True has received a letter from Amanda Plummer about the water-skipping event in the harbor during the 4th of July and Fish Pic. Amanda's arguments seem sound to True: high attendance, jumping through the hoops to get approval, and FUN, fun fun for folks including the almighty Tourists on behalf of whom many a PC sin has now and then been committed.
Ya sure, it probably isn't that good for the fish. BUT, what about those big boats and their ballast? What about the, excuse me, detritus left behind by every single motorized vehicle? What about the city itself and its failure to clean up waste in the harbor?
Hey, we are talking about only a few hours per year at most. How much environmental damage can that do?
As for the conservation easement, which True soundly supports, that has been repeatedly violated by city and developers alike. So why pick on these little kids who just want to have a little fun?
True, it is not my idea of a fun fest, but I don't need to agree with everything that everybody wants to do. This seems relatively harmless and enjoyed by a lot of folks.
Another big issue at play here is the hubris of Homeland Security, who has now taken over the formerly friendly and service-oriented Coast Guard. They claim to own the harbor! This raises my hackles; it would never have happened when the Coast Guard was simply the Coast Guard and not an outpost of the heavy-handed Homeland Security, home of the Unitary Executive.
Plummer's letter shows that some Coast Guard personnel were willing to approve the skipping permit. This apparently got nixed at a Higher Level.
Harbor Friends, please lighten up. Coast Guard emissaries of the Homeland Deciders, please remember that WE remember you fondly as partners in protecting our harbor, not as the Heavies who Rule Jurisdictions.
-True
Showing posts with label homeland security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeland security. Show all posts
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Trolling for terrorists: what does that look like?
Mulling over the wonderful story and editorial comments by Jane Howard about the sad court case of the Border Patrol agent in the death of Dr. Ken Petersen....
Howard said she is glad to know that the Border Patrol is there to stop terrorists from coming in through Canada... Well, then, how do those PaTrollers stop those Terrists (as they are called by our Fearless Decider)? Do they recognize them by their assault weapons, or their camouflage gear? Or is it the color of their skin? Or maybe the faintly Arabic cast of their features? Is there some secret sign that they are taught in their Terrist Training? Or is this just one more instance of racist profiling?
It seems that driving up and down the Gunflint Trail is one of the big ways the Border Trollers carry on their fearless hunt. What exactly are they looking to find? Hmm, True looks a little scruffy, like much of Cook County, when he goes off fishing. Is scruffiness a sign of Terrism? A couple of years ago, True's friend Toivo watched a scene in the Grand Marais Harbor parking lot, where a couple of tourist families in vans were having a picnic. Trouble was, those couple of families looked like they might be Middle Eastern. Toivo watched in astonishment as one after another Border Patrol vehicles appeared, slowly TROLLING by the innocent families, obviously trolling for terrists posing as tourists.
It makes True laugh and laugh that the mouthpiece hired to represent Weber quoted bloggers and even our wonderful Sheriff Falk to prove that in Cook County the Border Patrol is perceived as the enemy more than "invisible terrorists." Now why would we ever think that?
Well, silliness aside, at least give those Trollers some Driver Training and don't let them off the hook when they get well-deserved traffic tickets.
Immunity? Because Ms. Weber was diligently pursuing those invisible Terrists she gets to run down and kill a good man?
Honestly, what country are we living in? Maybe a Latin American dictatorship? That's what they do down there, folks, with the blessing of our big corporations like Coca Cola. But that's another story.
True
Howard said she is glad to know that the Border Patrol is there to stop terrorists from coming in through Canada... Well, then, how do those PaTrollers stop those Terrists (as they are called by our Fearless Decider)? Do they recognize them by their assault weapons, or their camouflage gear? Or is it the color of their skin? Or maybe the faintly Arabic cast of their features? Is there some secret sign that they are taught in their Terrist Training? Or is this just one more instance of racist profiling?
It seems that driving up and down the Gunflint Trail is one of the big ways the Border Trollers carry on their fearless hunt. What exactly are they looking to find? Hmm, True looks a little scruffy, like much of Cook County, when he goes off fishing. Is scruffiness a sign of Terrism? A couple of years ago, True's friend Toivo watched a scene in the Grand Marais Harbor parking lot, where a couple of tourist families in vans were having a picnic. Trouble was, those couple of families looked like they might be Middle Eastern. Toivo watched in astonishment as one after another Border Patrol vehicles appeared, slowly TROLLING by the innocent families, obviously trolling for terrists posing as tourists.
It makes True laugh and laugh that the mouthpiece hired to represent Weber quoted bloggers and even our wonderful Sheriff Falk to prove that in Cook County the Border Patrol is perceived as the enemy more than "invisible terrorists." Now why would we ever think that?
Well, silliness aside, at least give those Trollers some Driver Training and don't let them off the hook when they get well-deserved traffic tickets.
Immunity? Because Ms. Weber was diligently pursuing those invisible Terrists she gets to run down and kill a good man?
Honestly, what country are we living in? Maybe a Latin American dictatorship? That's what they do down there, folks, with the blessing of our big corporations like Coca Cola. But that's another story.
True
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Border Patrol-Petersen case story: True salutes Jane Howard
True nominates Jane Howard for the First Place Investigative Journalism in Cook County Award (an apocryphal but still powerful accolade). Her story, "Border Patrol agent seeks court elsewhere in vehicular death case," is a remarkable piece of journalism.
Jane did her homework and did it well, interviewing everybody concerned and taking good notes. Then she assembled the facts she gathered, as well as evidence regarding all those things that we all have been wondering and grieving about: how could it have happened? why did Ms. Weber fail to appear in court? what is her story about why she is not to blame for the death of a beloved resident? what will happen next to offer closure (if not justice) to county residents? are we really the ogres that Ms. Weber claims us to be? is the Border Patrol adequately trained to drive here? do the increasingly large number of agents have a clue about our community? is it appropriate for the DHS to impose Texas border rules on our quiet backwoods?
Well, True might (and has in the past) offer comments on all of the above questions, but the point is that Jane has raised them and brought them to a place where we can now have a community conversation. Ms. Weber has escaped the wrath of our traffic ticket. So it seems we can go ahead and dissect the lingering unanswered questions and sorrow that remain for us living here, that will perhaps never be resolved and yet in the seeking give us some peace of mind.
Jane did her homework and did it well, interviewing everybody concerned and taking good notes. Then she assembled the facts she gathered, as well as evidence regarding all those things that we all have been wondering and grieving about: how could it have happened? why did Ms. Weber fail to appear in court? what is her story about why she is not to blame for the death of a beloved resident? what will happen next to offer closure (if not justice) to county residents? are we really the ogres that Ms. Weber claims us to be? is the Border Patrol adequately trained to drive here? do the increasingly large number of agents have a clue about our community? is it appropriate for the DHS to impose Texas border rules on our quiet backwoods?
Well, True might (and has in the past) offer comments on all of the above questions, but the point is that Jane has raised them and brought them to a place where we can now have a community conversation. Ms. Weber has escaped the wrath of our traffic ticket. So it seems we can go ahead and dissect the lingering unanswered questions and sorrow that remain for us living here, that will perhaps never be resolved and yet in the seeking give us some peace of mind.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
The traffic tickets charged to Maranda Weber
True recognizes the enormous community concern over the death of Dr. Ken Peterson last fall. In our posts we have expressed the opinion that charging Ms. Weber with the equivalent of a speeding ticket does not satisfy the grief and puzzlement experienced by our residents.
So we are truly astonished by the claims of Ms. Weber and her attorneys that she cannot receive a fair trial or hearing in Cook County.
Ask any citizen on the street: they will tell you that she has already had a fair hearing with the grand jury.
Many others have received similar misdemeanor tickets for far lesser offences that don't involve the death of a human being.
These traffic tickets have been consistently upheld by Judge Sandvik. True can speak to this, having been "convicted" himself of a similar offense some years ago and subjected to a lecture by the judge despite the fact that there was no harm done.
Why is Ms. Weber resisting even this mild slap on the wrist? Actions need to have consequences. Justice and reparation satisfy deep needs of human society.
So we are truly astonished by the claims of Ms. Weber and her attorneys that she cannot receive a fair trial or hearing in Cook County.
Ask any citizen on the street: they will tell you that she has already had a fair hearing with the grand jury.
Many others have received similar misdemeanor tickets for far lesser offences that don't involve the death of a human being.
These traffic tickets have been consistently upheld by Judge Sandvik. True can speak to this, having been "convicted" himself of a similar offense some years ago and subjected to a lecture by the judge despite the fact that there was no harm done.
Why is Ms. Weber resisting even this mild slap on the wrist? Actions need to have consequences. Justice and reparation satisfy deep needs of human society.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Treasured life, needless death, a traffic ticket
Nearly six months after the tragic death of Dr. Ken Peterson on Halloween night of 2007 on the Gunflint Trail, a grand jury has decided to charge his killer with two misdemeanor traffic offenses, tickets routinely issued by the Minnesota Highway Patrol in ANY accident, even where there is no damage to life or property.
The few facts so far released to the public (aside from the name and age of the killer, Maranda Weber, 27) provide only negatives: she was not drunk, not on drugs, and not speeding. So, how is it that she killed a man who was trying to remove a downed tree in the middle of the Trail? Hmm, it seems she was "careless."
Careless? What does that mean, a slap on the wrist, a fine of a couple hundred dollars at most?
Well, no way would I or any other driver I know be "careless" enough to slam into a tree across the road!
Dr. Peterson was an exceptional person, evidenced by his last act of trying to remove a hazardous tree blocking the Trail, but even more so by his life of giving so much to the residents of our county.
And is his death so meaningless that the county attorney has chosen not to pursue any fault? And would that be because the killer was a member of the Border Patrol?
CA Tim Scannell has obfuscated the issues, and probably influenced the grand jury (as nearly always happens) with his statement that there was no evidence for "vehicular homicide" and therefore would be no jail time.
HELLO? Jail time? Oh no way, not for a Homeland Security employee. Still, there are lots of options between jail and a traffic ticket. The community as well as Ms. Weber deserve some healing, such as community service in penance or at least some required driver training. Or at best some parole, again commonly prescribed by the courts even in cases not involving the death of a human being, a recognition that there needs to be a period where the perpetrator is held accountable for her actions by society.
True
The few facts so far released to the public (aside from the name and age of the killer, Maranda Weber, 27) provide only negatives: she was not drunk, not on drugs, and not speeding. So, how is it that she killed a man who was trying to remove a downed tree in the middle of the Trail? Hmm, it seems she was "careless."
Careless? What does that mean, a slap on the wrist, a fine of a couple hundred dollars at most?
Well, no way would I or any other driver I know be "careless" enough to slam into a tree across the road!
Dr. Peterson was an exceptional person, evidenced by his last act of trying to remove a hazardous tree blocking the Trail, but even more so by his life of giving so much to the residents of our county.
And is his death so meaningless that the county attorney has chosen not to pursue any fault? And would that be because the killer was a member of the Border Patrol?
CA Tim Scannell has obfuscated the issues, and probably influenced the grand jury (as nearly always happens) with his statement that there was no evidence for "vehicular homicide" and therefore would be no jail time.
HELLO? Jail time? Oh no way, not for a Homeland Security employee. Still, there are lots of options between jail and a traffic ticket. The community as well as Ms. Weber deserve some healing, such as community service in penance or at least some required driver training. Or at best some parole, again commonly prescribed by the courts even in cases not involving the death of a human being, a recognition that there needs to be a period where the perpetrator is held accountable for her actions by society.
True
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The helipad in the harbor
Like everybody else True was shocked to learn that the feds have decided to use the Coast Guard station to house their expanded Border Patrol.
This came about after more than a year of secrecy, rebuffs to the press who tried to find out what was going on, and a general "Up Yours" attitude as people continued to wonder where they planned to build their 10-acre compound surrounded by barbed wire fence and enclosing an underground parking bunker, a helipad, and a jail.
Turns out, the Department of Homeland Security, thanks to the machinations of the Bush administration, now owns our historic Coast Guard station. Nyaa, nyaa, too bad for us.
The PR team insists the facility will only be used for "office space." Even so, the harbor parking lot is a favorite tourist spot. Even locals like to have lunch while watching the changing landscape. As County Commissioner Bruce Martinson said, the Homeland Honchos have chosen the "worst possible" site for their military hi-jinks (apologies to Bruce, the honchos and hi-jinks are my own words not his).
But DHS's credibility is sorta in doubt here. Why should we believe what they tell us now after they have lied for so long?
Here is one possible reason: the new satellite surveillance system being imposed as we speak on every citizen in the "Homeland" and described in this week's Washington Post...This could mean there doesn't have to be so many night surveillance flights or Border Patrol staff riding herd on people who don't look like us: the satellite sees all. Are you out on your deck on a summer eveing, enjoying the Milky Way, and perhaps entertaining a friend? Big Brother will take note.
Still, True is not so sure there won't be a high fence around the Coast Guard station and worries about tourists finding their way to our beloved Artist's Point without DHS harassment.
They do it because they can. The community can't stop them. They are the Deciders. They own the property.
This came about after more than a year of secrecy, rebuffs to the press who tried to find out what was going on, and a general "Up Yours" attitude as people continued to wonder where they planned to build their 10-acre compound surrounded by barbed wire fence and enclosing an underground parking bunker, a helipad, and a jail.
Turns out, the Department of Homeland Security, thanks to the machinations of the Bush administration, now owns our historic Coast Guard station. Nyaa, nyaa, too bad for us.
The PR team insists the facility will only be used for "office space." Even so, the harbor parking lot is a favorite tourist spot. Even locals like to have lunch while watching the changing landscape. As County Commissioner Bruce Martinson said, the Homeland Honchos have chosen the "worst possible" site for their military hi-jinks (apologies to Bruce, the honchos and hi-jinks are my own words not his).
But DHS's credibility is sorta in doubt here. Why should we believe what they tell us now after they have lied for so long?
Here is one possible reason: the new satellite surveillance system being imposed as we speak on every citizen in the "Homeland" and described in this week's Washington Post...This could mean there doesn't have to be so many night surveillance flights or Border Patrol staff riding herd on people who don't look like us: the satellite sees all. Are you out on your deck on a summer eveing, enjoying the Milky Way, and perhaps entertaining a friend? Big Brother will take note.
Still, True is not so sure there won't be a high fence around the Coast Guard station and worries about tourists finding their way to our beloved Artist's Point without DHS harassment.
They do it because they can. The community can't stop them. They are the Deciders. They own the property.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
A man's house is his castle?
The feds are spying on us, our phone and email conversations, and we can't get a driver's license or a post office box without providing our physical address location. What happens to that information? For a fee, anybody on the Internet can get it....
So True was dismayed to find another privacy leak courtesy of Cook County. ANYBODY, that's right, anybody, can pull up your name, property identification number, taxpayer information, property information and assessed property value.
Who lobbied for this Big Brother privacy invasion? Realtors? Collection agencies? Or maybe the NSA (for those of you who don't know: the NSA spies on all of us, all of the time, with no oversight, thanks to Bush, Cheney, Rove, et al who nonetheless delete all of their own computer hard drives so we can't find out what THEY are doing about, say, torture memos, firing of federal attorneys who don't agree with them, big big payouts to crony corporations, lies to the media, to name only a few of their crimes....)
Please, dear Cook County, DON'T make it easier for anybody to invade my privacy. And WHY are you only announcing this new travesty of individual rights after the fact?
True
So True was dismayed to find another privacy leak courtesy of Cook County. ANYBODY, that's right, anybody, can pull up your name, property identification number, taxpayer information, property information and assessed property value.
Who lobbied for this Big Brother privacy invasion? Realtors? Collection agencies? Or maybe the NSA (for those of you who don't know: the NSA spies on all of us, all of the time, with no oversight, thanks to Bush, Cheney, Rove, et al who nonetheless delete all of their own computer hard drives so we can't find out what THEY are doing about, say, torture memos, firing of federal attorneys who don't agree with them, big big payouts to crony corporations, lies to the media, to name only a few of their crimes....)
Please, dear Cook County, DON'T make it easier for anybody to invade my privacy. And WHY are you only announcing this new travesty of individual rights after the fact?
True
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Poor Lynddie England, chump and poster child of bad soldier
The MSM vilified Lynndie England as the evil incarnate of Abu Ghraib after the world looked on in horror at the photos of her tormenting prisoners. Poor dumb Lynddie admitted her guilt and said she knew she was wrong and got sent to jail despite the obvious sexual abuse by her superior officer (namely, she was preggers with his kid).
It boggles the mind that the press could demonize this subnormal child-woman for obeying the orders of her bosses while exonerating the Commander-in-Chief who made it all happen, who now admits with pride that he authorized torture of the "hardened terrists." You surely know who I am talking about? The "mission accomplished," "heckuva job, Brownie" guy? Yep, the buck stops with him.
Lynndie recently gave an interview. She's really mad at the press (well, who isn't?) But for Lynndie they are entirely to blame for the whole scandal that damaged America in world opinion, and why is that? Why, because stuff like the Abu Ghraib torture is just doing business as usual in the Army but the people can't be expected to understand that. They need to be protected from the truth.
Lynndie, poor boobie, took the rap like a good soldier but she is really pissed because the press didn't go along with the Big Lie that her "superiors" bamboozled her into pleading guilty for.
What a mug! She doesn't even get it, that her latest admisison about torture-as-usual is the most damning evidence we have that we need to look way up to the top of the food chain for the real perpetrators of the horrors at Abu Ghraib and Gitmo and all those secret detention sites in countries that don't fool around denying that they torture, and torture, and torture.
Thanks, Lynndie, for helping us get the big picture
It boggles the mind that the press could demonize this subnormal child-woman for obeying the orders of her bosses while exonerating the Commander-in-Chief who made it all happen, who now admits with pride that he authorized torture of the "hardened terrists." You surely know who I am talking about? The "mission accomplished," "heckuva job, Brownie" guy? Yep, the buck stops with him.
Lynndie recently gave an interview. She's really mad at the press (well, who isn't?) But for Lynndie they are entirely to blame for the whole scandal that damaged America in world opinion, and why is that? Why, because stuff like the Abu Ghraib torture is just doing business as usual in the Army but the people can't be expected to understand that. They need to be protected from the truth.
Lynndie, poor boobie, took the rap like a good soldier but she is really pissed because the press didn't go along with the Big Lie that her "superiors" bamboozled her into pleading guilty for.
What a mug! She doesn't even get it, that her latest admisison about torture-as-usual is the most damning evidence we have that we need to look way up to the top of the food chain for the real perpetrators of the horrors at Abu Ghraib and Gitmo and all those secret detention sites in countries that don't fool around denying that they torture, and torture, and torture.
Thanks, Lynndie, for helping us get the big picture
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Stop that spying or I'll give you something to spy about!
True,
Who still believes in the sanctity of the home? Or would you believe a person's house is her castle? Does anybody else care that satellite spying on our every email and phone conversation has just been okayed by the US Senate?
Oh ya I know the argument, that only the bad guys have anything to hide. NOT. I have my private thoughts to hide. I have my friends, my memories, my saints, my sins, my longings and hopes and dreams and fears to hide from a merciless Big Brother who would shred the American Dream for the sake of imperial domination, for the sake of oil and wealth and limitless power.
Well, then, scumbags aka elected officials, put this in your pipe and smoke it:
As a person of peace I am the enemy of the United States who stands for endless war. Enemy, enemy, enemy. USA equals Evildoer, evildoer, evildoer.
Ah so, you spy on me? OK then I will spew out all that stuff you are looking for and dare you to come and get me:
F**k Bu$hco. Death to the Repuglican agenda. Impeach Bush and Cheney and put them in jail. End Torture and arrest all those who condone or practice it. Let you be judged and sentenced to your own wicked and cruel torments of others, like the old fairy tales where the baddies were dragged behind a team of horses in a nail-studded cask. YOU ALWAYS PAY FOR WHAT YOU DO, or so I wish.
Nya nya nya, You Can't Catch Me I'm the Gingerbread Man...... by the time you head to my Castle I will be so out of here, out of this friggin country where I was born but no longer belong....
Anonymous
Who still believes in the sanctity of the home? Or would you believe a person's house is her castle? Does anybody else care that satellite spying on our every email and phone conversation has just been okayed by the US Senate?
Oh ya I know the argument, that only the bad guys have anything to hide. NOT. I have my private thoughts to hide. I have my friends, my memories, my saints, my sins, my longings and hopes and dreams and fears to hide from a merciless Big Brother who would shred the American Dream for the sake of imperial domination, for the sake of oil and wealth and limitless power.
Well, then, scumbags aka elected officials, put this in your pipe and smoke it:
As a person of peace I am the enemy of the United States who stands for endless war. Enemy, enemy, enemy. USA equals Evildoer, evildoer, evildoer.
Ah so, you spy on me? OK then I will spew out all that stuff you are looking for and dare you to come and get me:
F**k Bu$hco. Death to the Repuglican agenda. Impeach Bush and Cheney and put them in jail. End Torture and arrest all those who condone or practice it. Let you be judged and sentenced to your own wicked and cruel torments of others, like the old fairy tales where the baddies were dragged behind a team of horses in a nail-studded cask. YOU ALWAYS PAY FOR WHAT YOU DO, or so I wish.
Nya nya nya, You Can't Catch Me I'm the Gingerbread Man...... by the time you head to my Castle I will be so out of here, out of this friggin country where I was born but no longer belong....
Anonymous
Friday, January 25, 2008
New Border Crossing Rules May Cause Problems
Op-Ed jusst in from Rep. Oberstar:
New Border Crossing Rules May Cause Problems
Friday, January 25, 2008
In just a few days, it will become more confusing to cross the border between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico. Because the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is not ready to implement the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), DHS is moving ahead with a temporary system to screen travelers and commerce at our border crossings.
Here is what travelers need to know about the new requirements that take effect on January 31:
A passport is a good investment if you travel between the U.S. and Canada on a regular basis. For the last year, U.S. airline passengers have needed a passport to fly to Canada or Mexico, and passports will soon be one of the key documents accepted for travel by land. Regardless of the new system that DHS implements, a passport will serve as absolute proof of your U.S. citizenship.
I am disappointed with the way that DHS has developed this temporary screening process. According to a recent report by the General Accountability Office, DHS does not have the resources or manpower to make the plan work smoothly. I am concerned this will result in long lines at the border that will hamper the movement of people and goods and harm the economies of border communities like International Falls.
I have signed a letter with my congressional colleagues to request that DHS suspend its interim program. DHS should focus its resources to implement the new WHTI and developing an alternative, efficient document for those who cross the border frequently.
The current system that allows travelers to make an oral declaration of citizenship gives border agents the ability to use their common sense and experience to screen people. Border agents used this very system to catch the terrorists who were planning the Millennium Plot in Seattle in 2000.
The new WHTI must preserve this ability of our Customs and Border Patrol agents to draw on their judgment and experience. It must quickly identify travelers who do not pose a threat, so resources can be used more effectively. DHS must devise a system that strikes the right balance between protecting our national security and ensuring the economic vitality of border communities.
New Border Crossing Rules May Cause Problems
Friday, January 25, 2008
In just a few days, it will become more confusing to cross the border between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico. Because the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is not ready to implement the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), DHS is moving ahead with a temporary system to screen travelers and commerce at our border crossings.
Here is what travelers need to know about the new requirements that take effect on January 31:
- Adults traveling to Canada or Mexico will need a government-issued photo ID as well as proof of citizenship.
- To satisfy this enhanced travel requirement, you can present a passport or you can use your driver’s license plus your birth certificate.
- Children under the age of 18 are only required to have a proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate.
- There are also exemptions for members of the U.S. armed forces traveling on orders and youth and school groups.
- For more information, visit http://travel.state.gov before you leave the U.S.
A passport is a good investment if you travel between the U.S. and Canada on a regular basis. For the last year, U.S. airline passengers have needed a passport to fly to Canada or Mexico, and passports will soon be one of the key documents accepted for travel by land. Regardless of the new system that DHS implements, a passport will serve as absolute proof of your U.S. citizenship.
I am disappointed with the way that DHS has developed this temporary screening process. According to a recent report by the General Accountability Office, DHS does not have the resources or manpower to make the plan work smoothly. I am concerned this will result in long lines at the border that will hamper the movement of people and goods and harm the economies of border communities like International Falls.
I have signed a letter with my congressional colleagues to request that DHS suspend its interim program. DHS should focus its resources to implement the new WHTI and developing an alternative, efficient document for those who cross the border frequently.
The current system that allows travelers to make an oral declaration of citizenship gives border agents the ability to use their common sense and experience to screen people. Border agents used this very system to catch the terrorists who were planning the Millennium Plot in Seattle in 2000.
The new WHTI must preserve this ability of our Customs and Border Patrol agents to draw on their judgment and experience. It must quickly identify travelers who do not pose a threat, so resources can be used more effectively. DHS must devise a system that strikes the right balance between protecting our national security and ensuring the economic vitality of border communities.
###
Monday, August 06, 2007
The Soft Underbelly of the Democratic Party - CommonDreams.org
Since the vote by Congress to support warrantless spying on all Americans, the blogosphere has been buzzing. Hmm, Minnesota "Nice" folks don't like Minnesota Mad Belding; they prefer to sit back and ignore the evil around them while making nasty cracks at the people who speak out.
Even the stuffy New York Times is with Belding on this one, though not using the "H" word. Oh my goodness, how NOT nice.
The frustration is not being listened to by any of the three branches of government which are supposed to check and balance each other. The Rage is that the Congress has given retroactive approval to the crimes of Bushco.
True
Read this Common Dreams post; others will follow:
The Soft Underbelly of the Democratic Party - CommonDreams.org
Even the stuffy New York Times is with Belding on this one, though not using the "H" word. Oh my goodness, how NOT nice.
The frustration is not being listened to by any of the three branches of government which are supposed to check and balance each other. The Rage is that the Congress has given retroactive approval to the crimes of Bushco.
True
Read this Common Dreams post; others will follow:
The Soft Underbelly of the Democratic Party - CommonDreams.org
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Minnesota Mad: Disgust and rage
Dear True,
No, not love and happiness, not today. I have nothing but disgust and rage for the politicians of this country, ALL of them (well, almost).
As for Mr. No New Taxes Pawlenty, he bears a great share of the responsibility for the lives lost and maimed in the Minneapolis bridge collapse, not to mention the fear and terror of the rest of us who must entrust our lives to structurally unsound bridges, having vetoed a major transportation bill in 2005 that would have addressed the state's aging road infrastructure.
As for the evil cowboy Mr. Photo Op Bush, he bears an even greater burden of this guilt, having squandered the resources paid by taxpayers in the assumption that they will be spent to keep bridges and levees and roads and waterways and sewers and .... well, everything we depend on for life and health, safe. No, better to spend a couple trillion dollars killing off people in Iraq and destroying THEIR infrastructure completely, so his Texas cronies continue to reap megaprofits from oil and get no-bid private contracts to run the war. Who gives a flying fuck that the people of Baghdad don't have any water? That Iraqis working with Americans have separate (presumably not equal) bathrooms and meals? That millions are homeless thanks to the devastation wrought by the US, that people are starving, that there is no electricity for most of the day in devastating heat? Who cares? They are only Iraqis, as one US soldier said.
As for the Congress, shame. They bear the responsibility to reign in a rogue administration, protect the Constitution, and make laws that promote the general welfare. But what do they do? They sling impeachment off the table when the constitutional crimes of this administration challenge our three-tiered government to the very core, and then they proceed to knuckle under to every illegal and outrageous demand made by Bushco. The latest: a secret FISA panel decided Bush's wiretapping was illegal and so what does Congress do? They pass a law to make it legal. I for one am sick of knowing I have no private communications unless I meet someone somewhere where there are no phones, computers, or mail and even then who knows what those satellites are picking up?
It's a sad, sad world but the worst is that it doesn't have to be that way. The American people want good government, good schools, good health care, good communities, good infrastructure, a clean and safe environment, retirement security ... and they are paying enough to get it. Even without new taxes, which in Minnesota is totally stupid because we will pay one way or another.
Us poor people pay so much in fees and sales taxes that we trump even the biggest billionaire who actually does pay tax (if any) in terms of percentage of income. However, almost any of us would gladly pay more to save the lives of loved ones and protect the world for future generations. As for Bushco, he lavishly rewards the richest of the rich, not only with absurd tax cuts but also with his shadow government which pays them billions in contracts that are scrutinized by none. Many of these contracts usurp the lawful function of government, such as intelligence gathering and military forces, and unlawful ones as well, such as murder, torture, rape and spying.These bad politicians, and that includes nearly all of them, know that people don't like what they do. They receive thousands and millions of emails, phone calls and petitions daily from people who feel they must speak out. Bush apologist Sen. Coleman responds with a knee-jerk blip but never a word on any issue. All elected officials in this mega-media, mega-business and mega-shadow government age depend on the millions these people pay them. Who will stand up to the coal industry, the nuclear industry, big oil, when they are major campaign contributors? All the major candidates are beholden to the big multinational corporations and media, without whom they could never be elected. (Except maybe John Edwards who is getting a rilli-rilli-bad media rap....)
Finally, the American people have allowed these travesties to happen. Democracy means that the grass roots don't get mowed down, even if all their heroes are assassinated: John and Bobby Kennedy, MLK, John Lennon, and YES, our beloved Paul Wellstone.... I don't have a nanosecond of doubt that they were removed by the Rich Repug Reich.
Hate and rage.
Nancye Belding
Grand Marais
No, not love and happiness, not today. I have nothing but disgust and rage for the politicians of this country, ALL of them (well, almost).
As for Mr. No New Taxes Pawlenty, he bears a great share of the responsibility for the lives lost and maimed in the Minneapolis bridge collapse, not to mention the fear and terror of the rest of us who must entrust our lives to structurally unsound bridges, having vetoed a major transportation bill in 2005 that would have addressed the state's aging road infrastructure.
As for the evil cowboy Mr. Photo Op Bush, he bears an even greater burden of this guilt, having squandered the resources paid by taxpayers in the assumption that they will be spent to keep bridges and levees and roads and waterways and sewers and .... well, everything we depend on for life and health, safe. No, better to spend a couple trillion dollars killing off people in Iraq and destroying THEIR infrastructure completely, so his Texas cronies continue to reap megaprofits from oil and get no-bid private contracts to run the war. Who gives a flying fuck that the people of Baghdad don't have any water? That Iraqis working with Americans have separate (presumably not equal) bathrooms and meals? That millions are homeless thanks to the devastation wrought by the US, that people are starving, that there is no electricity for most of the day in devastating heat? Who cares? They are only Iraqis, as one US soldier said.
As for the Congress, shame. They bear the responsibility to reign in a rogue administration, protect the Constitution, and make laws that promote the general welfare. But what do they do? They sling impeachment off the table when the constitutional crimes of this administration challenge our three-tiered government to the very core, and then they proceed to knuckle under to every illegal and outrageous demand made by Bushco. The latest: a secret FISA panel decided Bush's wiretapping was illegal and so what does Congress do? They pass a law to make it legal. I for one am sick of knowing I have no private communications unless I meet someone somewhere where there are no phones, computers, or mail and even then who knows what those satellites are picking up?
It's a sad, sad world but the worst is that it doesn't have to be that way. The American people want good government, good schools, good health care, good communities, good infrastructure, a clean and safe environment, retirement security ... and they are paying enough to get it. Even without new taxes, which in Minnesota is totally stupid because we will pay one way or another.
Us poor people pay so much in fees and sales taxes that we trump even the biggest billionaire who actually does pay tax (if any) in terms of percentage of income. However, almost any of us would gladly pay more to save the lives of loved ones and protect the world for future generations. As for Bushco, he lavishly rewards the richest of the rich, not only with absurd tax cuts but also with his shadow government which pays them billions in contracts that are scrutinized by none. Many of these contracts usurp the lawful function of government, such as intelligence gathering and military forces, and unlawful ones as well, such as murder, torture, rape and spying.These bad politicians, and that includes nearly all of them, know that people don't like what they do. They receive thousands and millions of emails, phone calls and petitions daily from people who feel they must speak out. Bush apologist Sen. Coleman responds with a knee-jerk blip but never a word on any issue. All elected officials in this mega-media, mega-business and mega-shadow government age depend on the millions these people pay them. Who will stand up to the coal industry, the nuclear industry, big oil, when they are major campaign contributors? All the major candidates are beholden to the big multinational corporations and media, without whom they could never be elected. (Except maybe John Edwards who is getting a rilli-rilli-bad media rap....)
Finally, the American people have allowed these travesties to happen. Democracy means that the grass roots don't get mowed down, even if all their heroes are assassinated: John and Bobby Kennedy, MLK, John Lennon, and YES, our beloved Paul Wellstone.... I don't have a nanosecond of doubt that they were removed by the Rich Repug Reich.
Hate and rage.
Nancye Belding
Grand Marais
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Power Without Limits - New York Times
Recent executive orders by the Bushco seem to be preparing the way to declare the United States Constitution and laws in abeyance while the Decider takes over. Don't believe it? Well, even the MSM (NY Times) has weighed in on this terrifying power grab.... Check it out:
Power Without Limits - New York Times:
Power Without Limits - New York Times:
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
The Politics of Fear - New York Times
It's deja vu all over again. Fake intelligence. Fool me once? Why would anybody believe anything the Bushcos say, especially when the pressure is turned up to bring the troops home from Iraq. The bin Laden- Iraq al Quaeda link has been thoroughly discredited despite the Cowboy Deciders repeated insistence that it is there. Now, they've caught the Missing Link? I don't think so.
The New York Times, hardly a bastion of progressive thought, even noticed the stagey coincidence:
The Politics of Fear - New York Times
The New York Times, hardly a bastion of progressive thought, even noticed the stagey coincidence:
The Politics of Fear - New York Times
Peace, peace and only peace
Shanti. That is Hindu for peace. The Shanti prayer calls for peace to all the beings and angels, all the herbs and shrubs, and for that peace to come to me. Shanti, shanti, shanti.
Here in Cook County we are very blessed with people who lavish love on our community, our lake, our woods and their precious bounty of beauty and abundance. "Locals" and newcomers alike have worked to preserve and cherish our assets: Grand Marais harbor, inland lakes and forests, the Boundary Waters and the Gunflint Trail. Tourism is our livelihood but it also is our passion: we want to spend our working hours sharing the treasures of the boreal forest and the waters with our guests.
In the past year we have collectively acted to protect and preserve our wetlands, our towns, our forests and our harbor. We have voted down every instance in which big development might overtake us: a super-sized marina, a monster Homeland project to criminalize our borders, gunfire on the lake, deep-pockets condo developers intent on transforming Grand Marais into Disney Gate World, and many another attack by big developers from the Twin Cities and the nation all looking for the big bucks.
Cook County, home of the best and the brightest although not the richest (except for the McMansion owners who post Keep Out signs and terrorize their neighbors), is for me. We give and give and give for the people and the place that we love.
But, what are we doing about the terrible evil that the Bush administration has loosed on the world? What are we doing to bring our soldier children home from a civil war where they are forced to kill innocent civilians and traumatized at far higher levels than earlier wars because of the moral muck in which they must participate?
There will be no peace or justice or health care or prosperity until this hideous and illegal war of aggression is brought to an end. Even so we will pay for its costs for generations to come. Even so we will have to rebuild Iraq, to dismantle the huge shadow network of mercenary soldiers that brings billions in profits to Halliburton, Blackwater and other no-bid contractors. We will have to withdraw our permanent bases and let the Iraqi people have their own oil revenue rather than "sharing" it with us. We will have to demand that the Congress take back the Constitution and restore our respect as a humane society in the rest of the world. We will have to turn our swords to plowshares.
Still, good people everywhere can rise to the occasion, just as the good people of Cook County take care of each other, so will others follow when we have made peace.
Here in Cook County we are very blessed with people who lavish love on our community, our lake, our woods and their precious bounty of beauty and abundance. "Locals" and newcomers alike have worked to preserve and cherish our assets: Grand Marais harbor, inland lakes and forests, the Boundary Waters and the Gunflint Trail. Tourism is our livelihood but it also is our passion: we want to spend our working hours sharing the treasures of the boreal forest and the waters with our guests.
In the past year we have collectively acted to protect and preserve our wetlands, our towns, our forests and our harbor. We have voted down every instance in which big development might overtake us: a super-sized marina, a monster Homeland project to criminalize our borders, gunfire on the lake, deep-pockets condo developers intent on transforming Grand Marais into Disney Gate World, and many another attack by big developers from the Twin Cities and the nation all looking for the big bucks.
Cook County, home of the best and the brightest although not the richest (except for the McMansion owners who post Keep Out signs and terrorize their neighbors), is for me. We give and give and give for the people and the place that we love.
But, what are we doing about the terrible evil that the Bush administration has loosed on the world? What are we doing to bring our soldier children home from a civil war where they are forced to kill innocent civilians and traumatized at far higher levels than earlier wars because of the moral muck in which they must participate?
There will be no peace or justice or health care or prosperity until this hideous and illegal war of aggression is brought to an end. Even so we will pay for its costs for generations to come. Even so we will have to rebuild Iraq, to dismantle the huge shadow network of mercenary soldiers that brings billions in profits to Halliburton, Blackwater and other no-bid contractors. We will have to withdraw our permanent bases and let the Iraqi people have their own oil revenue rather than "sharing" it with us. We will have to demand that the Congress take back the Constitution and restore our respect as a humane society in the rest of the world. We will have to turn our swords to plowshares.
Still, good people everywhere can rise to the occasion, just as the good people of Cook County take care of each other, so will others follow when we have made peace.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
A man's house is his Castle
As all readers must know, True puts everything in the shop window. So, many ignorant doofuses ask, why worry if he's being spied upon at home? THAT is, if he has nothing to hide.
Whether I choose to hide anything or not isn't the point. The point is what living in the land of the free is all about. Has anybody under the age of 60 actually studied the Constitution and the Bill of Rights?
For example, take a look at the Fourth Amendment:
Friend, do you care? Do you ever dream that you are naked in public, or using a public toilet without a door, or dragged away screaming by the Homeland Honcho Patrol? Do you mind that the metaphorical equivalent of your dream is what the neocons and their flunkie Dumb Dubya have established in America? Yes, HAVE established. That's what it is....Think about it.
I know many people who don't express their opinions on the phone or Internet out of fear. I am not one of them: let the spooks arrest me and drag me off to extraordinary rendition so long as somebody takes care of Katie, Sophie, Leo, Lulu and Sugar in my absence. Nobody will make me shut up.
BUT, what "bugs" me (pun intended) is:
Here, my dear readers, is a story you surely want to read:
Experts: FBI Would Skirt the Law With Phone Records Program
Whether I choose to hide anything or not isn't the point. The point is what living in the land of the free is all about. Has anybody under the age of 60 actually studied the Constitution and the Bill of Rights?
For example, take a look at the Fourth Amendment:
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Caroline Kennedy wrote a book about it, called The Right to Privacy. People have fought and died for it. True, being actually educated in American history, knows all this. What do you know? For example, do you know that every phone conversation you have, every email you write, and every Internet search you do is recorded in cyberspace? Or, that the government demands that Internet and phone providers save this information for you regardless of any little hitch like a warrant for cause?Friend, do you care? Do you ever dream that you are naked in public, or using a public toilet without a door, or dragged away screaming by the Homeland Honcho Patrol? Do you mind that the metaphorical equivalent of your dream is what the neocons and their flunkie Dumb Dubya have established in America? Yes, HAVE established. That's what it is....Think about it.
I know many people who don't express their opinions on the phone or Internet out of fear. I am not one of them: let the spooks arrest me and drag me off to extraordinary rendition so long as somebody takes care of Katie, Sophie, Leo, Lulu and Sugar in my absence. Nobody will make me shut up.
BUT, what "bugs" me (pun intended) is:
- That my house is not any longer my Castle. It is subject to satellite surveillance of my every move, of disappearing me as an enemy combatant even though my little companions depend on me to protect them.
- Also, that the self-righteous, indecently rich, ultra right wing neocon hypocrites and their fat cat lobbyists and their lawless multinational corporations have in only seven years destroyed all that the Bills of Rights protects, all that the Constitution provides for against unchecked power grabs and even all that the legislative and judicial branches can decree (via Signing Statements and Executive Privilege).
- That you (we?) the people don't really give a flying f--k.
Here, my dear readers, is a story you surely want to read:
Experts: FBI Would Skirt the Law With Phone Records Program
Friday, June 29, 2007
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Legislation to Combat Invasive Species Passed by Committee
Dear readers,
Rep. Jim Oberstar scores again. Follow the link. AND think about the visit of Norm Coleman next week, looking for votes. This apologist for Bushco thinks we will re-elect him on the border passport issue and belatedly poses as poster child for Ham Lake fire recovery. Would he know an invasive species if it socked him in the eye? Where does he stand on live firing in the Great Lakes? How can he justify his lock-step yes votes for every Bushco policy or proposal anywhere in our world that is bloodied by this administration?
Please, civility is always appropriate but don't give Bush apologist Coleman your trust.
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Legislation to Combat Invasive Species Passed by Committee
Rep. Jim Oberstar scores again. Follow the link. AND think about the visit of Norm Coleman next week, looking for votes. This apologist for Bushco thinks we will re-elect him on the border passport issue and belatedly poses as poster child for Ham Lake fire recovery. Would he know an invasive species if it socked him in the eye? Where does he stand on live firing in the Great Lakes? How can he justify his lock-step yes votes for every Bushco policy or proposal anywhere in our world that is bloodied by this administration?
Please, civility is always appropriate but don't give Bush apologist Coleman your trust.
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Legislation to Combat Invasive Species Passed by Committee
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Oberstar defends habeas corpus
Dear True,
I'm one of those pesky people who is always writing letters to politicians or signing petitions. The only one who ever sends me personal replies is our own Jim Oberstar.
I am passing along the letter I received today about preserving the essential constitutional protection of habeas corpus:
Ms. Nancye Belding
P.O. Box 247
Grand Marais, Minnesota 55604-0247
Dear Ms. Belding:
Thank you for your expression of support for the restoration of habeas corpus rights for non-U.S. citizens. I agree that habeas corpus is a critical protection against arbitrary detention and is a fundamental human right.
I am pleased to advise you that I have cosponsored H.R. 1416, the Habeas Corpus Restoration Act, as well as H.R. 1415, the Restoring the Constitution Act. Both bills were introduced by Rep. Jerrold Nadler and seek to restore habeas corpus for individuals detained by the United States. H.R. 1416 seeks to repeal provisions of the Military Commissions Act that eliminates the jurisdiction of any court to hear or consider applications for writ of habeas corpus filed by detainees. H.R. 1415 is more comprehensive and provides for expedited judicial review of civil actions that challenge any provision of the Military Commissions Act. Both bills have been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Armed Services for consideration. Companion bills are pending in the U.S. Senate.
I opposed the Military Commissions Act in 2006 because I believed the law violates constitutional protections and denied detainees habeas corpus rights. However, in February 2007 a federal appeals court ruled that Congress acted within its authority in barring legal challenges in U.S. courts from detainees imprisoned by the U.S. military at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Congress now has a unique opportunity, as well as a duty, to restore vital habeas corpus rights through passage of H.R. 1416 and H.R. 1415.
Rest assured that I will continue to support legislation that ensures the protection of individuals' due process rights.
If you would like to receive periodic e-mail updates on issues before Congress, please visit my Web site, www.house.gov/oberstar, and go to "subscribe."
With best wishes.
Sincerely,
James L. Oberstar, M.C.
I'm one of those pesky people who is always writing letters to politicians or signing petitions. The only one who ever sends me personal replies is our own Jim Oberstar.
I am passing along the letter I received today about preserving the essential constitutional protection of habeas corpus:
Ms. Nancye Belding
P.O. Box 247
Grand Marais, Minnesota 55604-0247
Dear Ms. Belding:
Thank you for your expression of support for the restoration of habeas corpus rights for non-U.S. citizens. I agree that habeas corpus is a critical protection against arbitrary detention and is a fundamental human right.
I am pleased to advise you that I have cosponsored H.R. 1416, the Habeas Corpus Restoration Act, as well as H.R. 1415, the Restoring the Constitution Act. Both bills were introduced by Rep. Jerrold Nadler and seek to restore habeas corpus for individuals detained by the United States. H.R. 1416 seeks to repeal provisions of the Military Commissions Act that eliminates the jurisdiction of any court to hear or consider applications for writ of habeas corpus filed by detainees. H.R. 1415 is more comprehensive and provides for expedited judicial review of civil actions that challenge any provision of the Military Commissions Act. Both bills have been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Armed Services for consideration. Companion bills are pending in the U.S. Senate.
I opposed the Military Commissions Act in 2006 because I believed the law violates constitutional protections and denied detainees habeas corpus rights. However, in February 2007 a federal appeals court ruled that Congress acted within its authority in barring legal challenges in U.S. courts from detainees imprisoned by the U.S. military at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Congress now has a unique opportunity, as well as a duty, to restore vital habeas corpus rights through passage of H.R. 1416 and H.R. 1415.
Rest assured that I will continue to support legislation that ensures the protection of individuals' due process rights.
If you would like to receive periodic e-mail updates on issues before Congress, please visit my Web site, www.house.gov/oberstar, and go to "subscribe."
With best wishes.
Sincerely,
James L. Oberstar, M.C.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
And that's the way we like it!
Dear True,
When I was scrolling through the blog I saw the "heads up" on the NYTimes article in which we are "discovered." Sobering enough, but the really frightening remarks were made by Sarah (in the comments section) in which she mentioned that some of the McMansion owners already here with their "keep out" signs were discussing picnic tables, rest stops, and street lighting on the Gunflint Trail! (O, yaah????)
While it's certainly true that some people's idea of "roughing it" is going without the olive in their martini, what's really needed is education: these people need to learn that what we have here in Cook County is a Way of Life not open to changes we don't consider for the better. Ours is basically a simple way of doing things -- with little or no frills. If these improvement-minded folks feel they need frills, they should consider moving to Hayward, WI, where Mayo doctors escape for the weekend. We will not be building a Byerly's here any time soon. This is a North Woods environment with bears that roust the garbage, wolves that eat unguarded poodles, gulls that grab steaks off the grill, and moose that pop out of the underbrush to stand blandly in front of automobiles, holding up traffice indefinitely. We consider THEM to be our true neighbors, even more so than the "civilized" Hilfiger-clad from the city. The only street lights we need come from the stars.
What these "monied" folks don't realize is that they've moved into an area analagous to Amish country. We've made a conscious choice. We live a simple life and we like it. These McMansion folks feel they're preaching to the Gentiles, but they should save their breath -- no one's listening -- WE LIKE IT THIS WAY! HEL-LO! Take your ostentation somewhere else. WE'RE NOT IMPRESSED! We don't consider you any smarter or more advanced than we are. In fact, we'd like to see you find your way out of the Boundary Waters unassisted. And we have a college-educated population percentile second only to Olmsted County, home of Mayo and IBM. WE CHOOSE THIS WAY OF LIFE! (You'll be surprised to learn you aren't any richer than some of us either!)
Our message is this: dig out your flannel shirt. Buy a compass and a flashlight. And quit yer belly-aching.
This ain't Edina. We left Edina behind and went on to something better: Cook County.
Signed,
Proud to Live Here
When I was scrolling through the blog I saw the "heads up" on the NYTimes article in which we are "discovered." Sobering enough, but the really frightening remarks were made by Sarah (in the comments section) in which she mentioned that some of the McMansion owners already here with their "keep out" signs were discussing picnic tables, rest stops, and street lighting on the Gunflint Trail! (O, yaah????)
While it's certainly true that some people's idea of "roughing it" is going without the olive in their martini, what's really needed is education: these people need to learn that what we have here in Cook County is a Way of Life not open to changes we don't consider for the better. Ours is basically a simple way of doing things -- with little or no frills. If these improvement-minded folks feel they need frills, they should consider moving to Hayward, WI, where Mayo doctors escape for the weekend. We will not be building a Byerly's here any time soon. This is a North Woods environment with bears that roust the garbage, wolves that eat unguarded poodles, gulls that grab steaks off the grill, and moose that pop out of the underbrush to stand blandly in front of automobiles, holding up traffice indefinitely. We consider THEM to be our true neighbors, even more so than the "civilized" Hilfiger-clad from the city. The only street lights we need come from the stars.
What these "monied" folks don't realize is that they've moved into an area analagous to Amish country. We've made a conscious choice. We live a simple life and we like it. These McMansion folks feel they're preaching to the Gentiles, but they should save their breath -- no one's listening -- WE LIKE IT THIS WAY! HEL-LO! Take your ostentation somewhere else. WE'RE NOT IMPRESSED! We don't consider you any smarter or more advanced than we are. In fact, we'd like to see you find your way out of the Boundary Waters unassisted. And we have a college-educated population percentile second only to Olmsted County, home of Mayo and IBM. WE CHOOSE THIS WAY OF LIFE! (You'll be surprised to learn you aren't any richer than some of us either!)
Our message is this: dig out your flannel shirt. Buy a compass and a flashlight. And quit yer belly-aching.
This ain't Edina. We left Edina behind and went on to something better: Cook County.
Signed,
Proud to Live Here
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
On Cindy Sheehan
Cindy Sheehan is that one person who changed the world. When her son Casey died in Iraq she asked Dubya repeatedly why he died: For what noble cause? She was just a pest when she started out and Dubs brushed her easily aside. But today her devotion has brought the US and the world to ask the same questions: What noble cause?
Cindy did not relent when the Dems caved, providing funds without limits for the Iraq war to the crazed "Decider." She will never relent, and nor will True.
But, it hurts when your own base throws mud on you. It really hurts especially when you have given every penny, and every ounce of energy that you have to stop this insane, immoral, unjust, and yes, evil, war....
Check out this story about Cindy... Cindy, my heroine, my saint, my inspiration, and just another human being who needs us to stand up and be counted for peace.
On Cindy Sheehan - CommonDreams.org - Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community
Cindy did not relent when the Dems caved, providing funds without limits for the Iraq war to the crazed "Decider." She will never relent, and nor will True.
But, it hurts when your own base throws mud on you. It really hurts especially when you have given every penny, and every ounce of energy that you have to stop this insane, immoral, unjust, and yes, evil, war....
Check out this story about Cindy... Cindy, my heroine, my saint, my inspiration, and just another human being who needs us to stand up and be counted for peace.
On Cindy Sheehan - CommonDreams.org - Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community
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