QuestionItBlogger

Civil War or Religious War?

2006-12-03T22:24:00.000-05:00

3 Comments:

Rock said...
DTW 06, nice post on a great blog. You have analyzed in depth a very relevant problem. Thanks for your comments on my blog too.

Rock
Truth—The No Spin Politically Incorrect Zone
1:50 PM, December 02, 2006

Cal Trask said...
Difficult to tell... Today I read where Rummy took some parting shots at the way thing were being done. I think the biggest problem is that we really don't have a strategy now to do anything. I blame this on the entire leadership group of Congress and the President. The current group was swept out of office last month. Unfortunately, the group coming in doesn't have a unified viable plan either. Good Question: what do we do now?... Richard Nixon, where are you?

BTW just as a sticking point with me...WWII started in 1931 with the US getting in in China in April, 1937,when Claire L. Chennault and the AVG began supporting the CAF. IT ended with the US pulling out of Japan in 1952. Some will contend that it actually ended in 1972 when the last Japanese soldier Sgt. Shoichi Yokoi, was captured in Guam.
6:56 PM, December 03, 2006

DTW 06 said...
Rock,
Thanks for visiting and for the complement. I found your blog via a "Google" search of "Iraq Civil War." You should cross post some of your stuff at Bring It On!

Cal,
Interesting, I heard the news of us being in Iraq longer than WWII on multiple radio news broadcasts. A guy at work was saying the same thing about China and western Russia. But, weren't those small-scale incursions? Were these "official" US military operations?

Nixon is gone, but Kissinger is still lurking in the shadows.

Check out the Bring It On! link. This post has generated 32 comments.
10:20 PM, December 03, 2006

Not Your Daddy's Democrats

2006-11-16T22:21:00.000-05:00

5 Comments:

Anonymous said...

Nor have they lived through a great depression or a World War. They have been born in the richest nation in the richest time in history. Current US poverty would be considered luxury in the 1930's and the 1940's. The question remains: Does this generation have the stomach to be a world power? Some feel that there is never a call to fight. Some feel that if it isn't effecting me personally then I can turn my head. Some feel that it's just "not my job". We are the fattest nation ever...while entire Continets burn with famine and genocide. We pay atheletes millions but research scientists have to beg and even lie in order to get funding. These are times when leaders are born and made. But are we strong enough? Are we the nation we say we are? Do we have the stomach to lead?

Are we so selfish to think that only WE matter?

Are we red and blue..or red white and blue...
10:49 PM, November 13, 2006

REB 84 said...

Well said anonymous.

It is a question of priorities. As George Carlin said we are very good at "blowing shit up!" Now lets see if we can put things back together again.

Its all a question of our priorities. We have the ability. Do we have the will?
7:45 PM, November 14, 2006

Cal Trask said...

Indeed Reb, Are we the polarized nation that the Media says we are? or are we the nation who can work together and get things done. Will the new Congress work with the President to invoke real and meaningfull change, or we be voting them out in 12 years like the we voted the Republicans out this time. This was a victory for the mainstream and the center. Hopefully things will start to happen soon.

BTW REB, I'm going to post something on the Ted Haggart Scandal on my blog soon. I'll let you know...
11:36 AM, November 15, 2006

REB 84 said...

Hello Cal,

I look forward to your post on Haggart. I will be happy to cross post it at QuestionItNow and Bring It On!

I have been pleasantly suprised with the civil talk coming from Nancy Pelosi, Harry Ried, and even John Conyers. They know we are up to ours ears in problems at home and abroad.

The new Dems appear to realize the USA is in a crisis. They need to work with the President if anything is to be accomplished. I wonder if Bush/Cheney will play along?
11:42 PM, November 15, 2006

Ohiodem1 said...

Anonymous - I object to using poverty in the 1930's and '40's as the yardstick for how we measure poverty today. Kids in Harlem suffer the highest rate of Asthma anywhere in America, and perhaps the world, and the cause has been identified as cockroaches. The yardstick for measuring poverty in America today should be, what does it take to live safely, with food and shelter, and in good health? If these things are not in the posession of all of our people, then they are in poverty by today's standards. I do not buy that perspective argument.

Cal Trask - I think we are the polarized nation the media says wer are. The polarization is being fed by a belligerent right wing media machine whose goal right now appears to be one of doing all in its power to tear asunder any shred of bi-partisanship that the voters have demanded of our leaders.

Talkers on the left are not helping either.

The president is not helping either, and he seems intent on picking a fight with Congress, challenging the Democrats to be "obstructionist" by filibustering judicial candidates previously rejected by Congress, and some who were rejected in the Gang of 14 deal. Similarly, John Bolton, and several other idealog candidates for other positions in government. Despite concilitory words, his actions do not match the rhetoric. The Lame Duck congressional session appears to be set up for another partisan donnybrook. The American people have spoken, and they have had it with partisan gridlock. It does not appear that the president is working to change that.
1:36 PM, November 16, 2006

REB 84 said...

OhioDem1,

I find myself in a rare disagreement with you. I realize my disagreement is in perception, so this can neither be proven nor disproven. But I tend to believe that we are not as polarized as the media and the extreme talkers on the right or left would have us believe.

Dirty Dozen Defeated points to the success of the League of Conservation at targeting candidates for defeat who have a poor record on the environment. They also championed the cause of pro-environment, pro-health candidates and were very successful. This seems to indicate that average Americans want clean air to breath, safe food, and clean water.

Don't let big media fool you, 'We the People' are out in front of the talking heads and the candidates on so many issues. I strongly believe that blogs helped break down the BS that got us into Iraq. They also help to shape the argument. I know you did your part with How to Sell a War.

BTW - I just did a Google search of "How to Sell a War." Your PDF came in fourth out of 500. I would argue that your analysis of progaganda used from WWI to the present day is non-partisan. It concisely points out how the propagandist operates. This is valuable knowledge for any American, regardless of party affiliation.
10:20 PM, November 16, 2006

Will America Lead?

This question is for Steve - by: OhioDem1

2006-10-29T21:59:00.000-05:00

"…Your party claims to be the Party of Linclon. I believe Mr. Lincoln is spinning in his grave as his "party" plays this race card over and over again, all over America. It cannot be denied that this is coming straight from HQ, as many of these overtly racist ads end with the statement that 'The content of this ad is the responsibility of the National Republican Committee' (paraphrased).

Please think about this when you cast your secret ballot on November 7. OD1"

Cross Posted as "A Question for Republican Voters" Bring It On!

This answer from Steve

"I hope REB and the others don't mind me responding in a post as opposed to responding in a comment (I believe Ohiodem1 was looking for me to respond in this manner). I welcome the opportunity. My apologies for the length of the post, and I would have done one of those "display part, then click below the fold" type of posts, but don't know how to do it through Blogger.

I would like thank OD1 for his nice remarks about me and I believe that he and the other posters here are all decent and respectful people, and very good debaters. OK, enough from the mutual admiration society. ..."

Cross Posted as "A Republican Answer – from: Steve of IL" Bring It On!

Conservatism = Radicalism

2006-09-26T22:46:00.000-04:00

Conservatism = Radicalism originally posted at QuestionItNow - Voices by OhioDem1 on 7/13/06 stimulated thirty-eight comments, by far the most of any QuestionItNow post this past year. This post demonstrated how definitions are often distorted and manipulated as a propaganda technique.

"Freedom is Slavery. Liberal is Radical, even though they espouse traditional conservative causes. Environmental protection is the support of Environmental Destruction. No Child is Left Behind is designed to Leave all Children behind and to destroy public education in America.

Today, Conservatism = Radicalism."

OhioDem1

9/11 - An Attack Against Humanity

2006-08-27T22:57:00.000-04:00

Recently, I read a very interesting note on meetings between Iran, China, and Russia at misneach blog. I wonder why I haven’t seen this on Fox News? The strategic value of developing closer relationships is clear to see. For anyone who is paying attention.

China's rapid growth is fueling an insatiable appetite for Oil and many other resources. These include copper, scrap metals, and experts.

Russia is looking for any market to sell its products and services. Is Iran hiring any of its well educated population? Have they posted any want ads for a nuclear scientist? Shouldn't we know?

Meanwhile, America is over extended militarily and out of touch diplomatically. I am most saddened by the reckless disregard for diplomacy, civility, and sportsmanship the Bush Administration has displayed since 9/11/01. They have managed to pull defeat and division from the jaws of victory and cohesion.

The world mourned with us and for themselves after Sept. 11th. The attack on the World Trade Center was not only an attack upon America. It was an attack against all humanity. Citizens of far too many other countries died on 9/11 in NYC.

The other countries and thousands of families who lost loved ones at "ground zero" are fighting their own personal wars on terror everyday. Their lives have been changed forever. How dare we allow our "public servants" to exploit their sufferings to launch a preemptive war on Iraq, while not bringing Bin Laden to justice?

QuestionItNow

Learn to Question

2006-07-30T23:30:00.000-04:00

... On a positive note, I recently found a very interesting website LearnToQuestion.com. This site is one example how the silent majority can learn how to ask questions. It's Propaganda Lessons section is good complementary reading to OhioDem1's How to Sell a War.

I am glad I found this site while Googling "question." It is encouraging to find fellow Americans who are taking positive actions to help wake up America.

Defend America
ask questions
QuestionItNow

posted by REB 84 at 6/30/2006 12:35:00 AM

16 Comments:

These techniques work for any propaganda effort, the process is just tweaked a bit to match the goals of the campaign. A case in point is the war on Social Security which has been a Republican agenda since 1935.
By OhioDem1, at 12:59 AM, July 01, 2006

Hi Reb!

We have definitely fallen into the trap you described. I am not one, but many people were blind sided by Bush and his perverted religion and so called democracy. His new societal and world order will end in total disorder.

As for us Americans, I agree that we have stupidly relied on others(politicians) to take care of things for us and they stabbed us. I have been trying to wake people up since 9/11. I will check out that web site and thanks for the comment! Jim
By Jim, at 10:13 AM, July 01, 2006

Jim,

Thanks for sending your comment to Comments@QuestionItNow.com I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts.

I found your "Bring It On!" site via a Google search of "We the People"

Have a great 4th of July!
By REB 84, at 10:15 AM, July 01, 2006

the lasting terrible effects of Bush's misadminisration. The problems here and around the world are just beginning. Watch! http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/7/2/102447/7650orld are just starting. watch!
By an average patriot, at 5:02 PM, July 05, 2006

We, all the world will pay for American complacancy at the polls and for trusting our Politicians to do our work for us. We have found out the hard way "we the people" are not a concern, and we and the world are in worse shape than most realize and it will get a lot worse. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/6/9/16523/09175

Hey Reb that's pretty good you googled we the people and found me, funny, I guess I say that a lot. Just a note: we are no longer a government of the people, for the people, by the people, facilitated by society. We have in fact become a government of the politicians, for the weal;thy, by the legal system, facilitated by the media. We must get our America back and put "we the people" back in the equation!
By an average patriot, at 5:22 PM, July 05, 2006

"We the People" is what it is all about. Our hope is in restoring some sense of accountability, transparency, and oversight back into the American political system.

As I said earlier, it is also time to begin enforcing some anti-trust laws and break up some of the monoliths who are corrupting the American democratic system. We need greater independence from corporate control in this country.
By REB 84, at 6:23 PM, July 05, 2006

"I thought you were going to ask about the pig."

2006-07-21T00:55:00.000-04:00

... Bush's third response takes the cake. In answering a pointed question about his take on the Isreali, Palestinian, Lebanon sitation our Supreme Leader stated, "I thought you were going to ask about the pig." With a stand-up routine like that, it appears our leader is auditioning for a comedy career. But, his jokes seem to be lost on the europeans. Not to worry. The hometown press usually laughs along with his "jokes." As Mel Brooks said, "Its good to be the king!" - [more]

3 Comments

Have Skunk said...

Hey! You got peanut buter in my chocolate...
The quote was too good to pass up for a headline. We'll hammer him from both ends.

Great minds think alike, I guess. ;-)
1:55 AM, July 15, 2006

Have Skunk
Have Skunk said...

And, checking out the title of your blog...Expect nothing from this administration. Condomleeza is a Soviet specialist and she's completely out of her depth dealing with this fast-moving middle east stuff.

The Israelis are just dancing around her in circles, like the mini-me to the Bush Junta, doing what they want, when they want, because they can.

The only leadership we can expect is in the direction of the next pig roast. This crew has nothing to gain politically from stability or peace anywhere on the planet. The chaos will keep people feeling anxious and easier to manipulate.
2:00 AM, July 15, 2006

REB 84 said...

Have Skunk,

Thank you for your comments.

If America is to lead, we need to change right now.

'08 is too late!

2:25 PM, July 20, 2006

Confusing Voters and Manipulating Emotions

2006-07-09T02:34:00.000-04:00

If the press is so liberal, why was DeLay allowed to stay on as long as he did, with very few news outlets calling out the Republican leadership? Where are investigative reporters today? Why is there only one Helen Thomas? Where are the truth seekers of today?

Written by: OhioDem1 & REB 84

QuestionItNow

posted by REB 84 | 6/21/2006 10:47:00 PM
3 Comments:
-----------------------

Steve said...

I'm back.

In the 40 years of Democratic control of Congress, the Democrats never did this ever because they are so upstanding and pure. Uh-huh.

"If the press is so liberal, why was DeLay allowed to stay on as long as he did, with very few news outlets calling out the Republican leadership."

I don't know which news outlets you're referring to, but most news outlets (New York Times, Washington Post, MSNBC, CNN, the dinosaur alphabet networks) were vilifying DeLay on a regular basis. And as far as him staying in the House as long as he did because of the press, the press is not a political entity with the power to fire an elected official.

"By rights, DeLay should have been expelled from the House in disgrace,..."

Need I remind you that DeLay hasn't been convicted of a crime. But if that's the criteria, what about Allan Mollohan, William Jefferson, Harry Reid, Cynthia McKinney, Patrick Kennedy, or Jim McDermott (who was on the losing end of a lawsuit due to the leaking an illegally recorded phone call, and who has not yet resigned from the House for this disgraceful act)? None has been convicted of a crime (except Kennedy), yet all are under investigation for one thing or another (McDermott's filed another appeal in his case) and have made a mockery of the phrase "Republican culture of corruption". I mean, the assertion that DeLay should have resigned because he was being investigated and indicted is ludicrous, especially since the courts and the government are supposed to work from a presumption of innocence and must prove guilt, not the other way around like Jack Murtha is doing with his own Marines. HE DAMNS HIS OWN MARINES BEFORE CHARGES ARE EVEN FILED!!! And the leftist, liberal press has been using Murtha's words to describe these "incidents", based solely on the word of questionable sources; even Time had to do a retraction of their original article on Haditha. And Murtha's activities could easily be called into question based on information outlined in yesterday's lead editorial in the Washington Times.

Accusing Republicans of "confusing voters and manipulating emotions" is ridiculous when Democrats do worse by convicting others before there is a trial, or even an indictment.
7:04 AM, June 22, 2006
---------------------------

Steve said...

A couple of other points about Murtha. He and John Conyers (in a recent post) tried to "swift-boat" Louie Gohmert (R-TX). Gohmert was an officer in the US Army (a JAG officer, but still a soldier) nearly 30 years ago.

Murtha was also an unindicted co-conspirator (per the FBI) in the Abscam investigation of 1980. Did he resign? I don't know any Democrat who ever resigns. They have succumbed to the seduction of power and the money it brings in.

And DeLay is the bad guy?
7:52 AM, June 22, 2006
----------------------------

REB 84 said...

Welcome back Steve,

Sorry I haven’t responded sooner. Life has a way of interfering with blogging.

Interesting debating style you have. I have noticed that in most of your comments you take just enough of an argument to bring it into your home turf and then turn it towards a recitation of all Dem misdeeds (real and asserted) while ignoring the abuses of power that are currently on display all around us.

We both agree that those in power tend towards corruption. I have never suggested that any politician is "upstanding and pure." Public servants need to be firmly reminded to serve the public at least as much as they serve themselves. This is why OhioDem1 and I have consistently called for greater oversight and a stronger separation of powers. As you know, I am also a supporter of much stronger whistleblower protections, particularly in the area of homeland security and the environment.

In our present post, OhioDem1 and I attempt to expose one of the more common techniques for deflecting accountability used by those in power. Therefore, I find your "40 years of Democratic control" irrelevant . I don't know enough about the other examples you cited to comment at this point. Still, that is not the point of discussion here.

As far as media coverage is concerned, I remember several assaults on the character of the prosecutor, Ronnie Earl shortly after he announced DeLay’s indictment. Most of these attacks began in the red-meat right-wing spin-machine and then got regurgitated by our so called "liberal media."

Now that Delay has resigned and is preparing himself for trial, the media silence is deafening. Following is the only hit I got from a Google News search this evening.
The Big Buy: Tom DeLay's Stolen Congress - Review

As far as "swift-boating" is concerned, nobody does it better than the "right wing scheme machine" (phrase borrowed from Rachel Madow). Do you recall the Clinton impeachment?
2:06 AM, June 25, 2006

George Washington is Turning Over in His Grave

2006-07-02T00:23:00.000-04:00

Please, America, don't let George Washington down. Bring competent public servants back into American Government. We need to restore oversight and accountability. We need to re-institute an effective balance of powers. Can we afford to do less? [MORE]

QuestionItNow

misneach said...
REB,

I'm sure you have also noticed recent talk in the "blogosphere" about Arlen Specter proposing a law granting legal immunity to any and all U.S. officials involved in any illegal wiretapping, and his subsequent un-truthful denial of his actions.

I'm sure you're also aware of constant policy initiatives and executive orders increasingly limiting personal freedoms and social welfare.

Out of curiousity, I'm wondering if you can guess the individual who authored the following statement:

"For the Protection of the people and the State"
"Restrictions on personal liberty, on the right of free expression of opinion, including freedom of the press; on the rights of assembly and association; and violations of the privacy of postal, telegraphic and telephonic communications and warrants for house searches, orders for confiscations as well as restrictions on property, are also permissible beyond the legal limits otherwise prescribed."

The answer can be found on my blog.

Regardless of an individual's specific political leanings, I think that nearly any informed individual is aware that the current leaders in Washington (on both sides of the aisle) are not following the will of their people. That is a disturbing trend for the worlds largest democracy.
8:37 AM, June 16, 2006
..................................................................

Steven said...

america is surely going to lead the world for many more years to come and every kid knows this

steven
http://www.educationtrak.com
2:09 AM, June 19, 2006

.................................................................

REB 84 said...

Steven,

I visited your site, but am not sure what value your company delivers? I also don't understand the logic behind your comment. The only reason "every kid knows" ... " america is surely going to lead the world for many more years to come" would be if someone planted those thoughts into their heads.

In order to win in the long-term, America must teach critical thinking and open-minded, collaborative decision making. Otherwise, we risk "group think" and the mess out current "leaders" have gotten us into.

Please explain yourself.
11:27 PM, June 19, 2006

A CASE FOR LOVE

2006-06-26T22:44:00.001-04:00

"Our average fellow-citizen is a sane and healthy man who believes in decency and has a wholesome mind."
- Theodore Roosevelt.

Teddy Roosevelt's hopeful words provide us with a message to live by. In our modern "culture of fear" and isolation, too many people are afraid of different people. I am fortunate, I have met thousands of people over my lifetime, and I believe that what President Roosevelt said is true. "Our average fellow citizens" are "we the people."

During my time on earth I have become convinced that assholes are in the minority, thank god. Yet, assholes lust for power and will do most anything to hold onto power. On the other hand, assholes born of povety and ignorance, are much more prone to violent street crimes. These are the assholes who make the 11:00 news. The assholes in power normally laugh all the way to the bank. It is time to take the headlines back. I am feeling hopeful. The winds of change are coming. "We the People" are waking up.

GOD = LOVE
GOD = LIFE
LOVE = LIFE

LIVE LOVE!

R.E.B.

posted by REB 84 at 2/04/2006 05:58:00 PM

5 Comments:

THREE LITTLE BIRDS [Bob Marley]

"Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Singin': "Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!"

Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', ("This is my message to you-ou-ou:")

Singin': "Don't worry 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right."
Singin': "Don't worry (don't worry) 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!"

By DTW 06, at 11:00 PM, February 04, 2006

ONE LOVE/PEOPLE GET READY [Bob Marley/Curtis Mayfield]

One Love! One Heart!
Let's get together and feel all right.
Hear the children cryin' (One Love!);
Hear the children cryin' (One Heart!),
Sayin': give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right;
Sayin': let's get together and feel all right. Wo wo-wo wo-wo!

Let them all pass all their dirty remarks (One Love!);
There is one question I'd really love to ask (One Heart!):
Is there a place for the hopeless sinner,
Who has hurt all mankind just to save his own beliefs?

One Love! What about the one heart? One Heart!
What about - ? Let's get together and feel all right
As it was in the beginning (One Love!);
So shall it be in the end (One Heart!),
All right!
Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right;
Let's get together and feel all right.
One more thing!

Let's get together to fight this Holy Armagiddyon (One Love!),
So when the Man comes there will be no, no doom (One Song!).
Have pity on those whose chances grows t'inner;
There ain't no hiding place from the Father of Creation.

Sayin': One Love! What about the One Heart? (One Heart!)
What about the - ? Let's get together and feel all right.
I'm pleadin' to mankind! (One Love!);
Oh, Lord! (One Heart) Wo-ooh!

Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right;
Let's get together and feel all right.
Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right;
Let's get together and feel all right. /fadeout/

By DTW 06, at 11:03 PM, February 04, 2006

Give thanks and praises

Give thanks and praises to the Most-I (Jah!);(sic Jahovah)
Give thanks and praises so high (so high).
He will not deceive us my brethren;
He will only lead us again (again):
Oh, take that veil from off of your eyes;
Look into the future of realize.

Noah had three sons, Ham, Shem and Japhet (Ham, Shem and Japhet);
And in Ham is known to be the Prophet.
Glory to Jah, the Prophet is come (through all these ages);
Glory to Jah, the Prophet has come (through all these stages).
When my soul was hurtin' deep within,
And I'm worrying to be free, desperately, yeah.
So guide and protect I'n'I, O Jah - Jah,
Through all these ages;
Guide and protect I'n'I, O Jah - Jah,
Through all these stages.

Rastafari is his Name (Jah!) -
Rastafari is his Name (Jah!).
If Jah didn't love I (love I),
If I didn't love I (love I),
If Jah didn't love I (love I),
If I didn't love I,
Would I be around today?
Would I be around to say:

Give thanks and praises, give thanks and praises;
Give thanks and praises, give thanks and praises;
Give thanks and praises, give thanks and praises.

By Cal Trask, at 10:41 AM, February 11, 2006

GOD is GOD...

and I am not

By Cal Trask, at 10:43 AM, February 11, 2006

Amen Brother

By REB 84, at 6:15 PM, February 11, 2006

Misneach Blog

2006-06-16T23:33:00.000-04:00

Check out misneach blog This dude is one prolific writer and brings up some very interesting stories our mainstream media chooses to ignore.

QuestionItNow

Life on Earth - What is the Future?

2006-06-12T22:54:00.000-04:00

At a time when American political leaders are debating drilling for oil in the Alaskan wilderness, Chinese and Indian demand for energy is accelerating, and wars are being waged in no small measure to help secure strategic oil reserves, it is imperative that people begin to ask tough questions about the future of the human race.[More]

How can we continue to meet insatiable demand with limited resources?

Who will step up to the plate and develop large scale alternative sources of power?

How will we feed, clothe, and shelter an ever-increasing global population?

Why are so few American politicians speaking about these issues in our time of need?

QuestionItNow Blogs

posted by REB 84 | 11/27/2005 08:37:00 PM
6 Comments:

x~nezitiC said...
Nice blog, i hope i come back to it..i didn't have time to read it much it's night here...
G'night
[x]
12:06 AM, November 28, 2005

REB 84 said...
Good Night Oman
12:04 AM, November 29, 2005

Cal Trask said...
The funny thing is I heard the same thing in the 1970's in ecology class. Truth be told, we are just a spec of dust in the scope of eternity. Unfortunately we spend most of our time pointing fingers at each other to do anything that will effect our future.

No guys...the conservatives aren't responsible for global warming and liberals didn't invent distortion for pay...We are all in this together. I read alot of thses blogs and many seem to think that 'If we could just get rid of Bush...we'd all live!'

To quote someone we all knew and loved from the 70's...sorry Charlie...Bubba couldn't do...Bush can't either. IT WILL TAKE SWEEPING CHANGES to make any dent in these issues we are facing.

Instead we have Arlen Specter fighting the NFL because T.O. can't get a job. (what the heck is that!) I had a boss tell me once that in the absence of leadership, leadership will be assumed. Today our leadership defers to the slanted media and the likes of Rutten and O Reily.

It all boils down to this. What are you gonna do about it?

Unfortunately we are so selfish I think by the time we do act...It may be too late
8:39 PM, November 29, 2005

REB 84 said...
Cal,

I am curious to learn how you found QuestionItNow. I like your answers. You seem to know what QuestionItNow is intended to be: Pay Attention, Ask Questions, Speak Up!

Thank you for Speaking UP, my fellow American.

REB 84
10:00 PM, November 29, 2005

Cal Trask said...
The funny thing is...I found QIN by Rob Whitlock's Blog RLWR, I found his by reading my wife's rather funny blog and hitting 'next blog' After that I started my own and began to 'speak out'.

My blog Thimks is just that...what ever comes to mind. I felt like I should voice another side of conservatism. I like what Rob says in the heading of his blog about we all having alot more in common than we care to admit. Keep blogging...I'll keep commenting
10:19 PM, November 29, 2005

Cal Trask said...
What I'd like to see...

- Someone from the left blog about why abortion is okay but the death penalty isn't

- someone from the right blog about why we can carry guns but can't burn a flag

- someone from the left explain why the answer to all of our problems is to throw money at them

- someone from the right explain why the answer to all of our problems is to throw money at anything but the problem

- any takers?
10:41 PM, November 29, 2005

Jack Murtha Honors Our Troops

2006-05-29T23:16:00.000-04:00

It is likely that if a man with Jack Murtha’s mind and soul was our president, we would have never entered this war in Iraq. As far as the war on terror is concerned, we would have finished the job in Afghanistan and maybe even caught bin Laden. Why doesn't America realize we need a man of superior intelligence and compassion as our President?

QuestionItNow Blogs

posted by REB 84 at 11/18/2005 11:37:00 PM
_______________________________________________

3 Comments:

DTW 05 said...
I saw that too. Does anyone know if Bush and Cheney ever visited our wounded military people in the hospital? If so, how many times?
11:16 PM, November 22, 2005

noguns said...
truely, it is because he is meeting with the wounded that he cannot take his voice away from the "truth" that isn't being spoken, by those who have the power to stop this ... and as it has been said .... an immediate withdrawl doesn't happen over night ... and Rep. Murtha knows that and said that ....

it is really strong what he is doing and his words will go down historically as the most important in this entire mess.

noguns sheehan, santa cruz, ca.
1:54 AM, December 03, 2005

Anonymous said...
I can tell you never were in the service. You don't know the situation so don't rip our President apart.

If you were old enough to experience Vietnam and come home to Liberals that spit on our uniforms and burned our flag you would better understand where Americans that want our soil free from idiots like bin Laden stand.
10:22 PM, May 26, 2006

A Warrior is Pushed to the Sidelines

2006-05-23T23:52:00.000-04:00

In a time of bitter partisan politics marked by a Republican attack machine that apparently knows no bounds, Paul Hackett emerged as a no nonsense, take no prisoners, straight talking Democratic candidate who inspired people who are tired of politics as usual. Yesterday, politics as usual helped force Hackett out of his Senate race in Ohio. [MORE]

4 Comments:

Cal Trask said...

Sad commentary on the state of politics today...
12:01 AM, February 25, 2006

Cal Trask said...

Check out my post on the garbage going on in good ole Maryland...
12:36 AM, February 25, 2006

REB 84 said...

Cal,

Yes, this Paul Hackett story illustrates why I stil consider myself an independent. I believe men like him and Wes Clark (non-career politicians) are motivated by true patriotism. They are also professionals. God knows we can use some professionals in Washington DC.

These people are warriors. Paul Hackett has only begun to fight. Could this be the makings of a new political movement? Competent Government for a Change! Now that's a rallying cry for the 21st Century:)
11:31 PM, March 02, 2006

Cal Trask said...

Yeah! I quit reading the news because it's so draining...
We need some change from the status quo. Something new and open to thinking outside the box...
I hope you enjoyed Orlando! We might go again this year...
4:15 PM, March 03, 2006

QuestionItNow Blogs

Reflections on Crying Wolf

2006-05-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

This evening I was reading "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" to my four year old son. He understood the meaning, but this timeless lesson seems to have been lost on too many Americans.

"We the People" need to continue reminding our fellow Americans how often this administration and their rad-con friends have manipulated fears of terrorists to impose their own twisted theories upon the world.

Tomorrow night I will be reading "The Emperor's New Clothes."

Defend America
ask questions
QuestionItNow Blogs

Culture of Life?

2006-05-17T23:27:00.000-04:00

QuestionItNow Voices
4 Comments:

WMD or not...The experts have estimated (Village Voice 12/15/03) that Saddam Hussein killed between 300,000 and 500,000 citizens not to mention nearly 1,000,000 casualties in combat with Iran and his other neighboring countries. What I think alot of people fail to understand is that in this brave new world full of very very evil people...somebody's gotta be the man... Someone must stand up when people behave this way. Does no one remember the 1930's? Germany and Japan killed millions of Chinese, eastern Eurpoeans, Russians and Jews...Before ANYONE and I mean ANYONE opposed them. Between December 1937 and March 1938 at least 369,366 Chinese civilians and prisoners of war were slaughtered by the invading troops. An estimated 80,000 women and girls were raped; many of them were then mutilated or murdered. The world stood by and did nothing and the isolationist in the US wanted to appease these devils. For some reason we all think that war began on December 7th...makes you wonder. The era of NIMBY needs to end. Despots deplore education and business unless it directly enriches them. By removing Saddam and promoting a democratic government that supports business and education, the Mid-East will change. You are already seeing civilians of these backwards nations rising up against these oppresive governments. Yeah Bush and his team have alot of problems on thier hands...But I think if you asked the 2000...They'd take the trade to prevent another holocaust... Greater Love hath no man than he who lays down his life for his friends. Yes...That would be considered a "Culture of Life"

By Cal Trask, at 10:48 PM, November 21, 2005

Cal,

Most Americans know Saddam was a brutal tyrant. That is not in dispute. What is in dispute, when one uses his mistreatment of his people as rational, is why did we not invade any other country in which leaders engage in mass slaughter.

Why does the US Government (both Democrat and Republican) remain silent about the communist Chinese government brutally crushing of a home-grown democratic movement in Tiananmen Square back in 1989? Freedom was on the march there.

Back to your other argument, Saddam did not have long-range missiles or strong ties with bin Laden, so how was he going to drop a nuclear bomb on the US?

In addition, the Japanese and German war machines were two of the most formidable forces in history. To compare the Iraqi military to these Empires is laughable, if it the ramifications were not so painful for the 2,000+ patriots who have laid down their lives for those who did not even serve their country during Vietnam. Oh yeah, they had "other priorities."

By REB 84, at 12:31 AM, November 22, 2005

Good Points. I agree that we are "selective" in who we prop up and who we don't. Why we deal with China and North Korea and NOT with the poor in Cuba is beyond me. You would think it would be the other way around. We spout off about the evils of Iran and support the eviler (is that even a word?) Saudi regime that is just as oppesive and backward as any other Mid-East government. In Iraq the problem that we're dealing with is that everyone...I mean everyone. Thought that Saddam had WMD and all of our so called (and I use that term loosly) intelegence said he had WMD and was in the market for nukes. This Intellegence dated all the way back to Bush 1 and the Clinton eras. So no one is immune from this frankly inept reporting. Both sides have to take equal blame. What I don't see from anyone is "okay we both screwed this up...but we did a good thing in getting rid of Saddam...now let's fix it together and make sure the new Iraqi government can stay in power long enough to make some reforms without to many people getting killed. Unfortunatley now all you have is the typical status-quo of finger pointing and name calling. No the Iraqi army wasn't even close to the axis powers...but they would do anything to wipe Israel off of the planet. Even one rouge nuke or dirty bomb into Tel Aviv would be devestating and bring about a major war in the area costing millions of civilian and military lives. When traced back to the nation of origin, that country would be nothing but smoking glass. Escalation would be apocaliptic. We're talking WWIII here...Einstein's prophecy would come true...

As far as the 'other priorities' go I agree that those arguements are poor at best...but I did and said alot of stupid things before I was a Christian...

Thanks for the dialogue...Maybe we need to get on the 'aisles'. Unfortunatley we'd never get elected because we're too honest...

Your thoughts...(sorry for the poor spelling)

By Cal Trask, at 10:46 AM, November 22, 2005

Cal,

Thank you for the insightful and thought-provoking response. If only our government officials could listen and cosider alternative points of view as well as yu appear to. Thank you for the complement, but I have no interest in becoming a politician.

I have been blogging in a larger community ConyersBlog.us I will take the liberty of posting your last comment there (I wish they had spell-check on these posts)

Take care & happy Thanksgiving,

R.E.B.

By REB 84, at 2:03 PM, November 22, 2005

Intro to How to Sell a War

2006-05-06T00:36:00.000-04:00

QuestionItNow - Voices
3 Comments:

OhioDem,
I am impressed by your analysis. I think you can expand on your points about the turning points of WWI & WWII and how the War on Terror is still in its beginning phase. How can we ever declare victory in this war?

By DTW 06, at 5:56 PM, March 30, 2006

You can never declare victory in a war against an amophorous concept like "terrorism" because it has been around forever, and until over half of the Earth's 6 Billion can find some modicum of equity, some way to feed their family, an unemployment rate of less than 60 per cent, this problem will be with the world.

Remember that there have been terroiists around in the United States for over 100 years. Remember the "mad bomber" of literature, or the anarchists prior to WWI. More recently the 30 year Northern Ireland strife. Or the last 60 years in the Middle East over Israel and Palestine.

Domestically we have had the Unabomer, the Olympic Bomber, abortion clinic bombers, the Oklahoma City bombing, the SLA, Moveon in Philadelphia. The point is that terrorism will never go away, and to declare war on somehing that will never go away, is a declaration of unending war.

If this madness is not stopped, our grandchildren will be draftees.

By Ohiodem1, at 6:38 PM, March 30, 2006

Awesome posters. Keep up the good work!

By Anonymous, at 10:27 PM, April 24, 2006

"Age of Anxiety"

2006-04-28T22:29:00.000-04:00

QuestionItNow - Voices
2 Comments:

re: NSA "probable clause" issue Hayden spun out on yesterday:

In June, 2002, Republican Sen. Michael DeWine introduced legislation (S. 2659) which would have eliminated the exact barrier to FISA Hayden was abusing yesterday.

DeWine's legislation to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to modify the standard of proof for issuance of orders regarding non-United States persons from probable cause to reasonable suspicion. . . .

In other words, DeWine’s bill could have eliminated the "probable cause" barrier claimed by Bush cabal in their latest spin.

The Bush administration, in response, provided a Statement from James A. Baker,who "prepares and presents all applications for electronic surveillance and physical search under the Act to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA Court or Court)."

Baker, in his written statement, blatantly bragged about the Patriot Act on the ground that the 72-hour window stated IN the Patriot Act gave Bush the speed and flexibility he needed:

"The reforms in those measures (the PATRIOT Act) have affected every single application made by the Department for electronic surveillance or physical search of suspected terrorists and have enabled the government to become quicker, more flexible, and more focused in going “up” on those suspected terrorists in the United States.

... One simple but important change that Congress made was to lengthen the time period for us to bring to court applications in support of Attorney General-authorized emergency FISAs. This modification has allowed us to make full and effective use of FISA’s pre-existing emergency provisions to ensure that the government acts swiftly to respond to terrorist threats. Again, we are grateful for the tools Congress provided us last fall for the fight against terrorism. Thank you."

The Baker statement:

The Department of Justice has been studying Sen. DeWine’s proposed legislation. Because the proposed change raises both significant legal and practical issues, the Administration at this time is not prepared to support it.

Soooo…in 2002 the Administration refused to support elimination of the very barrier (”probable cause”) which Gen. Hayden claimed yesterday necessitated the circumvention of FISA. Doing so, they identified two independent reasons for opposing this amendment. The Justice Department was not aware of any problems:

"The practical concern involves an assessment of whether the current "probable cause" standard has hamstrung our ability to use FISA surveillance to protect our nation. We have been aggressive in seeking FISA warrants and, thanks to Congress’s passage of the USA PATRIOT Act, we have been able to use our expanded FISA tools more effectively to combat terrorist activities. It may not be the case that the probable cause standard has caused any difficulties in our ability to seek the FISA warrants we require, and we will need to engage in a significant review to determine the effect a change in the standard would have on our ongoing operations. If the current standard has not posed an obstacle, then there may be little to gain from the lower standard and, as I previously stated, perhaps much to lose."

Baker, who headed the FISA warrant program was not aware of any difficulties in obtaining warrants under the FISA "probable cause" standard, and the Administration did not support the DeWine amendment to do so.

"The Department’s Office of Legal Counsel is analyzing relevant Supreme Court precedent to determine whether a “reasonable suspicion” standard for electronic surveillance and physical searches would, in the FISA context, pass constitutional muster. The issue is not clear cut, and the review process must be thorough because of what is at stake, namely, our ability to conduct investigations that are vital to protecting national security. If we err in our analysis and courts were ultimately to find a "reasonable suspicion" standard unconstitutional, we could potentially put at risk ongoing investigations and prosecutions.

Bush Administration’s statement via Gen. Hayden as to why it was necessary to bypass FISA is a complete falsehood. Their current statement that the "probable cause" component of FISA was preventing it from engaging in the eavesdropping it needed is the opposite of what it told Congress when refusing to support the DeWine Amendment as documented by the Baker statement submitted to Congress in 2002.

The Baker/Dept. of Justice document is on the record here: http://www.fas.org/irp/congress/2002_hr/073102baker.html

By Begonia Buzzkill, at 3:11 PM, January 25, 2006

Hello Begonia,

So now they plan to have Alito in place just in time for the challenges to the executive branch's power grabs to reach the Supreme Court. Will the Democrats show some spine this time?

Thank you for visiting QuestionItNow
REB 84

By REB 84, at 10:49 PM, January 25, 2006

Strategic Redeployment

2006-04-25T22:40:00.000-04:00

QuestionItNow Blogs
5 Comments:

another view of this plan ... http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051004/unstrategic_redeployment.php
No endorsement here for either plan...just more ideas
By Cal Trask, at 11:49 PM, November 30, 2005

Thanks Cal, I'll Check it out. We need to hear more about these plans.
Where is the media on this?
By REB 84, at 7:07 AM, December 01, 2005

The same place they always are...looking for ratings
By Cal Trask, at 9:49 AM, December 01, 2005

that is why the blogs are so truely an asset for "we the people."

we don't need to worry about the ratings, and can go directly to the information sharing / exchange, which leads to better representative governance.

we have to be an informed citizenry to get to that, and the blogs are over the head of the "control" of information.

when we use these forums to share information with each other, we will end up understanding what we are up against, and gain insights into how to work together as americans across our "cultural" and "philosophical" differences.

my personal hope, is that one day we take the time to convein a constitutional convention, sort out the "electoral" problems we are having and secure "we the people's vote"

noguns sheehan, santa cruz, ca.
By noguns, at 2:10 AM, December 03, 2005

How many politicians have blogs?
By DTW 05, at 1:10 AM, December 04, 2005