals, malcontents, and generally the bane of our existence, and yet a large proportion of Americans have tried it, and are in fact leaders in our country. Hypocrisy much anyone?

Those who support the use of medical marijuana sing it's praises and yet those who oppose it's use in any form claim it is dangerous? What are we to believe? I found an interesting book which I browsed through the other day, and it says it will tackle just these problems. I may have to stop in at Barnes and Noble to pick up a copy. The title is Understanding Marijuana, a new look at scientific evidence by Mitch Earlywine and is published by Oxford University Press. Then maybe I would have clearer evidence to back up my internet based beliefs. After scouring through the websites of those for and against, I am left feeling largely that Marijuana should be of the same class as alcohol. As it is in Amsterdam.

Sheriff Joe Arpejo of Phoenix, AZ states that legalizing marijuana has caused rampant crime in Amsterdam and that people are laying on the street doing drugs everywhere. Yet even in videos on the "Holy HIGH day of April 20th" when pot smokers flock to Amsterdam, I have not seen such crowds as you would have to step over. Perhaps some day I shall investigate the Amsterdam phenomenon in person. But until then, I will believe those who have been that tell me in fact, there is no need for people to be lurking about on the street, when they can comfortably walk into a coffee shop and order a pot brownie with some kava kava tea. Their jails are not being overcrowded by people who broke no law other than getting high, and let's face it. Pot heads are chilling out on their couch, enjoying their peaceful ponderings, they are not robbing your bank. Sheriff Joe seems to be buying into the myths rather than investigating for himself.

So after all these caffeine induced ponderings, I think I have determined that I do in fact feel the prohibitions against marijuana are much like the alcohol prohibition of yesteryear. And I do think we would be better off legalizing it's use rather than spending so much wasted time and effort chasing responsible users. Hence my forwarding this along, even tho it's a day late:

LET’S MAKE APRIL 21 A DAY THAT CONGRESS NEVER FORGETS!

NORML needs you to call your Congressional Representative on Monday, April 21, and deliver the following message:

“Millions of hard-working Americans use marijuana. Most consume it responsibly, in the privacy of their own homes, and in a manner similar to alcohol. Why then are we spending millions of dollars each year to arrest these otherwise law-abiding individuals? It’s time to end the madness; it’s time to stop arresting responsible marijuana consumers. I urge you to support House Bill HR 5843, an ‘Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults’.

(You can contact the office of your US Representative directly dialing the Congressional Switchboard at 202-224-3121.)

After you have done so, we also ask that you please e-mail this message to Congress. Simply click here http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=11280301&type=CO and enter your zip code and NORML will instantly send a pre-written message in your name to your Congressional Representative.

Imagine the ‘buzz’ on Capitol Hill as thousands upon thousands of phone calls and e-mails begin pouring in to the Congressional offices in support of legalizing marijuana. Never before has the marijuana law reform movement made this sort of political statement to Washington; we intend to make it a statement that our elected officials won’t soon forget. As I said at the opening of this letter, we truly will be making history!

Sincerely,

R. Keith Stroup, Esq.
Founder
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
legal@norml.org

A few websites for your perusal:
http://www.marijuana.com/
http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/marijuana.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marijuana
http://www.ehow.com/how_2110600_medical-marijuana-california.html

A Peaceful Earth Day

Yup, this horoscope is exactly what my day was like. Perfection. Happy and peaceful Earth Day to all

April 20, 2008
Where Peace Lives
Leo Daily Horoscope

Your spirit may be awash in feelings of comfort and tranquility today. You are likely in a peaceful mood and drawn to the many pleasures home and family have to offer. This can be a wonderful time to take a personal day in which you put aside your obligations and concentrate your attention on enjoying the many blessings in your life. You may find yourself driven to gather your loved ones for a day of relaxing activities. Or, you may wish to interrupt your routine by reading a book, writing a letter, or cooking something special. Today may be best spent doing what makes you happy and peaceful.

You can experience some of your most peaceful moments at home. At home, you can revel in the comforts of the life you have created for yourself in the company of the individuals most important to you. Though you may be tempted to use your tranquil leisure time to catch up on your responsibilities, it is the serenity of your home and the proximity of your loved ones that will sustain your pleasant mood. You will find that all you need to feel comfortable surrounds you in your home. Little needs to come between you and your peaceful quiet. When you enjoy the comforts of your home today, you can tap into your inner peace.

Proof of Government Cover Up

Torture approved by the American Government was said to be a ridiculous conspiracy theory. Yet now there's proof. Forwarding this message from Democracy for America along:

You and I suspected it. Now, ABC News confirms it.¹

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice chaired repeated White House meetings approving specific torture techniques before they were used -- then lied about it to Congress.

Now Brave New Films put it all together in a "smoking gun" video. That's why, Democracy for America is partnering with True Majority and Brave New Films to launch an aggressive national campaign with a simple message: Condi Must Go.

Watch the video and sign the petition now.

www.CondiMustGo.com

This is the first time concrete evidence shows that senior White House officials, "not only discussed specific plans and specific interrogation methods, but approved them."

The torture meetings were gruesome in detail, often choreographed "down to the number of times a CIA agent could use a specific tactic" or combination of tactics.

The ABC news report makes it crystal clear that torture committed in Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay were not isolated incidents by a few "bad apples". In fact, these incidents were standard operating procedure dictated at the highest level of government and led by the current Secretary of State. Her directives to the CIA were unambiguous, "This is your baby, go do it."

Join me in signing the "Condi Must Go" petition right now.

www.CondiMustGo.com

Don't sit this petition out because you think Secretary Rice is untouchable. When we joined with Brave New Films to push for the impeachment of Alberto Gonzales last year, no one thought he would ever be forced out of office. Our critics were wrong then, and they are wrong now.

That's why we're working with True Majority and Brave New Films to expose the truth about Condoleezza Rice. Today, we launch the petition. Tonight, we start a media campaign with a 30-second ad airing on ABC immediately after tonight's Presidential debate.

We will not stop until Condoleezza Rice is held accountable. Sign the petition now.

www.CondiMustGo.com

Working together, we move America forward. Thank you for everything you do.

-Jim

Jim Dean
Chair

100 years in Iraq? 6 months at a time.

In the words of President Bush and Senator McCain themselves.

Racism - Southern Poverty Law Center

Racism is a serious problem in America. The Southern Poverty Law Center identified 888 organized hate groups — a staggering 48% increase since 2000.

This increase in the number of hate groups — white supremacists, neo-Nazis, anti-immigrant extremists, anti-gay groups and others — is an alarming trend.

As the ranks of hate swell, people of goodwill must stand up and be counted.

Thank you for standing strong against hate.

Learn about hate groups in your area on our Hate Map:
http://www.splcenter.org/intel/map/hate.jsp

Learn to respond to everyday bigotry and speak out against hate through our Speak Up! and 10 Ways to Fight Hate publications.
http://www.tolerance.org/speakup/index.html
http://www.tolerance.org/10_ways/index.html

The above graphic is from Cox and Forkum

Who did I vote for?

A question that has often come up in the past 7 years, is "Who did you vote for?" And I must admit, I am ashamed by my truth. But I feel it is an important one, so I share it here.

I voted for Bush the first time.

I remember saying back when Bush first ran, "I don't believe he can do the kind of damage in four years that you are talking about, and I want a safer America, so I will vote for Bush." I now look back and wish I had never participated in giving baby Bush and his cronies that kind of power. I regret my vote and wish I had taken more time to educate myself and gone less on political sound bites.
The second time there was only one voting booth in my area which was populated by hundreds of thousands. I remember wishing I had left my registration where I grew up, in an upper middle class suburbean area, because then I could vote in one of many ballot areas, in safe neighborhoods. As it was, I was expected to sit in an electric wheelchair on a street where gang activity was high and wait in a long line in order to vote. This happened all over the U.S.

This time around I will be registered to write in my vote on an absentee ballot. I will educate myself, as I am already striving to do, and will vote based on a wide range of my beliefs, not just on the fear I was voting from when Bush first went up for office.

Now John McCain is trying to use those same fear tactics. He also seems to be buying into and now selling the same warped version of patriotism that Bush has promoted since he came into office. I hope people are not fooled. It is American to speak up for what is right, and to be a democratic nation. True patriotism is not being a yes man, but being your own person. I hope everyone will take some time to learn the various candidates views and will vote based on the bigger picture, and their own beliefs.

Will we save or destroy our planet? Can we make a difference?

Hello Blogspot Friends,

I have just read and signed the petition: "The U.S. House Must Act on Global Warming This Year!"

You can read and sign this petition for yourself at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/832393389

We all remember Hurricane Katrina, and as An Inconvenient Truth pointed out, we know that the global climate change is caused by things we can change and avoid such as the use of dirty fuels. Our government needs to start working towards a healthier planet or there will be more hurricanes, droughts, rising tides that will threaten coastal cities, and other such dangerous events related to global climate change. Apparently many still believe the lie that this is some sort of hoax even after losing so many lives in Hurricane Katrina. We need our politicians to act now.

What we do in the next 10 years will make all the difference. We need a Presidential candidate who will take steps to improve how we treat our world, lessen the use of dirty fossil fuels, and help move us towards a healthier planet.

Please share your thoughts and sign the petition at the above link. Then write to the Presidential Candidates and share your thoughts with them as well.

Thanks!

Obama and GLBT... where does he stand?

I came across this interesting blog/report by the Alligator:

In February 2008, Senator Barack Obama wrote an “Open Letter to the LGBT Community”. Penned weeks before the Senator’s historic speech on race, the open letter is as eloquent and nuanced as that speech and he thoughtfully addresses the issues of discrimination faced by LGBT Americans as he did with the issue of the racial divide in America. Senator Obama doesn’t just offer platitudinal promises to the LGBT community, but talks honestly about the uphill battle it will take to achieve equal rights- how difficult it could be to change the hearts and minds of many Americans.

He also addresses with remarkable understanding how stigma often tied to homophobia is a factor that must be addressed in order to steam the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

There is little I can add to the reason why the LGBT community should support Senator Obama than to quote the eloquence of the Senator’s own words as written in his letter to the LGBT Community.

I’m running for President to build an America that lives up to our founding promise of equality for all – a promise that extends to our gay brothers and sisters. It’s wrong to have millions of Americans living as second-class citizens in this nation. And I ask for your support in this election so that together we can bring about real change for all LGBT Americans. Equality is a moral imperative. That’s why throughout my career, I have fought to eliminate discrimination against LGBT Americans. In Illinois, I co-sponsored a fully inclusive bill that prohibited discrimination on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender identity, extending protection to the workplace, housing, and places of public accommodation.

Read on at: alligatorreport.wordpress.com

What DO I believe about crime and Bush?

After attending a candlelight vigil I posted Peace and Intelligence - Keeping Our Own Council: World Peace? which apparently looked to some like I was saying Bush is to blame for all crime, everywhere.

I had a talk at the candlelight vigil which was eye opening to me. It made me ponder the wide reaching effect that leaders in our country can have not only on legislature and international policy, but on the lives and interactions of Americans.

So let me clarify. I believe that each person is responsible for his or her actions. No, I do not believe Bush is somehow responsible for all crime. He can however, inspire others to behave decently or indecently towards each other. Whether you like him or not, the words of leaders such as the President have impact. If he (or possibly some day she) speaks out against the LGBT community, hate crimes against the LGBT go up. When Presidents have stood up for all human rights, hate crimes have gone down. That is exactly what the woman I spoke to in the above post is seeing happen.

No person is less human than another. We need a president who will speak up for the rights of all Americans, not just those he likes.