CherryBlossom Noel

Naughty or Nice? 2009

2009-11-28T11:07:00.004-05:00

Naughty or Nice? 2009

- American Family Association:

AFA's 2009 listing of top retailers and how they recognize Christmas
http://action.afa.net/Detail.aspx?id=2147486887

- Liberty Counsel

"Friend or Foe" Christmas Campaign
http://www.lc.org/index.cfm?PID=15259

The Compassionate Friends - Worldwide Candle Lighting

2009-11-13T15:23:00.000-05:00

Worldwide Candle Lighting Video

Worldwide Candle Lighting

The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting unites family and friends around the globe in lighting candles for one hour to honor and remember children who have died at any age from any cause. As candles are lit at 7 p.m. local time, creating a virtual wave of light, hundreds of thousands of persons commemorate and honor children in a way that transcends all ethnic, cultural, religious, and political boundaries.

The Compassionate Friends - Home

2009-08-28T23:26:00.003-04:00

NPR: Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me
http://www.npr.org/programs/waitwait/
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A VERY COOL - funny but a bit rowdy - show that I have to recommend. I've tuned in to this show on WHYY-FM 90.9 Philadelphia on RadioTime.
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I have to say that I am dismayed at the recent inclination of public radio recently of the leaning away from Christian programming of a benefit to the overall community. I haven't decided on how I feel about it as of yet as far as doing anything strong as a boycott at the moment. But it will reflect in any possible future donations I know.
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A strong part of the community at large is religion. Avoiding or denying that is not good in order to pander to those who don't care for it - for one reason or another - is unfortunate.
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I thought of this recently:
It is sort of like saying that those people who absolutely hate chocolate ice cream - and see no point in chocolate ice cream because their circle of people hate it also - win out on the removal of all chocolate ice cream out of the marketplace due to the fact they only see the point in, or will only tolerate, butter pecan - therefore chocolate ice cream is then irrelevant.
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Since when did the term 'public' become to mean secular or non-religious?
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I was not raised in that kind of world.
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I'm going to keep an eye on what public radio/tv decides to do. I haven't heard anymore on it as of yet.
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PBS to Begin Phasing Out Religious Programming From The Airwaves
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Originally posted: 12/21/08 - 10:31 PM.

2009-08-16T17:17:00.000-04:00

Started March 29, 2005

-In Remembrance of:

--Shawn Earhart

--Theresa Marie Schindler (Schiavo)--Pope John Paul II - Karol Wojtyła.

--Walter Sharp--Jonathan Brickhouse--Trinity Nicole Casey--Anibal Cruz

--Daniel Agosto--Jesstin "Manny" Pagan--Dylan Groene--LaToyia Figueroa

--Baby Figueroa--Reese "Barry" Robertson--Brice Edwards--James Zadroga

--Leona McCleary.

Tallmansville, West Virginia-Sago Miners:

--Alva Martin Bennett--Jim Bennett --Jerry Groves--Terry Helms

--David Lewis--Martin Toler--Fred Ware Junior --Marshall Winans

--Jack Weaver--Thomas P. Anderson--George Hamner Jr.

--Jesse L. Jones--William Lee "Flea" Chisolm--John Nelson Boni.

Melville, West Virginia- Alma Miners: --Don Israel Bragg

--Ellery "Elvis" Hatfield.

--Kelsey Ann Smith--Daniel Benoit--Tammy Faye Messner--Donald Herbert

-- Caylee Marie Anthony--Eluana Englaro

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

2009-07-31T19:35:00.001-04:00

Note: ABC appears to be updating Extreme Makeover's site, and I had some trouble with it. My IE kept freezing up, and disconnected my wireless connection. The site may be a bit busy with content. A pop-up came up asking me if I wanted to try out their new site, but only gave two options. Hopefully the site will improve in time.
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- Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
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Put together one very run-down house, a deserving family, several opinionated designers, seven days and what do you get? The answer is - Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
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http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/
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Extreme Makeover Home Edition - Wikipedia
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Ty Pennington Style:
http://www.typenningtonstyle.com/
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You guys are absolutely still AWESOME!!!
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Yea, ABC!

The Buzz Log - Sludge In The Garden.

2009-07-31T18:25:00.002-04:00

The Buzz Log: Sludge In The Garden
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by Mike Krumboltz
3 hours ago
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New homes are full of questions and possibilities. What color to paint the walls? How to arrange the furniture? What to plant in the garden? The Obama family must have asked a lot of those same questions when they moved into the White House. However, the first lady's dreams of growing an organic vegetable garden have been dragged down by a previous resident that refuses to leave: sludge.
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Various sources within the Buzz are reporting that Michelle Obama's "organic" garden has been besieged by icky goo in the ground. As a result, the veggies aren't quite what the first lady had in mind. According to Daily Finance, the National Park Service tested the soil in the vegetable patch and found "highly elevated levels of lead" due to sewage used as fertilizer.
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So the question is: Who to blame? While dumping sewage into the ground sounds like a crime worthy of Mr. Burns from "The Simpsons," the actual perpetrators were none other than the Clintons. Yep, back when Bill and Hillary were living it up in the White House, their gardening team used "sewage sludge for fertilizer." The fiends!
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Sounds gross, but it's actually fairly common. However, it does mean that the highly touted "organic garden" will never "attain organic status." The certification process doesn't allow "the use of sludge as a fertilizer substitute." And there's another problem: If Malia and Sasha weren't into eating their veggies before, it's going to be that much harder to get 'em to eat 'em now.
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http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/92869?fp=1
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I am so glad that they caught this. All of the children could have got sick by the high LEAD content - not to mention e-coli I would think.
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It was that thick that it - after all of this time - is still bubbling up from the ground, and why didn't the Clinton's mention it when the garden was being put in?
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I don't remember hearing or reading any good cases in the utilization of sludge in crops.
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Horrible.

Blogger jailed in Anna Nicole Smith defamation suit

2009-06-05T18:32:00.004-04:00

Blogger jailed in Anna Nicole Smith defamation suit
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1 Jun 2009
HOUSTON, Texas (AFP)
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Like many bloggers, Harrington doesn't consider herself a publisher and did not realize she could be held liable for her posts.
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"I got into this because my business had fallen apart in this economy and it was something to do," she told AFP. "I developed a lot of friendships with women who are retired or ill at home."
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Three other bloggers are named in the suit along with Smith's former companion, Howard K. Stern, and Larry Birkhead, the father of her daughter, Dannielynn.
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Arthur alleges that the defendants conspired to defame her so she wouldn't get custody of Dannielynn, who could inherit up to 88 million dollars.
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"Lyndall Harrington is a liar who faked a burglary," said Neil McCabe who represents Arthur.
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"She's part of a conspiracy to defame my client and she's done her own defaming of my client."
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Lawsuits against bloggers in the United States have been doubling every year since 2004 with 15 million dollars in judgments so far against them, according to Robert Cox, president of the Media Bloggers Association.
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"A lot of bloggers think of themselves as individuals or maybe writers but in the courts, they are considered a publisher," Cox said.
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His organization has created an on-line course with Harvard Law School, City of New York School of Journalism and News University at the Poynter Institute at Northwestern University to educate bloggers about their legal rights and responsibilities.
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"A lot of these cases could have been avoided if things had been worded just a little differently or if they had double sourced their information," Cox said.
"Most of the time, these people are not trained journalists."
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The spike in suits is due in part to the burgeoning number of bloggers.
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About 175,000 new blogs are created every day according to Technorati, a blog search engine.
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But it also has to do with people's growing obsession with controlling their on-line reputations and new technologies that allow them to do it.
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"With Google alerts and rss feeds, it's a lot easier to monitor what's being said about you," said Sam Bayard, assistant director of the Citizen Media Law Project at Harvard University.
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Moreover, the technology exists to find anonymous bloggers.
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"People can find you," said Cox at the Media Blogger Association, which this year began offering its members legal expenses insurance for an annual fee of 540 dollars for 100,000 dollars of coverage.
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The majority of cases against bloggers are for defamation but they are also frequently sued for copyright infringement and invasion of privacy.
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"There's this Wild West mentality where people think they can do anything on the Web and not be held liable," said Bayard.
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While state laws vary on what constitutes defamation and who qualifies as a journalist and thus who can protect sources, Bayard said, judges have consistently applied the same standards to blogs as they would any other medium of expression.
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"Defamation is defamation no matter whether it is written on paper or on a blog," he said.
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Article Link
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http://www.orange.mu/
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-----------
Thanks Anna.

U.S. Savings Bonds The Safe Place to Save Money

2009-05-07T20:14:00.002-04:00

U.S. Savings Bonds The Safe Place to Save Money
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Safe Savings Vehicle or Underperformer?
By Jeremy Vohwinkle, About.com
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If you’re tired of the pitiful interest rate on your savings account at the bank, you may want to look into U.S. savings bonds for an equally safe place to keep some of your savings. With most bank accounts, the safety of your money comes from being insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC. This provides insurance on up to $100,000 per depositor. Unfortunately, while your money may be safe, there is a good chance the interest rate on the account is quite low.
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With U.S. savings bonds, your money is also safe, but it isn’t through FDIC insurance. Savings bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. For individuals who are seeking safety of their principal, they can rest easy knowing that as long as the government is around, they are obligated to repay your principal and interest.
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Tax Benefits of Savings Bonds
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Because savings bonds are issued by the federal government, they are exempt from state and local taxes. In addition, the interest earned on bonds can be tax-deferred until the bond is redeemed. This is unlike interest earned on regular savings accounts and certificates of deposits where the interest earned is taxable fully as ordinary income each year. If you’re concerned about taxes, savings bonds can provide some relief.
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Series EE Bonds
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The EE bond is the standard savings bond and they replace the earlier E bonds which are no longer issued by the U.S. Treasury. Series EE bonds purchased on or after May 1, 2005, earn a fixed rate of interest. This allows you to easily calculate what your bonds are worth at any given time. EE bonds that were purchased between May 1997 and April 30, 2005, earn interest based on a 5-year variable market-based yield.
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Electronic EE Bonds
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EE bonds can be purchased directly from Treasury Direct Online. Electronic bonds are sold at face value, which means you pay $25 for a $25 bond, and it is worth its full value when it is available to be redeemed. These bonds can be purchased for any dollar amount of $25 or more. The maximum purchase per calendar year is $5,000.
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Paper EE Bonds
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Unlike the electronic version, paper EE bonds are sold at half their face value. For example, you would pay $25 for a $50 bond. The bond then increases in value over time as interest is earned and the bond does not reach face value until it has matured. Also, you may only purchase paper EE bonds in pre-determined denominations: $50, $75, $100, $200, $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000. The maximum purchase amount per calendar year is also $5,000.
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It is also important to note that if you redeem a series EE bond any time during the first five years, you’ll forfeit the three most-recent months’ interest. Redeeming an EE bond any time after five years will not incur a penalty. In addition, you must wait at least one year before redeeming an EE bond.
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Series I Bonds
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I bonds are similar to EE bonds, but they have a distinct difference in determining how much interest is paid. The I stands for “inflation”, and series I bonds have an interest rate that is indexed to the inflation rate. This means that your I bond is designed to keep pace with, or beat inflation. The actual interest rate is set by a fixed rate that lasts the life of the bond, plus a semi-annual inflation rate on top of that. The inflation rate is determined once in May and again in November.
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Just like EE bonds, you may buy a paper I bond or purchase electronically. The same limitations apply except that all I bonds are sold at face value and you can only purchase $5,000 per year. You will also forfeit the three most recent months’ interest if you redeem an I bond within the first five years.
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What Interest Rate do Savings Bonds Pay?
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The interest rates on bonds changes over time as other key economic interest rates fluctuate, but EE bonds issued between November 2007 and April 2008 earn 3.0%. To put this into perspective, going back to 1995, the long-term rates ranged between a low of 2.47% in 2003 to a high of 6.31% in 1995. A comparable I bond rate after November of 2007 earns 4.28%.
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Bonds for Higher Education
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With the introduction of Section 529 college savings plans, using savings bonds for higher education savings has become less attractive, but they do still hold some advantages. For EE and I bonds issued after 1989, the bond owner can redeem the bond without being subject to federal tax on the interest, provided the higher education expenses are qualified.
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In addition to having qualified education expenses, you must be at least 24 years old on the first day of the month in which you purchased the bond. If the bond is for your child, they must be registered in your name and your child may be listed as a beneficiary, but not as co-owner. The IRS also imposes income limitations for which this tax exclusion can be claimed. See IRS Form 8815 for current income limits.
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When Are Savings Bonds Appropriate Investments?
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U.S. savings bonds are certainly a safe place to save money, but you want to make sure that you’re putting money into bonds for the right reasons. Remember, the interest rates can be higher than a typical savings account, but there may be some liquidity concerns to contend with first. If there is a chance you may need access to the money inside of one year, keep in mind that you cannot redeem a savings bond until one year has elapsed. In addition, you will forfeit three months’ interest if you redeem a bond prior to five years.
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Even with interest rates generally higher than your bank account, savings bonds should not make up a significant portion of your long-term savings. Compared to other long-term investments like stocks in your retirement account, the interest earned is quite low. Stocks historically return between 9-11% on average per year, so investing for your future solely in savings bonds will probably not yield the best results.
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Savings bonds should be considered for financial goals somewhere between five and ten years away. After five years you may redeem the bonds without penalty, but hanging onto bonds for much longer than ten years and you could probably see better returns with other investments.
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http://financialplan.about.com/od/savingmoney/a/SavingsBonds.htm

An Email Response From The GOP

2009-04-29T15:30:00.001-04:00

Subject: Thank you for your thoughts and comments
From: "Info Services Temp"
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 3:18 PM

Thank you for contacting the Republican National Committee. We certainly appreciated your email, and will include your thoughts in our report to the Chairman. Please do not hesitate to contact us in the future with any of your thoughts, opinions or observations.

Office of Constituent Services

Republican National Committee

info@gop.com

http://www.gop.com/

My Email To The GOP

2009-04-29T15:21:00.002-04:00

Subject: Hello. Concerning Senator Arlen Specter.
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 3:17 PM
To: Chairman@gop.com

Hello, and to whom it may concern:

I am writing to ask a question concerning Senator Arlen Specter, and his decision to switch parties before his term as a Republican Senator is concluded.

I am asking if it is possible to request that Senator Specter step down, or that he be removed, from his position.

He won by Republican vote, and I am not happy about his representing Democratic interests for the remainder of his term.

I supported him within the Republican ticket, and I think he should step down.

I believe this to be false representation to the voters who helped elect him to his office as Senator.

I would like to see him removed or step down - due to the length of time still remaining in his elected term - and be replaced either by special election [if that is possible] or by Republican replacement as was elected.

This is his American right to support the party that best represents his interests - but that party choice doesn't represent mine.

I look forward to your response if any.

Many blessings of peace to you,
Assuredly in faith,
Rev. Marguerite Earhart

P.O. Box 313,
Spring City, PA 19475

----------
Office of the Chairman
Phone: 202-863-8700
Fax: 202-863-8820
Email: Chairman@gop.com

http://www.gop.com/

http://www.pagop.org/

An Email Response From Glenn Beck.

2009-04-29T14:40:00.002-04:00

Subject: automated response
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 2:32 PM

Thanks so much for the email. Due to the volume of mail this may be the only response you see.

While I do not always see it in a timely fashion I do try to read all of my mail. However, I average over 2000 letters a day and there is no way I can respond to most letters.

I am glad you are watching/listening and even though you may not see a response, I want you to know that I am listening as well.

Thanks,

Glenn Beck

---------------
If you'd like to stay in contact with the Glenn Beck Program, sign up for our free email newsletter. Visit http://www.glennbeck.com/content/newsletter/ to sign up now.

http://www.glennbeck.com/

My Email To Glenn Beck About Senator Arlen Spector

2009-04-29T14:34:00.002-04:00

Subject: Hi Glenn. A question about Arlen Spector.
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 2:32 PM

Hi Glenn:

I have a question concerning Senator Arlen Spector.

I'm not certain where to write about this, and I am looking for ideas on this. As you know, Senator Arlen Spector was elected by Republican vote - mine one of them - here in Pennsylvania.

My question is who would someone write to to have Senator Spector removed or to step down due to switching parties?

I think it to be false representation for Senator Spector to be elected by Republican vote to switch parties before his term is concluded.

I believe this to be really wrong of Senator Spector, but it at least finally shows his true face.

I look forward to your response if any.

I watch your show. Maybe you can raise issue on this topic.

Many blessings of peace to you,
Assuredly in faith,
Rev. Marguerite Earhart

Spring City, PA

http://www.glennbeck.com/

http://specter.senate.gov/public/

Michael S. Steele

2009-02-27T21:11:00.003-05:00

Michael S. Steele
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I did a bit of an online search concerning Michael S. Steele who was named recently to be the RNC chairman.
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He seems likeable, learned and very well qualified.
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I heard online - don't remember where but I think it was somewhere around YouTube - that Mr. Steele is 'pro-choice' leaning. Much of what I looked up on his positions indicated that he is concretely 'pro-life', but I found something interesting on two sites so far.
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On 'On The Issues' Mr. Steele's stance is listed as 'Roe v. Wade should remain in place. (Oct 2006)'.
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This is an interesting statement from someone who is supposedly or solidly 'pro-life'.
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There is an interesting article I found on LifeNews [didn't feel I should post, to my dismay, due to reprinting restrictions]. It was mentioned in the article concerning Mr. Steele of him keeping company with those individuals who wish to move the Republican platform off of the position in favor of protecting and upholding life.
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Which I have seen as already becoming a problem with Republicans not holding the line on this important conservative issue in one way or another.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_S._Steele
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http://www.ontheissues.org/senate/Michael_Steele.htm
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Republican Party Chair Hopeful Michael Steele Questioned on Pro-Life Views
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RNC Chairman Michael Steele's Acceptance Speech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNMFVYRVVRg

Sick 9/11 Responder Wins Medical Compensation Case

2009-02-25T22:57:00.003-05:00

Sick 9/11 Responder Wins Medical Compensation Case

Its victory for Charlie Giles who says he?s been through hell and back after fighting to pay medical bills for debilitating ailments contracted while working at Ground Zero following the September 11th terrorist attacks.

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com

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Yea, Charlie!

12.25.08 White House Recipes

2008-12-25T17:39:00.003-05:00

White House Illustration

12.25.08 White House Recipes

There is only a short time to copy yet I believe. So you snooze you lose.
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Maybe Mrs. Bush will consider to create a White House cookbook in the future?
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- Mrs. Bush's Recipes: pdf files
http://www.whitehouse.gov/firstlady/arts-recipes.html
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- Recipes From Laura Bush:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/firstlady/recipes/index.html

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- 4th Of July Recipes:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/independenceday/2004/recipes.html

From Mrs. Bush's Kitchen … Hot Chocolate

2008-12-25T17:07:00.004-05:00

The President and Mrs. Bush stand next to the 2001 tree, an 18-foot Concolor fir that was grown in the mountains of Central Pennsylvania. For ornaments, artists from all 50 states and the District of Columbia designed miniature replicas of historic houses from their regions.
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http://www.whitehouse.gov/president/holiday/whtree/02.html
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From Mrs. Bush's Kitchen …

Hot Chocolate
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Ingredients

6 T. Unsweetened cocoa

6 T. Sugar

Pinch of Salt

2 1/2 cup Milk

2 1/2 cup Light Cream

1/2 t. Vanilla (or more)

Pinch of Cinnamon Powder (optional)

Whipped Cream

Orange Zest
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Directions

Mix cocoa, salt, and sugar.
Add milk. Heat to dissolve.
Add light cream, cinnamon, vanilla. Heat to just under boiling.
Mix very well and pour into warm mug.
Top with whipped cream, cocoa powder, and fine orange zest.
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http://www.whitehouse.gov/holiday/2001/recipe.html

Naughty or Nice?

2008-12-15T17:48:00.000-05:00

Naughty or Nice?
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AFA's 2008 listing of top retailers and how they recognize Christmas
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http://www.afa.net/christmaslist.asp
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American Family Association
http://www.afa.net/

Generous Giving Helps Rebuild Handicapped Home

2008-11-27T19:24:00.004-05:00

Generous Giving Helps Rebuild Handicapped Home

Nov 27, 2008 6:22 pm US/Eastern

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Reporting

Stephanie Abrams

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SOUDERTON, Pa. (CBS 3) ―
One local family has an extra reason to be thankful this holiday.

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After her son was injured in a horrific car accident, Marie Wenhold was desperate to find a way to help him recover. Stephanie Abrams tells us this story of thanks, for all the giving that built Derek Wenhold a new home and new hope for independence.

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When we visited Derek at his home in Sellersville, we found him laughing with friends. A big change from what his life looked like just two and a half years ago.

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"I'm thankful just to be able to speak," said Derek.

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The 22 year old was 19 years old when a car accident nearly took his life. He was in a coma for months, and when he came out of it his brain injury was so severe doctors said he would never walk again.

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It took him months to learn to speak and move his hands. In January of 2007 CBS 3 told you about his mother's dream, to covert their shed into a physical therapy room.

.
When we returned today, we found that dream had become a reality.

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"Word got around and the people were there that were needed," Said Glenn Alderfer, Pastor of Living Faith Fellowship. "It was a mother trying to help her son and there's just nothing stronger than that. I felt the lord leading me to get involved," said community organizer Garry Detweiler.

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That's the explanation from just a few of nearly one hundred friends who put their hands to work. Members of two local churches and neighbors were all dedicated to creating a better life for the Wenholds. So now, that shed we visited in 2007 is now a stunning addition.

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Inside you'll find a therapy room where Derek is able to use an elliptical, balance ball, and works on building strength in his arms. His mother Marie Wenhold said, "That hope that we had is just becoming a reality, and it's amazing."

.
Derek even has an elevator taking him upstairs to a brand new large bedroom and handicap accessible bathroom. Derek says the new addition helps him feel more independent, and told us, "I am truly blessed." His mother said she's thought about the word Thanksgiving, and realized that she's just thankful for what others have given to them.

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If you would like to help send a donation to the address below:

Attn: Derek Wenhold Special Needs Trust

Univest National Bank and Trust

10 West Broad Street

Souderton, PA 18964

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(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

.
----------
http://cbs3.com/

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http://cbs3.com/bios/stephanie.abrams.cbs.9.239701.html
---------

.
. Derek Wenhold Is Thankful To Be Alive

.
16 Minutes ago

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A young man who is recovering from a near deadly accident is given a new lease on life by generous donations to rebuild his home, Stephanie Abrams reports.

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http://cbs3.com/video/?id=69224@kyw.dayport.com

My 11.19.08 eLetter To President-Elect Obama

2008-11-19T20:15:00.000-05:00

Sent a copy - see previous eletter post - to http://www.change.gov/ after gaining additional information from the Obama-Biden Correspondence Team :
.
Hello President-Elect Obama:
.
I've been reading how Senator Hillary Clinton is being considered for the position of Secretary of State.
.
I have a comment concerning this. . .
.
-----------
.
Shown this on response page:
.
Thank you
.
Thank you for your message to President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden. The American people are sending Barack Obama to the White House to bring real change to Washington. Real change begins by building an open and transparent government and seeking input from all Americans.
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The response to Change.gov has matched the enthusiasm that powered the Obama campaign. Thousands of Americans have already written to the President-elect and Vice President-elect and the number continues to grow. We are working to process all of these messages as soon as possible, and we thank you for your participation.
.
Sincerely,
Obama-Biden Transition Team

11.19.08 From: Obama-Biden Correspondence Team

2008-11-19T19:40:00.000-05:00

From : Obama-Biden Correspondence Team
Sent : Wednesday, November 19, 2008 6:22 PM
Subject : Response to your message to Obama for America
.
Dear Rev. Marguerite,
.
Thank you for contacting President-elect Barack Obama and Obama for America.
.
Barack greatly appreciates the outpouring of messages he is receiving from across the country and from Americans around the world. He is deeply honored by the confidence the American people have placed in him and in Vice President-elect Biden.
.
Please click here to see President-elect Obama's speech on Election Night:
.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gGx3Kc
.
Barack Obama and Joe Biden are hopeful about the opportunities and clear-eyed about the challenges our nation faces. They look forward to working with all Americans, regardless of who they voted for, in the great project of American renewal. Enlisting the energy and ingenuity of the American people is the only way we will create the changes that so many people want to see, so we hope you'll be involved.
.
You have just contacted Obama for America, the Obama/Biden campaign organization. A new organization is being formed to facilitate communication with the Obama/Biden Administration that will take office on January 20, 2009.
.
If you have questions, suggestions, or comments about the federal government, policy, or the coming Obama/Biden Administration, please visit the online Office of the President-elect for more information and to get involved:
.
www.change.gov
.
If you're contacting us because you've been energized by your participation in our grassroots movement, we hope you will remain active in your community and involved in national policy debates.
.
Please continue to visit www.BarackObama.com regularly. We've built one of the most comprehensive nationwide organizing networks in history, and our victory on November 4th is only the beginning of the work we will do together.
.
The 56th Presidential Inauguration will take place on January 20th, 2009, and will be run by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. We encourage you to check their website for more details:
.
http://inaugural.senate.gov/
.
If you have other thoughts or business with the campaign, you can continue to reach us toll free at 866-675-2008. Due to the extremely high number of messages we are currently receiving, we may be unable to respond to your message individually, but we do appreciate hearing from you and hope you¢ll work with us as we build America's future together.
.
Thank you again for contacting us.
Sincerely,
Obama for America
-----------------------
Paid for by Obama for America

------------
My 11.19.08 eLetter To President-Elect Obama
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/themastersmilieu/message/995

My 11.19.08 eLetter To President-Elect Obama

2008-11-19T19:18:00.001-05:00

I'm Interested In: Other
Date: 11.19.08
Subject: Concerning Secretary Of State Position
.
Hello:
.
I don't know how to properly send my comment for President-elect Obama, so please forward this to him if you would. I would appreciate it.
.
I've been reading how Senator Hillary Clinton is being considered for the position of Secretary of State.
.
I have a comment concerning this.
.
I don't feel that Senator Clinton presents an appropriate neutral position that would be effective in being Secretary Of State due to hostilities expressed in regards to a Ramadan fast-breaking dinner (Iftar) hosted by several Christian groups which welcomed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
.
The Christian groups - some of which - are well known for their peace promoting activities were under fire for welcoming Ahmadinejad.
.
Governor Palin was given an invitation to the protest, but was treated rudely as well.
.
The protest was sponsored by Women International I believe. http://stopahmadinejadrally.wordpress.com/
.
I don't believe that Senator Clinton could be as effective in being Secretary of State, and believe her neutrality is in question.
.
To show this little regard for peace promoting activities on the part of Christian groups, towards a visiting dignitary - Islam, and popular Governor of the great state of Alaska - whom I have respect for.
.
My mom mentioned to me how she was appalled. She said that she never remembered a visiting dignitary being treated so rudely when visiting the U.S.A. before - whether they were agreed with or not.
.
Passions are high however I realize.
.
I wanted to voice my opinion of offense, and non-support concerning Senator Clinton in being considered for this position. In dealing with nations such as Iran, I believe, Senator Clinton may not be the best choice.
.
I am a registered Republican, but in reality an Independent.
.
We disagree on several issues I feel quite important to me that I take strongly to heart, but I wish you well in your Administration.
.
As an American, you would have my hesitant support.
.
I will also pray for you.
.
Thank you for your time,
.
Many blessings of peace to you,
Assuredly in faith,
Rev. Marguerite Earhart
Spring City, PA.
.
http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

Naughty Or Nice List - Friend Or Foe 2008

2008-11-13T21:28:00.000-05:00

http://www.lc.org/index.cfm?PID=15259

'Naughty Or Nice List - Friend Or Foe 2008'

http://www.lc.org/media/9980/attachments/2008naughty-nice.pdf

Liberty Counsel

http://lc.org/

Please remember to support those who uphold Christmas.

Closed Poll: "My Vote Goes To?"

2008-11-06T00:47:00.000-05:00

Closed Poll: On my Bravenet Web Poll
"My Vote Goes To?" - which I archived today -
I only had one response.
.
On Answer #2: Senator Barack Hussein Obama II
Votes: 1 - 100%

On another December Holiday: Hanukah - Chanukah

2008-11-03T19:50:00.000-05:00

On another December Holiday: Hanukah - Chanukah.
.
I receive ad's, and have bought a necklace from, 'Judaica Mall'. They have a nice listing of stuff, and wanted to recommend them. They were very helpful in answering questions.
.
http://www.judaica-mall.com/
.
Amazon has a nice listing I found under search.

Tomorrow Is Election Day (USA).

2008-11-03T12:39:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is Election Day here in the USA.
.
Finally.
.
I had posted in an earlier post that I was disgusted - which I still am - and decided that my vote was to abstain.
.
The Lord is speaking to my heart about it, so I decided to pray and meditate on it.
.
So...I'm going to put my McCain/Palin button back on and sign outside.
.
Voting pro-life just might be enough.
.
I plan to ask the Lord about it, and pray and meditate on it.
.
One thing...the 2 years of tv ads, mailings, phone calls all stop after tomorrow! yea!. My mom is threatening to shut off cable today. :)
.
A Woman's Right to Vote

Candidates On The Issue Of Health Care

2008-10-29T23:35:00.000-04:00

----------------
Pro-Life Candidates:
----------------
.
- John McCain:
.
. Get healthcare records online to reduce costs. (Oct 2008)
. Mandated heath insurance is Big Government at its best. (Oct 2008)
. Put health records online, to reduce medical errors. (Oct 2008)
. Health care is a responsibility: just make it available. (Oct 2008)
. FactCheck: Plan is $5,000 per family, not $5,000 per person. (Oct 2008)
. Bring together smart Americans to solve Medicare. (Oct 2008)
. $5,000 refundable tax credit for every family. (Sep 2008)
. Family should make health decisions, not federal government. (Sep 2008)
. FactCheck: Obama's plan is voluntary for adults. (Sep 2008)
. FactCheck: McCain's $5,000 health tax credit would be taxed. (Aug 2008)
. Large tax credit for families to buy their health care. (Jul 2008)
. Harness market competition for comprehensive reform. (Feb 2008)
. Preserve quality of health care by individual responsibility. (Dec 2007)
. Give individuals $2500 refundable tax credits for healthcare. (Oct 2007)
. Control health costs so manufacturers stay competitive. (Oct 2007)
. No mandated universal system; no mandated insurance coverage. (Jun 2006)
. We should be able to reimport drugs from Canada. (Jan 2006)
. Include a health savings account in healthcare reform. (Jan 2006)
. The problem with health care in America is inflation. (Jan 2006)
. Supports tax-free medical savings accounts & tax credits. (Nov 2004)
. 1989: No mandatory catastrophic Medicare coverage. (Jan 2004)
. 1993: To socialize healthcare would be to ruin it. (Jan 2004)
. Greater consumer access to generic drugs. (May 2002)
. Favorite cause: Cleft-palate surgery for children. (Oct 2007)
. Higher taxes on cigarettes. (Jan 2000)
. Matching funds for seniors citizens’ prescription drugs. (Dec 1999)
. Expand health insurance to 11 million uninsured children. (Dec 1999)
. Keep health care promises to aging veterans. (Nov 1999)
. Address powerlessness when faced with health care crises. (Jul 1999)
. “Patient rights” means value human life over dollars. (Jul 1999)
. Expand medical savings; community health; & tax deductions. (Jul 1999)
. Patient Rights: access; MDs over HMOs; grievance process. (Jul 1999)
. Allow paying extra for choice of doctors & care. (Jul 1999)
. Full doctor-patient discussion even when it costs HMO. (Jul 1999)
. Supports patient rights; regulate nicotine as a drug. (Jul 1998)
. More tax-deductible health costs; limits on malpractice. (Jul 1998)
.
Voting Record
.
. Allow appealing HMO decisions externally & in court. (Jul 1999)
. Voted NO on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D. (Feb 2006)
. Voted YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics. (Nov 2005)
. Voted YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug. (Mar 2005)
. Voted NO on $40 billion per year for limited Medicare prescription drug benefit. (Jun 2003)
. Voted YES on allowing reimportation of Rx drugs from Canada. (Jul 2002)
. Voted YES on allowing patients to sue HMOs & collect punitive damages. (Jun 2001)
. Voted YES on funding GOP version of Medicare prescription drug benefit. (Apr 2001)
. Voted NO on including prescription drugs under Medicare. (Jun 2000)
. Voted YES on limiting self-employment health deduction. (Jul 1999)
. Voted YES on increasing tobacco restrictions. (Jun 1998)
. Voted NO on Medicare means-testing. (Jun 1997)
. Voted NO on blocking medical savings acounts. (Apr 1996)
. Tax credits for those without employee health insurance. (May 2002)
. Tax deduction for long-term care insurance. (May 2002)
. Support telemedicine for underserved areas. (May 2002)
. $350 billion for prescriptions for poor seniors. (May 2002)
. Rated 25% by APHA, indicating a anti-public health voting record. (Dec 2003)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcCaindotcom
.
----------------
- Chuck Baldwin:
.
. Freedom of choice for all healthcare decisions. (May 2008)
. No subsidies for HMOs; no forced vaccinations. (May 2008)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Chuck_Baldwin.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/chuckbaldwin2008
.
-----------------
Pro-Choice Candidates:
-----------------
.
- Barack Obama:
.
. Health care is a right: something's fundamentally wrong now. (Oct 2008)
. FactCheck: Exempts small business, but no $2,500/yr savings. (Oct 2008)
. Health tax credit is bad idea; it will cost taxpayers more. (Sep 2008)
. $15B subsidies to private insurers was a lobbyist giveaway. (Sep 2008)
. FactCheck: McCain's plan taxes employees, not employers. (Sep 2008)
. Give more help to those denied a life of dignity & respect. (Jul 2008)
. Guaranteed health care for anyone who needs it. (Jul 2008)
. End-of-life self-medication ok; euthanasia by others not ok. (Apr 2008)
. Hillary's plan must either be enforced, or leave out people. (Feb 2008)
. The problem with health care is about affordability. (Jan 2008)
. Subsidies to people who can't afford care--not single payer. (Jan 2008)
. Bring GOP & Dems together to make haelthcare affordable. (Jan 2008)
. FactCheck: Reducing obesity would save $18B, not $1T. (Dec 2007)
. Reforms in prevention and drug price negotiation save money. (Dec 2007)
. Tackle insurance companies on reimbursement system. (Oct 2007)
. Help young people deal with the cost of medical education. (Oct 2007)
. Morally wrong that terminally ill must consider money. (Sep 2007)
. FactCheck: Correct that insurance lobbying cost $1B. (Sep 2007)
. National smoking bans only after trying local bans. (Sep 2007)
. Reform failed in '90s because of drug company lobbying. (Jul 2007)
. Take on insurance companies; drive down health care costs. (Jun 2007)
. Address minority health needs by more coverage & targeting. (Mar 2007)
. Health care tied to balancing costs and taxes nation wide. (Jun 2006)
. Allowing seniors to bulk purchase will save taxpayers' money. (Oct 2004)
. Allow prescription drug re-importation. (May 2004)
.
AIDS
.
. Use whatever works with AIDS, including teaching abstinence. (Apr 2008)
. We need condom distribution to deal with the scourge of AIDS. (Aug 2007)
. Homophobia prevents talking about HIV/AIDS. (Jun 2007)
. Got tested for AIDS, with wife, in public, in Kenya. (Jun 2007)
. Curing AIDS must be all-hands-on-deck effort. (Mar 2007)
. Lead global fight against AIDS. (Jul 2004)
.
Universal Coverage
.
. Zero fines & no mandate for small business. (Oct 2008)
. No exclusions for pre-existing conditions. (Oct 2008)
. Ban insurance companies from discriminating against the sick. (Aug 2008)
. I've got a health plan and a plan to get it implemented. (Jun 2008)
. AdWatch: My plan costs $2,500 less per family than Clinton's. (Apr 2008)
. FactCheck: Unclear if Obama's plan costs less than Clinton's. (Apr 2008)
. Universal health care means anyone who wants it can get it. (Feb 2008)
. Insurers are happy to have a mandate; issue is affordability. (Feb 2008)
. Voluntary universal participation, like in Medicare Part B. (Feb 2008)
. Mandating kids' insurance ok; mandating adults has problems. (Feb 2008)
. Young adults up to age 25 can be covered under parents' plan. (Feb 2008)
. My plan does more than anybody to reduce costs. (Feb 2008)
. My health plan does not leave 15 million people uncovered. (Feb 2008)
. Adults will get health care as they can afford it. (Feb 2008)
. AdWatch: punishing uninsured families doesn't make sense. (Feb 2008)
. FactCheck: Hillary's plan does mandate; but so does Obama's. (Feb 2008)
. No one turned away due to illness or pre-existing condition. (Feb 2008)
. Buy private insurance via National Health Insurance Exchange. (Feb 2008)
. Against enforcement mechanism for mandating insurance. (Jan 2008)
. FactCheck: Yes, Obama favored single-payer, despite denial. (Jan 2008)
. FactCheck: No, US costs are not twice as much as others. (Jan 2008)
. AdWatch: Pressure insurance & drug companies to change. (Jan 2008)
. FactCheck: OPPORTUNITY to insure all, but no GUARANTEE. (Jan 2008)
. AdWatch: Don't make it illegal not to have health care. (Jan 2008)
. Being poor in this country is hazardous to your health. (Dec 2007)
. Problem isn't mandating coverage, but affording it. (Nov 2007)
. FactCheck: Coverage plan might leave 8.5 million uninsured. (Nov 2007)
. Cautious incremental plan offers choice & subsidy. (Nov 2007)
. Added 20,000 children to Illinois healthcare. (Oct 2007)
. Government healthcare like members of Congress have. (Sep 2007)
. Increase competition in the insurance and drug markets. (Aug 2007)
. National Health Insurance Exchange for private coverage. (Aug 2007)
. Health plan cuts typical family's premium by $2,500 a year. (Jun 2007)
. Give people the choice to buy affordable health care. (Jun 2007)
. National insurance pool & catastrophic insurance. (Apr 2007)
. Employers are going to have to pay or play. (Mar 2007)
. Need political will to accomplish universal coverage. (Mar 2007)
. Universal health care by of first term. (Feb 2007)
. Healthcare system is broken without lifetime employment. (Oct 2006)
. The market alone can't solve our health-care woes. (Oct 2006)
. Focus on the affordability of a broad healthcare plan. (Jan 2006)
. Crises happen in our lives and healthcare is necessary. (Oct 2004)
. Believes health care is a right, not a privilege for the few. (Sep 2004)
. Will expand health coverage & allow meds to be re-imported. (May 2004)
. Ensure access to basic care. (Jul 1998)
.
Voting Record
.
. No need to mandate coverage; just let people afford it. (Jul 2007)
. Voted NO on means-testing to determine Medicare Part D premium. (Mar 2008)
. Voted YES on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D. (Apr 2007)
. Voted YES on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D. (Feb 2006)
. Voted YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics. (Nov 2005)
. Voted YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug. (Mar 2005)
. Increase funding for AIDS treatment & prevention. (Jan 2001)
. More funding for Rx benefits, community health, CHIPs. (Jan 2001)
. Improve services for people with autism & their families. (Apr 2007)
. Establish a national childhood cancer database. (Mar 2007)
. Preserve access to Medicaid & SCHIP during economic downturn. (Apr 2008)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BarackObamadotcom
.
----------------
- Ralph Nader:
.
. For single-payer; all major candidates oppose it. (Feb 2008)
. Billing fraud and abuse costs $200B. (Feb 2008)
. Single-payer health care plan over for-profit care. (Feb 2008)
. 3.5% payroll tax to fund universal healthcare. (Sep 2002)
. Enforce fair drug prices if sponsored by govt research. (Oct 2000)
. Medicare prescriptions covered under universal health care. (Sep 2000)
. Price restraints on drugs; limit profiteering. (Sep 2000)
. Opposes assisted suicide laws for terminally ill. (Aug 2000)
. Cradle-to-grave health care better than Clinton’s plan. (Jul 2000)
. Use Canadian system as a model for US. (May 2000)
. Health care is a universal human right. (May 2000)
. Recast health care in a non-profit mode. (Mar 2000)
. Keep commercialism out of maternity wards. (Aug 1999)
. Make medicines affordable in Third World. (Jul 1999)
. Challenge the monetization of HMOs. (Jul 1999)
. HMO review procedures must be independent of HMOs. (Jul 1999)
. HMO plan: accountability, doctor-driven, independent review. (Jul 1999)
. Big Pharma blocks selling generic drugs to Third World. (Dec 1998)
. Criticizes “sweetheart deal” for big tobacco. (Nov 1998)
. Let FDA regulate nicotine as an addictive drug. (Mar 1996)
. Tobacco is the world’s worst air pollutant. (Oct 1994)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ralph_Nader.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/votenader08
.
----------------
- Cynthia McKinney:
.
. Supports single-payer universal health care. (Feb 2008)
. Resources for health needs, pre-natal & post-natal care. (Jan 2008)
. Take insurance companies out of health-care equation. (Jan 2008)
. Affordable health care is a matter of national security. (Dec 2007) ( ? )
. Against rationing or voucher-based system of insurance. (Dec 2007)
. Voted NO on denying non-emergency treatment for lack of Medicare co-pay. (Feb 2006)
. Voted NO on allowing suing HMOs, but under federal rules & limited award. (Aug 2001)
. Voted NO on subsidizing private insurance for Medicare Rx drug coverage. (Jun 2000)
. Voted NO on banning physician-assisted suicide. (Oct 1999)
. Increase funding for AIDS treatment & prevention. (Jan 2001)
. More funding for Rx benefits, community health, CHIPs. (Jan 2001)
. MEDS Plan: Cover senior Rx under Medicare. (Jan 2001)
. Provide mental health services for older Americans. (May 2005)
. Make health care a right, not a privilege. (Nov 1999)
. Supported funding women's health needs. (Jul 1999)
. Supported funding older women's health. (Jul 1999)
. Supported funding Prenatal and Postpartum Care. (Jul 1999)
. Supported funding Family and Children's Coverage. (Jul 1999)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Cynthia_McKinney.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RunCynthiaRun
.
----------------
Unreliable as far as Pro-Life Candidate:
----------------
.
- Bob Barr:
.
. Voted YES on allowing suing HMOs, but under federal rules & limited award. (Aug 2001)
. Voted YES on subsidizing private insurance for Medicare Rx drug coverage. (Jun 2000)
. Voted YES on banning physician-assisted suicide. (Oct 1999)
. Voted YES on establishing tax-exempt Medical Savings Accounts. (Oct 1999)
. Collect data on birth defects and present to the public. (Apr 1998)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Bob_Barr.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BobBarr2008
.
----------------
.
- Ron Paul:
.
. Replace Medicaid with volunteer pro-bono medical care. (Apr 2008)
. Private medical savings accounts, not government meddling. (Apr 2008)
. Insurance companies & gov't make healthcare unaffordable. (Oct 2007)
. Transfer funds from debt & empire-building to healthcare. (Oct 2007)
. Socialized medicine won't work; nor managed care. (Oct 2007)
. Managed care is expensive and hasn't worked. (Sep 2007)
. Oppose mandated health insurance and universal coverage. (Sep 2007)
. Not government's role to protect people like Terri Schiavo. (Sep 2007)
. Insurance reward for avoiding tobacco, alcohol, obesity. (Sep 2007)
. Voted NO on giving mental health full equity with physical health. (Mar 2008)
. Voted NO on Veto override: Extend SCHIP to cover 6M more kids. (Jan 2008)
. Voted NO on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility. (Oct 2007)
. Voted YES on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D. (Jan 2007)
. Voted NO on denying non-emergency treatment for lack of Medicare co-pay. (Feb 2006)
. Voted NO on limiting medical malpractice lawsuits to $250,000 damages. (May 2004)
. Voted NO on limited prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients. (Nov 2003)
. Voted YES on allowing reimportation of prescription drugs. (Jul 2003)
. Voted YES on small business associations for buying health insurance. (Jun 2003)
. Voted NO on capping damages & setting time limits in medical lawsuits. (Mar 2003)
. Voted NO on subsidizing private insurance for Medicare Rx drug coverage. (Jun 2000)
. Voted NO on banning physician-assisted suicide. (Oct 1999)
. Voted YES on establishing tax-exempt Medical Savings Accounts. (Oct 1999)
. Abolish federal Medicare entitlement; leave it to states. (Dec 2000)
. Limit anti-trust lawsuits on health plans and insurers. (Mar 2002)
. Rated 56% by APHA, indicating a mixed record on public health issues. (Dec 2003)
. Prohibit mandatory mental health screen for students. (May 2007)
. Remove restrictions on estriol (menopause medication). (Jun 2008)
. Expand medical savings accounts for employers & individuals. (Feb 1999)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ron_Paul.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RonPaul2008dotcom
.
--------------
.
ProCon.org
http://2008election.procon.org/
.
Candidate Positions On 72 Issues:
http://2008election.procon.org/viewresource.asp?resourceID=1561
.
---------------
http://www.politics1.com/
---------------
.
Election Center 2008 CNN
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/

Concerning The Upcoming American Election.

2008-10-28T23:48:00.002-04:00

I've been trying to inform myself on the candidates to try to make a right minded decision on who I should vote for.
.
I've been posting information concerning the candidate positions to inform my group and passerbys, because I believe being informed is a good thing. I plan to continue in that.
.
I want to say that I am totally disgusted.
.
I have not felt good about Senator John McCain for awhile now. I feel that he is trouble waiting to happen.
.
When he chose Governor Palin I was initially excited, and felt that I could like his thinking.
.
I've started to reconsider.
.
There seems to be a divided house at the moment in the Republican party. Governor Palin had to read in the newspaper stuff she should have been filled in on personally.
.
Palin and McCain is in a rift over homosexual 'marriage'. I'm not surprised at that. They also seem to be going in opposite directions.
.
I liked Bob Barr - at least I thought so - and doesn't have all the drama going on in his camp.
.
I've reconsidered after reading he wimped out on the abortion issue, and am seeing that he appears to be a double-minded man. He's also being a bit TOO careful in his answers.
.
I have never warmed up to Chuck Baldwin. I want to say that I believe that being a minister for the Lord and being in politics is in reality serving two masters. He is also appearing to be unreliable and double-minded.
.
He lost me on the 'Go out and buy a gun!' which flies in the face of scripture teaching.
.
I don't support nuclear energy. I don't support the draft. I don't support abortion on demand or embryonic stem cell research.
.
I don't believe that we - as a consumption oriented society - can EVER become totally energy independent - when most people are not adequately recycling.
.
I don't believe it is even constitutional to bail out corrupt individuals in the corporate world. There should be an investigation and someone needs to be held accountable.
.
The Government is CLEARLY overstepping their boundries Constitutionally - and this is occuring across the board.
.
There are individuals on political parties when I don't know why they are even on them because of their views.
.
The 'Green' party is now the 'Peace' party - who booted Nader.
.
Most Republicans - such as Guiliani and Powell - are in fact - in reality - Democrats.
.
You can be a Democrat just as long as you party tow and don't disagree with the party logic. Such as Joe Lieberman got booted and was actually threatened for disagreeing with Democrats.
.
Barr should be on the Constitution Party and Baldwin should be an Independent.
.
Both endorsed Ron Paul who is upholding his promises, and isn't running. (Why as a Republican? He would be a Libertarian.)
.
Why dance around voting for the American Socialist Party - when that is what most in the media actually, in reality, want and are supporting and promoting - Instead of trying to re-create the Democratic Party to replace the ASP?
.
I don't believe in globalism or that the U.N. is this new found beacon of light in the world.
.
I don't believe in a global income tax which eschatological scholars believe will concretely lead to the N.W.O.
.
Senator's Obama & Biden are pushing that through.
.
I don't believe in embryonic stem cell research, but there are exciting findings on the adult stem cell research front.
.
I don't believe that the government has the constitutional right to legislate health, end poverty, or seize property in order to build casinos.
.
I don't like 'catch-phrase' stuff and words such as 'shock n' awe' or 'change'.
.
I don't believe in the hypocritical hawking of Christmas stuff under the negated term 'holiday'. Who want the money but not Christ in the money making or stuff buying.
.
Or is it in reality negating recognizing Jews with Chanukah - or blacks with Kwanzaa (interesting that it is a harvest festival occurring in winter.) Eid al-Adha with Muslims - or pagans with the Winter Solstice or Yule - etc.
.
Or is it simply all of the above.
.
Christmas is a legally recognized holiday, and isn't generally celebrated by any other belief or faith.
.
NONE of the politicians are speaking out against that.
.
I don't believe in the notion of American Flags being made in China.
.
I did support Mike Huckabee. I do not know who messed up the primaries with this NEW schedule of voting - but I feel I was cheated out of my vote in PA.
.
This election has been going on now FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS now - and nothing has been actually revealed.
.
I am disgusted by all the EVIL comments and attitudes concerning Governor Palin - who is a decent person. I am offended by the biased and slanted - antichristian - media - and I'm going to remember them by turning off and NOT BUYING their stuff.
.
I am not happy with any of the candidates overall. I apologize to Sarah Palin, because I really like her - but she cannot do it all by herself. She deserves better than she has been treated.
.
I'm not voting for Senator McCain/Palin, because I cannot vote for a strained house divided - or an unAmerican - so-called global focus - open borders - of Senator McCain - and definitely not the same from Senator Obama.
.
Who both seem to like to spend taxpayer money.
.
I'm not voting for Barr, because I find him now to be unreliable and double-minded.
.
I'm not voting for Baldwin, because I find there to be a conflict of interest which I don't feel good about.
.
I am not voting for any supposed 'pro-choice' candidates who would dare support infanticide...
.
or who may turn out to possibly be the tribulation AntiChrist.
.
I've decided that my vote will be to abstain.
.
I am not seeing clearly Godly values, so I'm with the Lord.
.
I'm not going to take the chance of casting a wrong - ending up to be disastrous - vote like this.
.
I don't know if my opinion will change between now and next week, but I don't think it will.

A Candidates On The Issues Update.

2008-10-28T23:36:00.001-04:00

- Bob Barr:
.
"Should abortion remain a legal option in America?"
.
Now Not Clearly Pro or Con:
.
Q: "Let me just follow up on the issue of abortion, when you said the Federal Government shouldn't have a role in it, should it be legal or illegal?..."
.
Bob Barr: "Well, again I am prolife, I am personally prolife. But this is, here again, a decision the states ought to reach."
.
Interview on Washington Journal, C-SPAN, May 26, 2008
.
[Editor's Note: Prior to Bob Barr's May 26, 2008 Not Clearly Pro or Con statement, he also made the following Jan. 22, 2002 Con statement made on the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.]
.
Con: "Abortion is not a 'choice', it is the deliberate killing of a human life. Yet, for the past 29 years, thousands of innocent lives have been ended as a result of this horrendous decision. Fortunately, the dedication and commitment of the pro-life community remains strong, and our efforts to protect life remain unbowed.
.
In the coming congressional session, I and my colleagues in the House Pro-Life caucus will continue to work hard against those actions which are at odds with protecting the sanctity of life. From our opposition to human cloning, to continued efforts to have the Democrat-controlled Senate pass a ban on partial-birth abortion, our commitment is strong, and with the help of committed citizens, such as those who support Georgia Right to Life, we will ultimately be victorious."
.
"Barr Rallies for Life," Bob Barr's US House of Representatives website, Jan. 22, 2002
.
------------------------
"Should parental consent be required for pregnant minors to have abortions?"
.
Not Clearly Pro or Con:
.
"A parent should expect to be fully informed of what is going on in their child's life, especially those areas that affect their health and well-being...The 'Child Custody Protection' Act ensures parents can rely on the law to protect their parental rights and the health of their children. Teenagers should not be permitted to cross state lines to have serious surgery, or to end a life, at least without their parents knowing about it."
.
"Barr Co-Sponsors Key Pro-Life Legislation," Bob Barr's US House of Representatives website, Feb. 7, 2002
.
-------------------------
Bob Barr is still listed as against embryonic stem cell research -
.
UNTIL HE CHANGES HIS MIND I SEE.
.
"Should the federal government fund embryonic stem cell research?"
.
Con: "I am disappointed with the President's decision to initiate federally funded embryonic stem cell research. It is morally and ethically wrong, and I will continue to oppose it."
.
"Barr Disappointed in President's Stem Cell Decision," Bob Barr's US House of Representatives website, Aug. 10, 2001
.
ProCon.org
Bob Barr's Positions & Statements on the Issues
.
Candidate Positions on 72 Issues: A Side by Side Comparison
http://2008election.procon.org/viewresource.asp?resourceID=1561
.
--------------------
I will reflect this change in future 'candidates on the issues' profiles.
.
I will list Bob Barr as unreliable on this issue.
.
If you look at the candidate position on 72 issues - which I was just inspired to do - I see that Bob Barr is unreliable on most of the issues.
.
It's my thinking to write him a letter this week. I'll post it then, or any response.

Candidates On The Issue Of Government Reform

2008-10-28T02:13:00.002-04:00

----------------
Pro-Life Candidates:
----------------
.
- John McCain:
.
. Partisan rancor isn't a cause, it's a symptom. (Sep 2008)
. Fought corruption and the big spenders in both parties. (Sep 2008)
. Share the credit for good ideas instead of fighting over it. (Sep 2008)
. Eliminate broken government programs--20% of all program. (Feb 2008)
. More sunshine on the Working Group on Financial Markets. (Jan 2008)
. No signing statements: either sign or veto bills. (Dec 2007)
. Focus on homeland safety, restoring trust, and fiscal policy. (Dec 2007)
. Authored line-item veto law; struck down by Supreme Court. (Oct 2007)
. Keating Five mea culpa established openness to press. (Oct 2007)
. There's only one president; V.P. sticks to official duties. (Aug 2007)
. Reform election system, and get rid of electors. (Nov 2000)
. No term limits; they throw away the good with the bad. (Jan 2000)
. Influence peddling helps the Chinese Army. (Sep 1999)
. Politicans poll, posture, & influence-peddle. (Jun 1999)
. Supports Line-Item Veto and Balanced Budget. (May 1999)
. Supports term limits on Congress. (Jul 1998)
.
Campaign Finance Reform
.
. No litmus test for Supreme Court nominees on McCain-Feingold. (Feb 2008)
. The 527s need to be eliminated. (Oct 2007)
. OpEd: McCain-Feingold chilled grassroots political speech. (Oct 2007)
. 527s are clearly illegal; reform intended for small donors. (Apr 2007)
. Supported then opposed transparency in grassroots reporting. (Jan 2007)
. Campaign finance reform needed to restore faith in politics. (May 2002)
. Finance reform will prevail if we have the votes & the guts. (May 2002)
. Supported non-severability as key component of CFR. (May 2002)
. CFR passes Senate; focus on House, not court challenges. (Apr 2001)
. Differentiate “electioneering” from real issue ads. (Mar 2001)
. Clearer rules about campaign finance; no soft money. (Jan 2001)
. Replace battle of bucks with battle of ideas. (Feb 2000)
. Fight iron triangle: special interests, money, & legislation. (Feb 2000)
. Campaign reform that’s best for country, not for GOP. (Jan 2000)
. Take away soft money & “hurt the unions bad”. (Jan 2000)
. Money corrupts politics, and soft money corrupts absolutely. (Dec 1999)
. Campaign Finance: ban both labor union & corporate donations. (May 1999)
.
Earmarks & Pork
.
. We need a reformer because system in Washington is broken. (Oct 2008)
. I fought earmarks even in defense spending. (Oct 2008)
. FactCheck: Killed corrupt $6.8B contract, but reinstated it. (Oct 2008)
. Get earmarks under control to deal with the financial crisis. (Sep 2008)
. Obama requested for $932M of pork projects; I fought pork. (Sep 2008)
. FactCheck: Earmarks have gone down in last 5 years. (Sep 2008)
. Earmarks are terrible and pernicious; Palin learned that. (Sep 2008)
. FactCheck: $35B in pork meant $484 per child, not $1000. (Jan 2008)
. I'm "the sheriff", not Miss Congeniality, about pork bills. (Jan 2008)
. FactCheck: Claim of "24 years with no earmarks" mostly true. (Jan 2008)
. Close corporate loopholes; veto pork-barrel spending. (Jan 2000)
. Drain the big money swamp to kill lobbyist mosquitoes. (Dec 1999)
. End sugar subsidy; corporate welfare at its worst. (Aug 1999)
.
Voting Record
.
. Gets legislation passed despite lack of congeniality. (Mar 2000)
. Voted NO on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
. Voted YES on requiring photo ID to vote in federal elections. (Jul 2007)
. Voted YES on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
. Voted YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
. Voted YES on banning "soft money" contributions and restricting issue ads. (Mar 2002)
. Voted YES on require photo ID (not just signature) for voter registration. (Feb 2002)
. Voted YES on banning campaign donations from unions & corporations. (Apr 2001)
. Voted NO on funding for National Endowment for the Arts. (Aug 1999)
. Voted YES on favoring 1997 McCain-Feingold overhaul of campaign finance. (Oct 1997)
. Voted YES on Approving the presidential line-item veto. (Mar 1996)
. Voted NO on banning more types of Congressional gifts. (Jul 1995)
. Supports Shays-Meehan Campaign Finance Reform. (Jul 2001)
. Sponsored bill subjecting 527s to political committee rules. (Feb 2005)
. Sponsored bill prohibiting non-legislated earmarks. (Jul 2005)
. Sponsored bill disclosing lobbyist info & gifts on Internet. (Dec 2005)
. Rethink flawed Presidential daily intelligence briefings. (Mar 2005)
. CIA yielded to conventional wisdom, not political pressure. (Mar 2005)
. Sponsored bill allowing individual votes on each earmark. (Feb 2006)
. Reduce federal government size & scope, including military. (Sep 1998)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcCaindotcom
.
---------------
- Bob Barr:
.
. Clinton & Reno covered up 1996 illegal campaign finance. (Jul 2004)
. Voted YES on banning soft money donations to national political parties. (Jul 2001)
. Voted NO on banning soft money and issue ads. (Sep 1999)
. Restrict campaign donations from foreigners or 3rd parties. (May 1999)
. Limit punitive damages; term limits on Congress. (Sep 1994)
. Government is too big, too intrusive, too easy with money. (Sep 1994)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Bob_Barr.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BobBarr2008
.
---------------
- Chuck Baldwin:
.
. Eliminate Food and Drug Administration as unconstitutional. (May 2008)
. Opposes limits on free speech in campaign finance laws. (May 2008)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Chuck_Baldwin.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/chuckbaldwin2008
.
---------------
- Ron Paul:
.
. The "living Constitution" is the death of democracy. (Apr 2008)
. Constitution defines much smaller government. (Feb 2008)
. Received the most campaign contributions from the military. (Feb 2008)
. Dismantle agencies that have no Constitutional role. (Dec 2007)
. Put 65 projects into 2006 bills, worth $4B to his district. (Dec 2007)
. No on all earmarks, even those he proposes for his district. (Dec 2007)
. Supports compulsory term limits, not voluntary for himself. (Dec 2007)
. DC voting representation should be determined by Amendment. (Sep 2007)
. No federal voter ID card; but state ID cards ok. (Sep 2007)
. Constitution was written to restrain the federal government. (Sep 2007)
. We are drifting rather rapidly into a totalitarian state. (Sep 2007)
. Disallow lawsuits that stop public officials invoking God. (Sep 2007)
. End government secrecy; restore openness of information. (Aug 2007)
. With neocon philosophy, Cheney is more powerful than Bush. (Aug 2007)
. Signing statements erode constitutional balance. (Jul 2007)
. Conservatives support big government war policies. (Jun 2007)
. Close departments of Energy, Education & Homeland Security. (May 2007)
. Judges have become legislators by de-emphasizing juries. (Dec 1987)
. Our government routinely lies to us. (Dec 1987)
. Federal abuses today worse than King's in 1776 revolution. (Dec 1987)
. Spending without taxation causes inflation. (Dec 1981)
. Voted NO on requiring lobbyist disclosure of bundled donations. (May 2007)
. Voted NO on granting Washington DC an Electoral vote & vote in Congress. (Apr 2007)
. Voted YES on protecting whistleblowers from employer recrimination. (Mar 2007)
. Voted YES on requiring photo ID for voting in federal elections. (Sep 2006)
. Voted NO on restricting independent grassroots political committees. (Apr 2006)
. Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits about obesity against food providers. (Oct 2005)
. Voted YES on limiting attorney's fees in class action lawsuits. (Feb 2005)
. Voted YES on restricting frivolous lawsuits. (Sep 2004)
. Voted NO on campaign finance reform banning soft-money contributions. (Feb 2002)
. Voted NO on banning soft money and issue ads. (Sep 1999)
. Limit federal power, per the 10th Amendment. (Dec 2000)
. Unlimited campaign contributions; with full disclosure. (Dec 2000)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ron_Paul.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RonPaul2008dotcom
.
----------------
Pro-Choice Candidates:
----------------
.
- Barack Obama:
.
. FactCheck: Yes, earmarks total $18B in this year's budget. (Oct 2008)
. Eliminating earmarks isn't enough; but I'll ceck every line. (Sep 2008)
. Eliminate government programs that no longer work. (Aug 2008)
. FactCheck: Worked with McCain on ethics, but bill fell apart. (Aug 2008)
. Use technology to shine a light on spending. (Jun 2008)
. Lobbyists & special interests have strangle-hold on agenda. (Feb 2008)
. Consistently in favor of more disclosure around earmarks. (Feb 2008)
. Created a publicly searchable database on earmarks spending. (Feb 2008)
. Need a government that listens to the people again. (Feb 2008)
.Give D.C. the opportunity to elect its own representatives. (Feb 2008)
. Shine light on federal contracts, earmarks, & proposed bills. (Feb 2008)
. Bad idea to over-classify information. (Dec 2007)
. Bush's signing statements are a clear abuse of prerogative. (Dec 2007)
. Public submits policy ideas on Obama's "My Policy" website. (Oct 2007)
. Create "Google for Government" to track government spending. (Aug 2007)
. Prayer can't prevent disasters; good policy can handle them. (Aug 2007)
. Registered 150,000 new minority voters in Chicago in 1992. (Jul 2007)
. Half of us don't vote; time for taking it back. (Jun 2007)
. Bush administration has done "great damage" to U.S. (Mar 2007)
. Sponsored bill to disclose earmarks on Internet. (Oct 2006)
. Filibuster has long tradition, but used to harm civil rights. (Oct 2006)
. Electing US Senators empowers people: keep 17th Amendment. (Oct 2004)
. People are really ready for a message for change. (Jul 2004)
. Campaign race baiting works in both directions. (Aug 1996)
.
Campaign Finance Reform
.
. FactCheck: Yes, agreed to public financing, then declined it. (Oct 2008)
. GovWatch: Promised public financing, and then retreated. (Jun 2008)
. AdWatch: I opt out of broken public campaign finance system. (Jun 2008)
. GovWatch: No, McCain & RNC don't get much money from PACs. (Jun 2008)
. Ended corporate jet travel subsidized by lobbyists. (Feb 2008)
. Never took money from federal lobbyists or their companies. (Jan 2008)
. No lobbyist money; no PAC money; fund campaigns instead. (Jan 2008)
. Money is the original sin in politics and I am not sinless. (Nov 2007)
. Reduced cost TV ads for candidates; $85M presidential limit. (Oct 2007)
. Ok to take $5 donations from drug company employees. (Sep 2007)
. Public campaign financing with free television & radio time. (Aug 2007)
. 1998: First law passed, 52-4, stripping legislator perks. (Aug 2007)
. 2004: Used state money for seemingly political mailing. (Aug 2007)
. No "bundled" money from federal-registered lobbyists. (Aug 2007)
. Campaigns last too long & cost too much. (Aug 2007)
. Doesn't take PAC money or federal lobbyists' money. (Jul 2007)
. People know his "bundlers" because he pushed disclosure law. (Jul 2007)
. FactCheck: no lobbyist money; yes from bundlers who lobby. (Jul 2007)
. First bill ever passed was campaign finance reform. (Apr 2007)
. FactCheck: no lobbyist money, yes from lobbyist spouses. (Apr 2007)
. Hopefund PAC pushes government to honor sacred commitments. (Nov 2006)
. Lobbyist influence comes from access, not money. (Oct 2006)
.
Voting Record
.
. FactCheck: Yes, Obama cast 130 "present" votes in IL Senate. (Jan 2008)
. Voted YES on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
. Voted NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
. Voted YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
. Election reform is #1 priority to prevent disenfranchisement. (Jan 2001)
. Sponsored bill criminalizing deceptive info about elections. (Nov 2005)
. Sponsored resolution rejecting photo ID for voting. (Sep 2005)
. Sponsored bill to post earmarks on the Internet. (Jan 2006)
. Prohibit voter intimidation in federal elections. (Mar 2007)
. Prohibit 'voter caging' which intimidates minority voting. (Nov 2007)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BarackObamadotcom
.
----------------
- Ralph Nader:
.
. Government become unresponsive to citizen groups in 1979. (Feb 2008)
. Civic engagement fights corporate-government fascism. (Oct 2004)
. $13M for "educational" party conventions wastes tax dollars. (Jul 2004)
. The two parties are proxies for corporate government. (Jul 2004)
. Democracy gap: people must claim power, or the greedy will. (Jul 2004)
. Giving information to people overcomes propaganda. (Jul 2004)
. Change requires a critical mass of the involved. (Jul 2004)
. Denying D.C. vote is colonial mentality by congress. (Oct 2002)
. Clean money means clean elections. (Oct 2002)
. Government obstacles to voting make our elections oppressive. (Oct 2002)
. National Youth Convention bypasses electoral fluff and bluff. (Oct 2002)
. Dems & GOP say they want campaign reform, but do nothing. (Oct 2002)
. Lack of election opponents let corrupt pols stay in office. (Oct 2002)
. Non-violent demonstrations are ignored by the press. (Oct 2002)
. Primary architect of Freedom of Information Act. (Sep 2002)
. Supreme Court nominees should have a sense of justice. (Aug 2000)
. Justices need sense of justice & sense of history. (Jul 2000)
. Empower citizens via accurate information from govt. (Feb 2000)
. Reinvent democracy via new tools for citizen empowerment. (Feb 2000)
. Concentrated party power weakens democracy. (Feb 2000)
. Focus on anti-trust enforcement to help small business. (Oct 1996)
. Government delivers more service than people realize. (Dec 1995)
. Give voters more voices and choices. (Feb 2007)
.
Campaign Finance Reform
.
. No PAC money, no commercial donations; only individuals. (Feb 2008)
. Public funding of campaigns would fight corporate control. (Feb 2008)
. Green Party does not take PAC, soft, or corporate cash. (Oct 2000)
. No private money in public campaigns. (Aug 2000)
. Spending campaign money is not free speech. (Feb 2000)
. Public campaign finance; 12-year term limits. (Feb 2000)
. Public election financing, with free TV & radio time. (Feb 2000)
. 100% publicly funded campaigns, by $100 tax checkoff. (Oct 1996)
.
Voting Reform
.
. For fair ballot access and fair debate access. (Feb 2008)
. Instant Runoff Voting makes all votes count. (Jan 2008)
. Taking away votes from Democrats gains leverage. (Jul 2004)
. Advocate to allow people to vote "no confidence". (Jul 2004)
. Increase voting by weekend and holiday Election Days. (Sep 2002)
. Allow voting for “None of the Above”. (Feb 2000)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ralph_Nader.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/votenader08
.
----------------
- Cynthia McKinney:
.
. Called for impeachment of Bush & Cheney. (Feb 2008)
. Long been a supporter of publicly financed elections. (Feb 2008)
. End privately-owned and party-run voting machines. (Jan 2008)
. Do better on gov't contracting for small & minority business. (Dec 2007)
. Proposed proportional or instant runoff voting for Congress. (Nov 2006)
. Voted NO on requiring photo ID for voting in federal elections. (Sep 2006)
. Voted NO on restricting independent grassroots political committees. (Apr 2006)
. Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits about obesity against food providers. (Oct 2005)
. Voted NO on limiting attorney's fees in class action lawsuits. (Feb 2005)
. Voted NO on banning soft money donations to national political parties. (Jul 2001)
. Voted YES on banning soft money and issue ads. (Sep 1999)
. Election reform is #1 priority to prevent disenfranchisement. (Jan 2001)
. Sponsored bill for IRV voting for Electoral College. (Mar 2001)
. Allow same-day voter registration on election day. (Jan 2001)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Cynthia_McKinney.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RunCynthiaRun
.
----------------
.
http://www.politics1.com/
.
---------------
ProCon.org
http://2008election.procon.org/

KUDOS TO GRUCCI: NO CHRISTMAS PARADE, NO FIREWORKS

2008-10-27T20:12:00.000-04:00

KUDOS TO GRUCCI: NO CHRISTMAS PARADE, NO FIREWORKS
.
October 24, 2008
.
The internationally known fireworks company, Grucci, has pulled out of an annual Christmas event on Long Island because the town of Patchogue decided to break with its 15-year tradition of holding a Christmas Boat Parade: This year it decided to rename the event the Patchogue Holiday Boat Parade.
.
Grucci vice president Phil Butler, a vocal critic of the secularization of Christmas, accused the parade’s organizers of "using all the themes of Christmas and plagiarizing all those themes." Grucci is headquartered on Long Island.
.
Catholic League president Bill Donohue commended Butler’s decision: "If more people like Phil Butler stood up to the high priests of political correctness, the dumbing-down of Christmas would cease. Christmas is the only holiday that is singled out by these authoritarians. They do not object to Jewish or Muslim holidays, nor do they object to holidays like Martin Luther King Day. And they relish Kwanzaa celebrations. But when it comes to Christmas, they quickly become censors.
.
"So Kudos to Grucci. Let this be the first of many counterpunches thrown at the cultural fascists this year."
.
Contact Phil Butler at: pbutler@grucci.com
.
http://www.catholicleague.org/release.php?id=1503

Grave markers at Ann Arbor home were old rejects

2008-10-26T19:06:00.000-04:00

Grave markers at Ann Arbor home were old rejects
.
Oct 18, 2008 3:08 PM (7 days ago) AP
.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - A walkway made of face-down grave stones may be unsettling, but there's no sinister past to the morbid material at an Ann Arbor home.
.
The grave stones were discovered Thursday as workers removed granite pavers at the home while preparing for a sewer line replacement.
.
The markers were inscribed with names and biographical details.
.
Daneen Mabley, who lived in the home until 2003, tells The Ann Arbor News in a Saturday story that the walkway was already installed when her family moved into the house a quarter-century before.
.
She says the some 60 slabs all had typos, misspellings or miscuts, which is why the home's previous owners used them for paving.
.
Local monument makers say recycling such sturdy, high-quality granite material is fairly common.
.
Information from:
The Ann Arbor News,
http://www.mlive.com/aanews
.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
.
Article Link
.
-------------------
I read this story in my local paper "The Pottstown Mercury". It appeared in the Sunday, October 19, 2008 edition B8.
.
http://www.pottsmerc.com/
.
How interesting is that.

The Pro-Life Day Of Silent Solidarity - October 21, 2008

2008-10-17T21:45:00.000-04:00

Prayer For The Unborn Child
.
Almighty God, our Father,
you who have given us life
and intended us to have it forever,
grant us your blessings.
.
Enlighten our minds to an awareness
and to a renewed conviction
that all human life is sacred
because it is created
in your image and likeness.
.
Help us to teach by word
and the example of our lives
that life occupies the first place,
that human life is precious
because it is the gift of God
whose love is infinite.
.
Give us the strength to defend human life
against every influence
or action that threatens or weakens it,
as well as the strength
to make every life more human
in all its aspects.
.
Give us the grace...
.
When the sacredness of life
before birth is attacked,
to stand up and proclaim
that no one ever has the authority
to destroy unborn life.
.
When a child is described as a burden
or is looked upon only as a means
to satisfy an emotional need,
to stand up
and insist that every child is a unique
and unrepeatable gift of God,
a gift of God
with a right to a loving
and united family.
.
When the institution of marriage
is abandoned to human selfishness
or reduced to a temporary conditional arrangement
that can easily be terminated,
to stand up and affirm
the indissolubility of the marriage bond.
.
When the value of the family is threatened
because of social and economic pressure,
to stand up and reaffirm
that the family is necessary
not only for the private good of every person,
but also for the common good of every society,
nation and state.
.
When freedom is used to dominate the weak,
to squander natural resources and energy,
to deny basic necessities to people,
to stand up and affirm
the demands of justice and social love.
.
Almighty Father,
give us courage to proclaim the supreme dignity
of all human life and to demand
that society itself give its protection.
We ask this in your name,
through the redemptive act
of your Son and in the Holy Spirit.
.
Amen.
.
(Adapted from Pope John Paul II's homily of October 7, 1979.)
.

October 21, 2008
The Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity
.
Since January 22, 1973 over 50,000,000 babies have had their voices silenced through surgical abortion in this nation alone.
.
Over 4,000 children have their lives taken each day in the name of choice.
.
Over 4,000 women are emotionally damaged every day. On October 21st, people from all over this nation will give up their voices for a day in solidarity for these children.
.
http://www.silentday.org/
.
http://www.silentday.org/fliers.php
.
http://www.standtrue.com/index2.html
.
-------------
.
Some additional suggestions:
1. Make a donation to your local pregnancy center.
2. Have a baby shower to benefit your local pregnancycenter.
3. Pray!
4. Pray the Rosary - start a novena - for the unborn.
5. Raise awareness on this critical issue!
.
YouTube Playlist:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=86D5C96B05E6FB9A
.
Pro-Life YouTube Playlist:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F1D8768BFA8BCC52
.
http://pregnancy.about.com/
.
http://www.pregnancycheck.com/pregnancy-ultrasound.html
.
National Right To Life
http://www.nrlc.org/
.
Birthright International
http://www.birthright.org/
.
Lifecall
http://www.lifecall.org/index.html
.
National Fatherhood Initiative
http://www.fatherhood.org/
.
Promise Keepers
http://www.promisekeepers.org/
.
The Motherhood Project
http://www.motherhoodproject.org/
.
Psalm 139:12-17
http://christiananswers.net/bible/psa139.html

Planned Parenthood Racism Investigation

2008-10-17T21:10:00.001-04:00

Planned Parenthood Racism Investigation
.
I noticed that links that I had posted on this topic were pulled from YouTube. I searched for the information in order to repost along with additional information.
.
Planned Parenthood Racism Investigation Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UHeCOeoC_s
.
Planned Parenthood Racism Investigation Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiGgK3VJYu4&feature=related

Stand True Ministries
http://www.standtrue.com/index2.html
.
Live Action's The Advocate
http://www.laadvocate.com/
.
http://www.laadvocate.com/pp/

YouTube Pro-Life Playlist
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F1D8768BFA8BCC52
.
The Pro-Life Day Of Silent Solidarity YouTube Playlist
October 21, 2008
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=86D5C96B05E6FB9A
.
Stand True Ministries
http://www.standtrue.com/index2.html
.
Silent Day
http://www.silentday.org/
.
Originally posted 03.01.08 - 10:27PM

Candidates On The Issue Of Free Trade

2008-10-14T23:32:00.002-04:00

-------------------------
- Pro-'Life' Candidates:
-------------------------
.
- John McCain:
.
. When have Americans ever been afraid of foreign competition? (Jun 2008)
. Globalization is an opportunity--reduce barriers to trade. (Feb 2008)
. Consider subsidies a mistake, and oppose them. (Dec 2007)
. Every time US went protectionist, we paid heavy price. (Oct 2007)
. Supports ethanol, but by exporting, not by subsidies. (Oct 2007)
. No environmental provisions in trade agreements. (Nov 2004)
. Supports opening border to Mexican trucks. (May 2002)
. Against foreign sales corporations (offshore tax breaks). (Feb 2000)
. Substitute trade treaties for protectionism. (Jan 2000)
. Admit China to WTO based on their concessions. (Jun 1999)
. Free trade with any country except security risks. (May 1999)
. Retaliatory protectionism is a “murder-suicide pact”. (May 1999)
. Chile in NAFTA is good, but Fast Track isn’t. (May 1999)
. China: Keep open trade & diplomacy; but keep eyes open. (Apr 1999)
. Mexico: balancing act between free trade & stopping drugs. (Mar 1999)
. NAFTA has had unambiguously positive impact on US. (Mar 1999)
.
Voting Record
.
. Pro-NAFTA, pro-GATT, pro-MFN, pro-Fast Track. (Jul 1998)
. Voted YES on free trade agreement with Oman. (Jun 2006)
. Voted YES on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade. (Jul 2005)
. Voted YES on establishing free trade between US & Singapore. (Jul 2003)
. Voted YES on establishing free trade between the US and Chile. (Jul 2003)
. Voted YES on extending free trade to Andean nations. (May 2002)
. Voted YES on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam. (Oct 2001)
. Voted NO on removing common goods from national security export rules. (Sep 2001)
. Voted YES on permanent normal trade relations with China. (Sep 2000)
. Voted YES on expanding trade to the third world. (May 2000)
. Voted YES on renewing 'fast track' presidential trade authority. (Nov 1997)
. Voted NO on imposing trade sanctions on Japan for closed market. (May 1995)
. Promote the Andean Free Trade Agreement. (May 2002)
. Rated 100% by CATO, indicating a pro-free trade voting record. (Dec 2002)
. Sponsored bill for trade with post-Orange Revolution Ukraine. (Apr 2005)
. Extend trade restrictions on Burma to promote democracy. (Jun 2007)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcCaindotcom
.
--------------
- Bob Barr:
.
. Voted YES on withdrawing from the WTO. (Jun 2000)
. Voted NO on 'Fast Track' authority for trade agreements. (Sep 1998)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Bob_Barr.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BobBarr2008
.
-------------
- Chuck Baldwin:
.
. No North American Union; no NAFTA Superhighway. (May 2008)
. Don't merge US into North American Community. (May 2008)
. Out of the UN, NAFTA, and NATO. (May 2008)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Chuck_Baldwin.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/chuckbaldwin2008
.
-------------
- Ron Paul:
.
. Free trade agreements threaten national sovereignty. (Apr 2008)
. FactCheck: NAFTA Superhighway not a conspiracy; it's I-35. (Feb 2008)
. Look at the monetary system and deal with the trade issues. (Dec 2007)
. Block international highway from Canada to Mexico. (Dec 2007)
. No North American Union; no WTO; no UN. (Sep 2007)
. Inappropriate to impose sanctions for persecuting Christians. (Sep 2007) (* ? - Not liking this statement)
. China trade not contingent on human rights & product safety. (Sep 2007)
. No NAFTA Superhighway from Canada to Mexico. (Sep 2007)
. NAFTA superhighway threatens widespread eminent domain. (Sep 2007)
. IMF empowers politicians by causing inflation. (Dec 1981)
. Allow Americans to own gold; end large-scale foreign sales. (Dec 1981)
. Voted NO on promoting free trade with Peru. (Nov 2007)
. Voted NO on implementing CAFTA, Central America Free Trade. (Jul 2005)
. Voted NO on implementing US-Australia Free Trade Agreement. (Jul 2004)
. Voted NO on implementing US-Singapore free trade agreement. (Jul 2003)
. Voted NO on implementing free trade agreement with Chile. (Jul 2003)
. Voted YES on withdrawing from the WTO. (Jun 2000)
. Voted NO on 'Fast Track' authority for trade agreements. (Sep 1998)
. No restrictions on import/export; but maintain sovereignty . (Dec 2000)
. End economic protectionism: let dairy compacts expire . (Aug 2001)
. Rated 76% by CATO, indicating a pro-free trade voting record. (Dec 2002)
. Block NAFTA Superhighway & North American Union. (Jan 2007)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ron_Paul.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RonPaul2008dotcom
.
-------------------------
- Pro-'Choice' Candidates:
-------------------------
.
- Barack Obama:
.
. Global trade is unsustainable if it favors only the few. (Jul 2008)
. Impossible to turn back globalization; we'd be worse off. (Jun 2008)
. Don't let trade policy be dictated by special interests. (Jun 2008)
. Strong labor, safety, and environmental standards on trade. (Feb 2008)
. More Transition Assistance for displaced workers. (Feb 2008)
. Enforce environmental & labor provisions in trade agreements.(Jan 2008)
. Enforce existing safety laws against Chinese products. (Dec 2007)
. NAFTA needs to be amended. (Dec 2007)
. Stand firm against CAFTA for labor & environmental standards. (Aug 2007)
. Congress subsidizes megafarms & hurts family farmers. (Aug 2007)
. People don't want cheaper T-shirts if it costs their job. (Aug 2007)
. Amend NAFTA to add labor agreements. (Aug 2007)
. Reinvest in communities that are burdened by globalization. (Jun 2007)
. Insist on labor and human rights standards for China trade. (Jul 2004)
. Fair trade should have tangible benefits for US. (Jun 2004)
. Voted YES on free trade agreement with Oman. (Jun 2006)
. Voted NO on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade. (Jul 2005)
. Extend trade restrictions on Burma to promote democracy. (Jun 2007)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BarackObamadotcom
.
-------------
- Ralph Nader:
.
. In anti-globalization book, "The Case Against Free Trade". (Feb 2008)
. WTO makes trade supreme over labor, environment & consumers. (Feb 2008)
. Free trade isn't win-win: we're exporting jobs. (Jul 2003)
. High-tech jobs lost to foreign countries. (Jul 2003)
. NAFTA and GATT supersede national and state laws. (Sep 2002)
. Restrict IMF power, or abolish it. (Oct 2000)
. End export assistance; it’s corporate welfare. (Oct 2000)
. Renegotiate NAFTA & WTO “as if human beings mattered”. (Oct 2000)
. Subordinate the commercial to human rights, enviro, & labor. (Jul 2000)
. It’s not free trade; it’s corporate-managed trade. (Apr 2000)
. NAFTA failures: $50B Mexico bailout; 400,000 exported jobs. (Oct 1996)
. China & other dictatorships have no real free trade. (Jul 2000)
.
Globalization
.
. Globalization is a betrayal of workers and environment. (Nov 2000)
. Seattle sparked movement to question corporate globalization. (Feb 2000)
. “Battle of Seattle” convinced president to reconsider WTO. (Dec 1999)
. Global trade concentrates power & homogenizes the globe. (Dec 1999)
. WTO’s “trade uber alles” hurts environment, health, & safety. (Dec 1999)
. A growing movement: international labor rights. (Aug 1999)
. Multinational corporations challenge democracy. (Oct 1994)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ralph_Nader.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/votenader08
.
------------
- Cynthia McKinney:
.
. No Fast Track; no MFN for China; no WTO; no CAFTA. (Feb 2008)
. Repeal NAFTA & CAFTA to address immigration problems. (Jan 2008)
. Put a stop to these "free trade" agreements, and quickly. (Jan 2008)
. Voted NO on implementing CAFTA, Central America Free Trade. (Jul 2005)
. Voted YES on withdrawing from the WTO. (Jun 2000)
. Voted NO on 'Fast Track' authority for trade agreements. (Sep 1998)
. No MFN for China; condition trade on human rights. (Nov 1999)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Cynthia_McKinney.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RunCynthiaRun
.
-------------
http://www.politics1.com/
.
-------------
ProCon.org
http://2008election.procon.org/
.
------------
* - My notations.

Golden Memories: The Great Depression taught many lessons By Gladys

2008-10-14T23:09:00.003-04:00

The Great Depression taught many lessons
.
By Gladys Reyhtneour, Golden Memories
10/14/2008
.
As a great-grandmother, I do not have the kind of pleasant and interesting memories that my grandchildren will have of all phones, videos, computers, CDs, etc.
.
But riding through the countryside this fall and seeing all the beautiful fields of corn, it brings back memories of my father growing "broom corn" or sorghum. Then after harvesting it, he took it to the broom shop where he had brooms made for neighbors and us — especially little brooms for me and my friends.
.
Another big event of my childhood was butchering day. The day when our neighbor, with his butchering equipment, came to butcher the two pigs my father had raised and fattened. When the day was done, scrapple and sausage had been made; hams and bacon ready to be smoked in our little backyard smokehouse. Then later to be hung in the attic to keep for winter eating.
.
Then another exciting day was when the "rag" man stopped to buy the rags I had saved and was paid a quarter for a big bag full.
.
Another exciting day was when a friendly older man, down on his luck, would stop and ask for a bite to eat. I would love to talk to him as he ate his sandwich and cup of coffee we had given him.
.
Oh, the days of the Great Depression were a challenge, but so rewarding in teaching us to be appreciated, kind and above helpful.
.
Each week, The Mercury prints letters or guest columns about Pottstown's past and the memories of area readers. Contributors whose work is selected for publication receive $25. Share your recollections by writing to Nostalgia, in care of The Mercury, Hanover and King streets, Pottstown, PA 19464.
.
©The Mercury 2008
.
Article Link
------------------
I grew up in a humble family, and can relate to much of what Gladys is writing about in her article.
.
I think the U.S.A. has wandered too far away from our humble beginnings, and can learn something from listening to our elders a bit more.
.
When I was a teen we didn't have computers, CD's or cassette's either. We had vinyl records. The big thing when I was in school is when the first man walked on the moon - we watched in our school auditorium. I have to admit that the event was kind-of lost on me at the time being a troubled kid. Also when my school installed a swimming pool in the gym.
.
We always had a phone. They used to have cooler land phones than now - but cell phones do rock.
.
We didn't have VCR's. I grew up on black and white TV - and was AMAZED when it turned to color. We spent most every waking minute outside, and wandered around freely - safely.
.
A big event was collecting corn and having a corn battle in our street - and we were made to clean it up.
.
We wandered from end to end of our town trick or treating on Halloween - safely.
.
Nobody ever had any real money.
.
Or plastic - we didn't have that - and I know we wouldn't have been allowed to have any such thing.
.
That started to change when I turned around 14 or so.
.
Drug use, tainted Halloween candy - one local young man ended up in the hospital, people running into our house deliberately with their car, and men exposing - or propositioning the neighborhood girls for sex - themselves driving around in their car, one neighborhood girl died as a result of a motorcycle accident, another neighborhood girl died as a result of a drunk driver hitting our school bus, happenings or rumors of prostitution and rape started showing up in my quiet country neighborhood.
.
Someone poisoned two of our dogs for no apparent reason.
.
All the kids knew each other.
.
I don't remember ever hearing the corn grow though I don't think. It makes a cool sound when the wind blows through it though.
.
I wouldn't trade where I grew up.
.
Funny, now I'm seeing my grandchildren acting much like me and my siblings did growing up. (and they have more available to them than what we had. )
.
Someone said to me not long ago to not forget where I came from - which I find is pretty sound advice - not so much in why it was said to me - which I don't agree with.
.
(I was getting too Christian. lol.)
.
I really liked Gladys' post!

Children's ads provide junk food for thought by By Kevin Freking

2008-10-09T13:34:00.002-04:00

Children's ads provide junk food for thought
.
By Kevin Freking
Associated Press Writer
.
10/06/2008
.
WASHINGTON — In a child's buffet of food commercials, more than 40 percent of the dishes are candy, snacks and fast food. Nowhere to be found: fresh fruit, vegetables, poultry or seafood.
.
For years, health officials have warned that kids were being inundated with commercials about not-so-healthy foods. Now, researchers have put numbers to those warnings in the largest-ever study of commercials aimed at children.
.
"The vast majority of the foods that kids see advertised on television today are for products that nutritionists would tell us they need to be eating less of, not more of, if we're going to get a handle on childhood obesity," said Vicky Rideout of the Kaiser Family Foundation, which conducts health research.
.
Overall, the foundation's researchers monitored 13 television networks. The viewing took place primarily between late May and early September 2005. They saw 2,613 ads featuring food and drinks that targeted children and teens.
.
Children ages 8-12 see the most food ads on TV — an average of 21 a day, or 7,600 a year. Teenagers see slightly fewer — 17 a day, or about 6,000 a year; and children ages 2-7 see the fewest — 12 a day or 4,400 a year.
.
"Since (preteens) are at an age where they're just becoming independent consumers, understanding what type of advertising they are exposed to is especially important," Rideout said.
.
Of food ads that targeted children, 34 percent were for candy and snacks, 29 percent for cereal, 10 percent for beverages, 10 percent for fast food, 4 percent for dairy products, 4 percent for prepared food and the rest for breads and pastries and dine-in restaurants.
.
In December 2005, the Institute of Medicine concluded that marketing practices from the food and beverage industry are out of balance with recommended diets for children and contribute to an environment that puts children's health at risk.
.
The institute recommended that companies shift their advertising to emphasize food and drink that are substantially lower in calories, fats, salt and sugars.
.
Major food and drink makers, including companies such as McDonald's, The Coca-Cola Co. and PepsiCo Inc., recently agreed to adopt new voluntary rules for advertising. The companies said they would devote at least half their advertising directed to children to promote healthier diets and lifestyles.
.
The rules have not gone into effect yet. However, researchers believe that the study released Wednesday will serve as an important benchmark that will help determine whether the voluntary guidelines lead to any significant changes in advertising content.
.
Margo Wootan, director of nutrition policy at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said the federal government should take a more active role in regulating the content of television ads aimed at children.
.
"The industry is not as serious about self-regulation as they say they are," Wootan said.
.
But business leaders asked for patience.
.
"Give us a chance to see what we can do," said C. Lee Peeler, president and CEO of the National Advertising Review Council, an organization that promotes truth in advertising through voluntary regulation.
.
Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., said he would prefer self-regulation by the advertisers. He said that intervention by the federal government would actually delay the changes in ad content that so many seek. That's because legislation would lead to opposition from various interest groups as well as potential court challenges.
.
Advertisers also stressed that the content of food ads has already begun to change, with more ads promoting healthy foods and exercise than during 2005.
.
Sen. Tom. Harkin, D-Iowa, said he hoped the study would also prove helpful to a new Federal Communications Commission task force examining the impact of the media on childhood obesity rates.
.
"We now have data that conclusively shows kids are seeing an overwhelming number of ads for unhealthy food on all types of TV shows," Harkin said. "The 'childhood obesity epidemic' isn't just a catch phrase. It's a real public health crisis."
.
©The Mercury 2008
.
Article Link
.
The Pottstown Mercury
http://www.pottsmer%20c.com/site/%20news.asp?

Candidates On The Issue Of Foreign Policy

2008-10-08T18:49:00.000-04:00

-------------------------
- Pro-'Life' Candidates:
-------------------------
.
- John McCain:
.
. Nuclear Iran is an existential threat to Israel. (Sep 2008)
. Preconditions required for talks with rogue states. (Sep 2008)
. Russian aggression in Georgia is wrong; I see KGB in Putin. (Sep 2008)
. Sit down with any leader, but only with pre-conditions. (Sep 2008)
. FactCheck: Obama sought restraint in Georgia; so did Bush. (Sep 2008)
. I'm prepared for the dangerous threats in this world. (Sep 2008)
. No circumstances where president can disregard treaties. (Dec 2007)
. Maintain Cuban embargo; indict Castro. (Dec 2007)
. Situation in Pakistan very serious, but not nuclear threat. (Oct 2007)
. Naive to exclude nukes; naive to exclude attacking Pakistan. (Aug 2007)
. We have good reason to expect solidarity of our allies. (Aug 2004)
. Suu Kyi and the people of Burma will rule themselves someday. (Apr 2004)
. Overthrow “rogue” governments to keep Americans safe. (Feb 2000)
. Our conscience influences US intervention, as in Rwanda. (Feb 2000)
. Africa: Money for AIDS would be lost to corruption. (Jan 2000)
. Concern over Chechnya spreads to Caucasus oil reserves. (Jan 2000)
. Russia: Sanctions until Putin exits Chechnya. (Jan 2000)
. IMF’s Russia policies bad, but agency is OK. (Oct 1999)
. Urge Japan to open economy to ensure Asian recovery. (May 1999)
. Clinton abandoned framework of “assertive multilateralism”. (Apr 1999)
. Korea: ease starvation, but avoid war during death throes. (Apr 1999)
. Cuba: No diplomatic and trade relations. (Jul 1998)
.
China
.
. Support the One-China policy, don’t weaken it. (Mar 2000)
. $1M political donations by Chinese Army should not be legal. (Jan 2000)
. China: Advocate for political reforms, and guard Taiwan. (Jun 1999)
. Inaction on spying led to Chinese nuclear improvement. (May 1999)
. Engage with China as they become a great power. (Apr 1999)
.
Voting Record
.
. Pay dues to UN after UN reforms. (Jul 1998)
. Voted NO on killing a bill for trade sanctions if China sells weapons. (Sep 2000)
. Voted YES on cap foreign aid at only $12.7 billion. (Oct 1999)
. Voted YES on limiting the President's power to impose economic sanctions. (Jul 1998)
. Voted NO on limiting NATO expansion to only Poland, Hungary & Czech. (Apr 1998)
. Voted YES on $17.9 billion to IMF. (Mar 1998)
. Voted YES on Strengthening of the trade embargo against Cuba. (Mar 1996)
. Voted YES on ending Vietnam embargo. (Jan 1994)
. Sponsored bill suspending Russia's participation in the G-8. (Feb 2005)
. Libyan disarmament was a CIA success story. (Mar 2005)
. Impose sanctions and an import ban on Burma. (Oct 2007)
. Urge Venezuela to re-open dissident radio & TV stations. (May 2007)
. Call for Burma's junta to release political prisoners. (Jun 2007)
. Let Ukraine & Georgia enter NATO. (Jan 2008)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcCaindotcom
.
--------------------
- Bob Barr:
.
. Neocon aggression opens can of worms: others will do same. (Dec 2003)
. Voted NO on keeping Cuba travel ban until political prisoners released. (Jul 2001)
. Voted YES on withholding $244M in UN Back Payments until US seat restored. (May 2001)
. Voted NO on $156M to IMF for 3rd-world debt reduction. (Jul 2000)
. Voted NO on Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China. (May 2000)
. Voted NO on $15.2 billion for foreign operations. (Nov 1999)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Bob_Barr.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BobBarr2008
.
-------------------
- Chuck Baldwin:
.
. End international meddling of the New World Order. (May 2008)
. No US participation in United Nations or world court. (May 2008)
. End foreign aid; end nation-building; end empire-building. (May 2008)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Chuck_Baldwin.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/chuckbaldwin2008
.
-------------------
- Ron Paul:
.
. Can't spread our goodness through the barrel of a gun. (Feb 2008)
. We tax people to blow up bridges overseas then rebuild them. (Jan 2008)
. Cut off all foreign aid to Israel & to Arabs. (Dec 2007)
. Get out of South Korea and let two Koreas unify. (Dec 2007)
. Bush humble foreign policy was hijacked into nation-building. (Dec 2007)
. US must obey treaties human rights abroad. (Dec 2007)
. Focus on the Iraq war and foreign policy. (Dec 2007)
. Stop interfering with Latin America; talk & trade instead. (Dec 2007)
. Empires usually end by spending too much to maintain empire. (Dec 2007)
. Stronger national defense by changing our foreign policy. (Nov 2007)
. No constitutional or moral authority for US action in Darfur. (Sep 2007)
. Don't pressure Israel to give up land for promise of peace. (Sep 2007)
. Not US role to monitor eradication of legal slavery in Sudan. (Sep 2007)
. Avoid ratifying Law of the Sea Treaty. (Sep 2007)
. Right to spread our values, but wrong to spread by force. (Aug 2007)
. Interventionism perpetuated by politician's false patriotism. (Jun 2007)
. No foreign aid; no treaties that commit US to future wars. (Jun 2007)
. Our foreign policy is designed to protect our oil interests. (Jun 2007)
. Bush mistake: ran on humble foreign policy; now runs empire. (Jun 2007)
. Non-intervention is traditional American & Republican policy. (May 2007)
. Avoid double standard--follow international law. (Jun 2006)
. No nation-building; no world policeman; no pre-emptive war. (Jan 2006)
. UN membership leads to impractical military conflicts. (Feb 2003)
. Neutrality on Israel-Palestine; start by defunding both. (Dec 2001)
. Policy of non-intervention, neutrality, & independence. (Dec 1987)
. $140B to protect Europe creates competitive disadvantage. (Dec 1987)
. Foreign aid helps dictators, not the people of aided country. (Dec 1987)
. Voted NO on deterring foreign arms transfers to China. (Jul 2005)
. Voted NO on reforming the UN by restricting US funding. (Jun 2005)
. Voted YES on keeping Cuba travel ban until political prisoners released. (Jul 2001)
. Voted YES on withholding $244M in UN Back Payments until US seat restored. (May 2001)
. Voted NO on $156M to IMF for 3rd-world debt reduction. (Jul 2000)
. Voted NO on Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China. (May 2000)
. Voted NO on $15.2 billion for foreign operations. (Nov 1999)
. Allow Americans to travel to Cuba. (May 2000)
. Foreign aid often more harmful than helpful . (Dec 2000)
. Ban foreign aid to oil-producers who restrict production. (May 2001)
. Sponsored bill invalidating International Criminal Court. (Mar 2003)
. Sponsored bill to end the Cuban embargo. (Apr 2003)
. Sponsored resolution to withdraw from UNESCO. (Jun 2004)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ron_Paul.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RonPaul2008dotcom
.
-------------------------
- Pro-'Choice' Candidates:
-------------------------
.
- Barack Obama:
.
. FactCheck: Campaign prevented committee meetings, not rules. (Sep 2008)
. Important to undo the damage of the last seven years. (Feb 2008)
. Never negotiate out of fear, and never fear to negotiate. (Jan 2008)
. President must abide by international human rights treaties. (Dec 2007)
. Obama Doctrine: ideology has overridden facts and reality. (Dec 2007)
. No Obama Doctrine; just democracy, security, liberty. (Oct 2007)
. $50B annually to strengthen weak states at risk of collapse. (Aug 2007)
. No "strategic ambiguity" on foreign policy issues. (Aug 2007)
. My critics engineered our biggest foreign policy disaster. (Aug 2007)
. Meet with enemy leaders; it's a disgrace that we have not. (Jul 2007)
. We cannot afford isolationism. (Mar 2007)
. Never has US had so much power & so little influence to lead. (Jul 2004)
. US policy should promote democracy and human rights. (Jul 2004)
.
Africa
.
. Majored in international affairs based on living abroad. (Jul 2008)
. Moral obligation to intervene in Darfur to avoid spillover. (Jul 2008)
. Wrote 2006 law stabilizing Congo with $52M. (Oct 2007)
. Increased aid to Republic of Congo. (Aug 2007)
. Visited largest slum in Africa, to publicize its plight. (Aug 2007)
. No-fly zone in Darfur; but pay attention more in Africa. (Jun 2007)
. U.S. funds for humanitarian aid to Darfur. (Mar 2007)
. Protested South African apartheid while at college. (Feb 2007)
. Focus on corruption to improve African development. (Oct 2006)
. Visited Africa in 2006; encouraged HIV testing & research. (Oct 2006)
.
Americas
.
. Meet with Cuban leaders only with agenda of US interests. (Feb 2008)
. Cuba: Loosen restrictions now; normalization later. (Feb 2008)
. Willing to meet with Fidel Castro, Kim Jung Il & Hugo Chavez. (Nov 2007)
. Invest in our relationship with Mexico. (Sep 2007)
.
Asia
.
. We must be tough with Pakistan & stop coddling Musharraf. (Sep 2008)
. Must be tough on Iran, but talk to them too. (Sep 2008)
. Learned privilege of being American by living in Indonesia. (Jul 2008)
. China is a competitor but not an enemy. (Dec 2007)
. U.S. needs to ameliorate trade relations with China. (Mar 2007)
.
Europe
.
. Recent Russian actions in Georgia are unacceptable. (Sep 2008)
. Chairs European subcommittee; could hold Afghanistan hearing. (Jul 2008)
. Engage Russia regarding nuclear proliferation. (Jul 2008)
. Strengthen NATO to face 21st-century threats. (Aug 2007)
.
Mideast
.
. Kissinger agrees with me on meeting with enemy leaders. (Sep 2008)
. FactCheck: Kissinger opposes presidential meetings with Iran. (Sep 2008)
. My record on Israel is same as McCain's. (Jul 2008)
. Appropriate for Israel to take out Syrian nuclear reactor. (Jul 2008)
. Jerusalem should be capital of Israel, pending final status. (Jul 2008)
. Jerusalem as joint Palestinian-Israeli capital is ok. (Jul 2008)
. Palestinian people suffer-but from not recognizing Israel. (Apr 2007)
. FactCheck: Palestinian suffering from stalled peace effort. (Apr 2007)
. Supports Israel's self-defense; but distrusted by Israelis. (Oct 2006)
.
Resolutions
.
. At college, protested for divestment from South Africa. (Aug 2007)
. Sponsored aid bill to avert humanitarian crisis in Congo. (Dec 2005)
. Implement Darfur Peace Agreement with UN peacekeeping force. (Feb 2008)
. Urge Venezuela to re-open dissident radio & TV stations. (May 2007)
. Let Ukraine & Georgia enter NATO. (Jan 2008)
. Condemn violence by Chinese government in Tibet. (Apr 2008)
. Sanction Mugabe until Zimbabwe transitions to democracy. (Apr 2008)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BarackObamadotcom
.
-------------------
- Ralph Nader:
.
. US should be the world's humanitarian superpower. (Feb 2008)
. Corporate activity destroys the third world. (Jul 2004)
. Redefine national purpose to solve Third World scourges. (Jun 2000)
. Support foreign peasants instead of foreign dictators. (Jun 2000)
. Support social and economic justice across the globe. (Jun 2000)
. Assist Russia & Israel in moving towards better governments. (Jun 2000) (*?)
. Selling arms is not a good way to conduct foreign affairs. (Feb 2000)
. Cuba: corporate sales of junk undermines their system. (Feb 2000)
. Support human rights as cornerstone of US foreign policy. (Jun 2000)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ralph_Nader.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/votenader08
.
-------------------
- Cynthia McKinney:
.
. Close the School of the Americas. (Feb 2008) (*?)
. Targeted by AIPAC for opposing Israeli occupation. (Feb 2008)
. Make US a partner for peace in global community. (Jan 2008)
. Listen to advocates in Israel & Palestine, not to AIPAC. (Jan 2008)
. Pressure government to refrain from interference in Africa. (Jan 2008)
. No military assistance to Nigeria. (Nov 2006)
. Voted NO on deterring foreign arms transfers to China. (Jul 2005)
. Voted NO on reforming the UN by restricting US funding. (Jun 2005)
. Voted YES on keeping Cuba travel ban until political prisoners released. (Jul 2001)
. Voted NO on withholding $244M in UN Back Payments until US seat restored. (May 2001)
. Voted YES on $156M to IMF for 3rd-world debt reduction. (Jul 2000)
. Voted NO on Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China. (May 2000)
. Voted YES on $15.2 billion for foreign operations. (Nov 1999)
. Allow Americans to travel to Cuba. (May 2000)
. Supported sending Colin Powell to Durban racism conference. (Aug 2001)
. Multi-year commitment to Africa for food & medicine. (Apr 2001)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Cynthia_McKinney.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RunCynthiaRun
.
--------------------
http://www.politics1.com/
--------------------
ProCon.com
http://www.2008electionprocon.org/
-------------------
* - My notations.

Candidates On The Issue Of Families And Children

2008-10-07T12:50:00.000-04:00

-------------------------
- Pro-'Life' Candidates:
-------------------------
.
- John McCain:
.
. Supports flex-time & unpaid family leave. (Nov 2004)
. Unfiltered Internet robs our children of their innocence. (Dec 1999)
. Parents should be active in media kids are exposed to. (Jul 1999)
. Label violent media products like we label cigarettes. (Jun 1999)
. Media Responsibility Act requires video & music labeling. (Jun 1999)
. Violence in media caused Littleton shootings. (Apr 1999)
. Voted YES on killing restrictions on violent videos to minors. (May 1999)
. Rated 83% by the Christian Coalition: a pro-family voting record. (Dec 2003)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcCaindotcom
.
--------------------
- Bob Barr:
.
. Voted YES on reducing Marriage Tax by $399B over 10 years. (Mar 2001)
. Member of the Missing & Exploited Children's Caucus. (Jan 2001)
. Use tax code to reinforce families. (Sep 1994)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Bob_Barr.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BobBarr2008
.
-------------------
- Chuck Baldwin:
.
. Parents should take kids to church & pray with them. (Jun 2008)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Chuck_Baldwin.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/chuckbaldwin2008
.
-------------------
- Ron Paul:
.
. Let parents decide on mental health screening for kids. (Jan 2005)
. State role on medical care for children undermines freedom. (Dec 1987)
. Voted NO on establishing nationwide AMBER alert system for missing kids. (Apr 2003)
. Voted YES on reducing Marriage Tax by $399B over 10 years. (Mar 2001)
. Rated 76% by the Christian Coalition: a pro-family voting record. (Dec 2003)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ron_Paul.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RonPaul2008dotcom
.
-------------------------
- Pro-'Choice' Candidates:
-------------------------
.
- Barack Obama:
.
. Help families with paid sick days and better family leave. (Aug 2008)
. Parents provide guidance by turning off TV & video games. (Jul 2008)
. Teach both abstinence and contraception to teens. (Apr 2008)
. Expand flex-work & Family and Medical Leave Act. (Feb 2008)
. Parents should control what's coming over the airwaves. (Jan 2008)
. Restore dream of making children's lives better than parents. (Dec 2007)
. All kids should learn about sexual abuse. (Jul 2007)
. FactCheck: 'Sex Ed for Kindergarten' means 'age-appropriate'. (Jul 2007)
. Listening to evangelicals bridges major political fault line. (Oct 2006)
. Sponsored bill banning high lead levels in children's toys. (Nov 2005)
. Call for a White House Conference on Children and Youth. (Mar 2008)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BarackObamadotcom
.
--------------------
- Ralph Nader:
.
. More & more family functions are outsourced to corporations. (Feb 2007)
. Corporations are commercializing the world of the child. (Jul 2004)
. Democracy needs youth’s energy & participation. (Jun 2000)
. Commercialism & TV make childrearing more difficult. (Jun 2000)
. Support personal responsibility; teach dispute resolution. (Jun 2000)
. TV ads targeting kids are “electronic child molesting”. (Feb 2000)
. Corporate TV marketers are raising our kids. (Oct 1999)
. National speed limit saves lives. (Mar 1996)
. Commercial TV separates children from parents. (Dec 1995)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ralph_Nader.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/votenader08
.
--------------------
- Cynthia McKinney:
.
. Voted YES on reducing Marriage Tax by $399B over 10 years. (Mar 2001)
. Supported funding child care, child health, & child housing. (Jul 1999)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Cynthia_McKinney.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RunCynthiaRun
.
-------------------
http://www.politics1.com/
.
--------------------
- Dear Mr. Obama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8
.
--------------------
My YouTube Playlist

The Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity

2008-10-06T19:08:00.000-04:00

The Ants And The Grasshopper (Cricket)

2008-10-02T15:11:00.000-04:00

The Ants and The Grasshopper
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One bright day in late autumn a family of Ants were bustling about in the warm sunshine, drying out the grain they had stored up during the summer, when a starving Grasshopper, his fiddle under his arm, came up and humbly begged for a bite to eat.
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"What!" cried the Ants in surprise, "haven't you stored anything away for the winter? What in the world were you doing all last summer?"
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"I didn't have time to store up any food," whined the Grasshopper; "I was so busy making music that before I knew it the summer was gone."
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The Ants shrugged their shoulders in disgust. "Making music, were you?" they cried. "Very well; now dance!"
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And they turned their backs on the Grasshopper and went on with their work.
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"There's a time for work and a time for play."
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Lessons From Aesop Fables
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Fable #126 THE ANT AND THE CRICKET
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During the wintertime, an ant was living off the grain that he had stored up for himself during the summer. The cricket came to the ant and asked him to share some of his grain. The ant said to the cricket, 'And what were you doing all summer long, since you weren't gathering grain to eat?' The cricket replied, 'Because I was busy singing I didn't have time for the harvest.' The ant laughed at the cricket's reply, and hid his heaps of grain deeper in the ground. 'Since you sang like a fool in the summer,' said the ant, 'you better be prepared to dance the winter away!'
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This fable depicts lazy, careless people who indulge in foolish pastimes, and therefore lose out.
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http://mythfolklore.net/aesopica/perry/373.htm
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Aesop's Fables (Myth-Folklore Online)
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Wikipedia - The Ant And The Grasshopper

Coroner: Pa. skeletons likely Odd Fellows relics

2008-10-01T11:43:00.001-04:00

Coroner: Pa. skeletons likely Odd Fellows relics
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09/28/2008
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COCHRANTON (AP) — Decades-old skeletal remains found in the abandoned stairwell of a home in northwestern Pennsylvania likely belonged to a fraternal lodge that once occupied the property, a coroner said.
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Crawford County Coroner Pat McHenry has been investigating the remains found Sept. 16 by a man renovating a bathroom in his grandparents' home in Wayne Township.
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McHenry discussed the remains with other coroners at a recent state conference who told him of similar finds in buildings formerly used by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
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Leland Dorchester of Cochranton told the Meadville Tribune that the home where the skeletons were found housed an Odd Fellows lodge until the late 1960s.
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The international group was established in North America in Baltimore in 1819, according to its Web site. Calls to its headquarters in Winston-Salem, N.C., were not immediately returned Saturday.
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Don Stallard told the newspaper that his former lodge in Conneaut Lake used the skeletons as symbols of lifetime membership.
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The Odd Fellows used to buy skeletons from medical schools or other legal outlets, but now use plastic replicas, McHenry said.
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McHenry said he continues to study the remains to confirm there was no trauma or foul play. If McHenry rules that out and can't identify the remains, he'll seek a court order to donate them for use by forensic science students at Mercyhurst College in Erie.
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©The Mercury 2008
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Article Link
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The Pottstown Mercury
http://www.pottsmerc.com/site/news.asp?brd=1674
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Mysterious skeletons found in Wayne Township home
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I posted this for general interest. The Meadville Tribune article is slightly different, and is a bit more revealing.

Sarah Palin's Speech at the Republican National Convention

2008-09-30T21:17:00.000-04:00

Sarah Palin's Speech at the Republican National Convention
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Interactive video and transcript of the governor accepting the Republican vice-presidential nomination in St. Paul on Sept. 3.
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Article and Video Link
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I had to look this up online. When I went to watch it on the video I thought I had taped it on I found out I had run out of tape on Giuliani's speech at the convention. I'm looking that up tomorrow. This speech by Governor Palin was awesome I think!

Greatest American Dog - Season 1

2008-09-30T19:17:00.001-04:00

Greatest American Dog
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This show is awesome, but I hated to see anyone leave. All the dogs were good, and deserved to win. (But only one could)
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I felt the judges were a bit too tough and judgmental, but ended up liking their thinking a bit.
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I agree about not really liking the use of snarl bands. (They made Leroy look positively fierce in his one challenge early on when Teresa used them.)
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I don't believe any of the dogs were used to something like this - which is one reason I believe that the judges were a bit tough. The dogs did really well in spite of it.
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I wouldn't even attempt to take my dog, Yogi - who is a Min.Pin. - to compete in something like this. He is a bit spoiled, and doesn't mind remotely well enough to do this. He's not a social as I would like him to be - partly/mostly my fault. There were challenges in GAD I would not have EVER had my Yogi take part in.
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I apologize for being a bit behind in my review due to taping episodes to NOT MISS THEM. They do have episodes on the main site to see which is good - which helped me!
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Thank you to those who read this ongoing review and didn't reveal anything to me about the ending!
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I'm ready for Season 2!
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Week 10 - Final:
Eliminated was: GALAXY - (Actually it was J.D. who was eliminated.)
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It came down to PRESLEY and ANDREW
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The wonderful surprise was Presley - who won the trophy for being "Best American Dog"! It was a good call by the judges.
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Andrew came in second. (Actually not winning due to Laurie) Andrew's main weak point was due to not being social or being able to separate from Laurie - which I knew might be a problem. He's an awesome dog, and has a mighty heart!
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Galaxy didn't win due to handling/grooming techniques by owner J.D. - which the judges didn't approve of certain things. I now see they were also judging or promoting a certain standard - discipline and relationship with the owner as well, and who best represented that. I could see on the different owners faces that they didn't understand that, which I didn't either until a bit ago after reflecting on it.
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I honestly thought it earlier it was going to be down to Galaxy and Star. I didn't think that Leroy would have made it as far as he did. I did not expect at all that Presley would have won, but in his last challenge it was THE BEST PERFORMANCE THAT I HAD EVER SEEN HIM DO! Awesome!
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Andrew was TOUGH to beat too.
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Right down to the end I did not at all know or expect who would win, but I think the right owner and dog did upon reflection. I could see that Presley knew he did something really good too!
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Congratulations Travis and Presley!
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Week 9: LEROY
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I am not entirely thrilled with how this week went. I have mixed feelings concerning Leroy leaving this week, even though I was skeptical all along on his winning. Leroy did wonderful in his first challenge, and got through his second. (The second challenge was why he was - I believe unfairly - voted off.)
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In the second challenge itself I noticed that for Leroy there was quite a bit more confusion in trying to distract him compared to the other dogs. (Presley didn't get off easy on this challenge either) Teresa was a bit wired with Leroy, and it took A LOT to keep him focused on his task and on Teresa.
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I think Leroy did the very best that he could, and he actually completed both of the challenges.
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Unlike Presley.
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Travis - and I really understand why - left Presley off the hook for his first challenge, and I am not at all surprised that Presley could not complete his second challenge.
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It was a tough call.
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I believe that Leroy was penalized for his relationship with his owner Teresa - who interacted with him this way with him the ENTIRE show. Why now was it addressed at this critical point - when revealed earlier on?
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How Teresa handles Leroy is very different than how Travis handles Presley.
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I honestly believe it was unfair that Leroy was sent home, and I really believe that Presley - and I love Presley - should have been sent home instead.
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Wendy Diamond asserted that it should have been Presley in order to be fair, and I agree. Presley did break to pursue a distraction FULLY leaving where he was supposed to stay.
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But technically so did Leroy - who inched out of his circle where he was supposed to stay.
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I find myself not agreeing constantly with Victoria Stilwell.
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Am I surprised that Leroy went home - no. It is to Leroy's credit that he made it most of the way! Teresa should be proud of him!
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One more thing - should Laurie be praised like she was because Andrew has a bit of stockholm syndrome? Laurie exerts MORE control over little Andrew than J.D. does with Galaxy. I don't find fault with J.D.'s handling of Galaxy.
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Andrew was the only dog that could not socialize with other people or dogs, and Laurie showed herself to be threatened by ANY other interaction that Andrew would begin to have with anyone else but Laurie. Laurie was praised for that?
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Something is wrong with that I think.
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Week 8: STAR
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I think Star decided in her mind enough, and that it was time to go home. She didn't do very well in her two challenges this week, and last week with the puppie challenge. I think things might happen for a reason maybe. She is a very cool dog!
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Andrew is my hero as far as the elephant challenge, which I had to admit the two challenges this week crossed my comfort zone. I believe it contributed to an injury with Galaxy - I hope it's not any cracked ribs from that scaffold challenge.
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Week 7: BELLA STARLET
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I agree with the decision of Bella Starlet going home this week. I really think she is going to be happy being home where she has more of her own space. She was being a bit of a diva - the snapping was not at all a good thing. (I wonder if she missed Preston to explain why she seemed mad? Preston is a cute little guy.)
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Bella was not chosen right in the first challenge to be the digger. She should have been the bell ringer with Beth Joy directing. Leroy was the natural digger I think.
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I was surprised at Star's response to the puppies. I could see right away she was not going for anything that had to do with being involved with youngsters.
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J.D. - good show of command! - and Galaxy did awesome in the puppie exercise.
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Leroy shown like a star this week!
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Week 6: PRESTON
This little guy tried, and I love the mohawk! Preston was sent home for the same reason that Tillman was sent home. Laura simply didn't prepare as she should have - and it was uncool about remarking about Bella Starlet.
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Beth Joy did own up to it - which I don't think Laura knew that - to Bella Starlet being sensitive about her feet and her yelping. (I've met dogs like this.) I know that Laura maybe was upset at Bella being uncomfortable, but it looked like it was simply a ploy to deflect away from being unprepared with Preston.
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Laurie did the same thing in week 3, and that was uncool as well - but was not sent home for it.
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I like that Travis did the right thing by defending Beth Joy.
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Week 5: BEACON
I don't think Brandy needs to feel too bad. Beacon really tried, but I can see - pet person that I am - that Beacon was thinking I am so done with this. I think it was a blessed thing that Teresa did to give Bill the Dog Bone Room and leg up. (Teresa needed the leg up too, and I am more skeptical about Leroy than I am about Star.) Leroy is simply a barker, and has a lot to say - and did awesome in this week's mud challenge!
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Week 4: TILLMAN
Ron, the photo of Tillman was awesome, and I don't care what the judges thought. It made me chuckle a bit. I'm going to try to look for the magazine issue that shows the photo of Galaxy! The photos of Galaxy and Bella Starlet were outstanding!
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Week 3: ELVIS
David, Elvis is a star. I think you already know that. I know that Elvis really tried. Elvis got a bit of a bad rap, but the nipping wasn't good. Uncool Laurie.
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Week 2: KENJI
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Week 1: EZZIE
I don't think Ezzie was given a really good chance to be sent home so soon.

Berks County Military Mother Honored With Gold Star

2008-09-29T12:53:00.000-04:00

Berks County Military Mother Honored With Gold Star
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Mercury Staff Report
September 29, 2008
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HARRISBURG - The state House of Representatives recently passed a resolution honoring a Berks County military mother.
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Mollie Snyder, 99, was honored as a Gold Star Mother for her service and sacrifice. Snyder's son, Pfc. Walter H. Snyder Jr., served in the Korean War and died at age 21 from wounds suffered during action.
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She served as president of the Berks County Chapter of Gold Star Mothers from the late 1950s until May 2008 and, upon her retirement, was made honorary president of the chapter.
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She volunteers at the local veterans' hospital and rides annually in the Berks County "Ride for Freedom" motorcycle rally.
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Gold Star Mothers are women whose sons or daughters died from injury or illness while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces in war or terrorist attack.
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Sculptor Andrew L. Chernak has chosen Mollie Snyder and her son as models for a bronze relief that will be mounted along the pathway to the centerpiece statue at the proposed Gold Star Mothers Monument in Washington, D.C., which is expected to be completed in three years.
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The bronze relief featuring the Snyders will be displayed at a banquet on Saturday, Sept. 27 in Washington as part of the events of Gold Star Mothers weekend.
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The General Assembly Of Pennsylvania
House Resolution No. 888 - Session of 2008 - P.N. 4360
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American Gold Star Mothers
http://www.goldstarmoms.com/
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Gold Star Mothers National Monument
http://www.gsmmonument.org/
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Vietnam Vet Creating Gold Star Mothers Monument
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=28384
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The Pottstown Mercury
http://www.pottsmerc.com/site/news.asp?brd=1674
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Rolling Thunder
http://www.rollingthunder1.com/
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Putnam Gold Star Mothers Statue to serve as national prototype

The Republican/Democrat Presidential Debates

2008-09-27T12:29:00.000-04:00

This is what I could locate online for those who might have missed the debate last night. I taped mine in my VCR, but did not have a chance to view it yet.
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- CNN (Under Video)
www.cnn.com
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http://www.cnn.com/video/live/live.html?stream=stream4
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The Presidential Debates
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18296908/

Candidates On The Issue Of Environment

2008-09-27T12:15:00.001-04:00

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Pro-'Life' Candidates:
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- John McCain:
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. GovWatch: Voted for one Congressional Katrina investigation. (Jun 2008)
. Support much tougher regulations on emission requirements. (Jan 2008)
. FactCheck: Criticized $3M "bear DNA" study, but voted for it. (Nov 2007)
. Economic & environmental interests not mutually exclusive. (Sep 2007)
. Scored 40% on Humane Society Scorecard on animal protection. (Jan 2007)
. 1996: Put 3.5B acres of land into wilderness protection. (Jan 2004)
. Preserving wilderness among proudest achievements. (Sep 2002)
. Preserve and help our National Parks. (Jan 2000)
. Repeal ban on new roads in wilderness due to bad process. (Dec 1999)
. Use park visitor fees for park development bonds. (Dec 1999)
. Preserve natural resources for future. (Jul 1999)
. Voted YES on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)
. Voted YES on confirming Gale Norton as Secretary of Interior. (Jan 2001)
. Voted YES on transportation demo projects. (Mar 1998)
. Voted NO on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests. (Sep 1997)
. Voted NO on continuing desert protection in California. (Oct 1994)
. Voted YES on requiring EPA risk assessments. (May 1994)
. End commercial whaling and illegal trade in whale meat. (Jun 2001)
. Supports grants for brownfields remediation. (May 2002)
. Make EPA into a Cabinet department. (May 2002)
. Rated 53% by the LCV, indicating a mixed record on environment. (Dec 2003)
. EPA must do better on mercury clean-up. (Apr 2004)
. Focus on results, not regulation. (Sep 1998)
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http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
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http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcCaindotcom
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- Bob Barr:
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. Human beings are more important than mussels. (Dec 2007)
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http://www.ontheissues.org/Bob_Barr.htm
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http://www.youtube.com/user/BobBarr2008
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- Chuck Baldwin:
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. Champion property rights & oppose eminent domain abuse. (May 2008)
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http://www.ontheissues.org/Chuck_Baldwin.htm
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http://www.youtube.com/user/chuckbaldwin2008
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- Ron Paul:
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. Neglected property rights during the industrial revolution. (Jan 2008)
. Property rights are the foundation of all rights. (Sep 2007)
. Scored 14% on Humane Society Scorecard on animal protection. (Jan 2007)
. Voted NO on $9.7B for Amtrak improvements and operation thru 2013. (Jun 2008)
. Voted NO on increasing AMTRAK funding by adding $214M to $900M. (Jun 2006)
. Voted YES on barring website promoting Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump. (May 2006)
. Voted NO on speeding up approval of forest thinning projects. (Nov 2003)
. Rated 5% by the LCV, indicating anti-environment votes. (Dec 2003)
. Give tax breaks for start-up farms for 10-year commitment. (Jan 2008)
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http://www.ontheissues.org/Ron_Paul.htm
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http://www.youtube.com/user/RonPaul2008dotcom
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Pro-'Choice' Candidates:
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- Barack Obama:
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. Willing to suspend ethanol subsidy to keep food prices down. (May 2008)
. Genesis teaches stewardship of earth: sacrifice for future. (Apr 2008)
. Regulate animal feeding operations for pollution. (Feb 2008)
. Will end the notion of Yucca Mountain nuclear storage. (Jan 2008)
. Promote green technologies and fuel efficiency standards. (Dec 2007)
. Organized inner-city recycling; fought environmental racism. (Oct 2007)
. Reduce mercury and lead to protect community health. (Aug 2007)
. Protect the Great Lakes & our National Parks and Forests. (Aug 2007)
. 1985: Organized asbestos removal in Chicago housing project. (Aug 2007)
. Passed lead abatement & 24 other laws in IL Senate. (Aug 2007)
. Give Katrina contracts to locals, not to Halliburton. (Jun 2007)
. Health Care for Hybrids proposal for fuel efficiency. (Mar 2007)
. Scored 60% on Humane Society Scorecard on animal protection. (Jan 2007)
. Three months working on minority students recycling. (Aug 1996)
. Voted YES on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)
. Tax credit to remove lead-based housepaint. (Nov 2005)
. Establish commission to examine Katrina response. (Sep 2005)
. Sponsored health impact bill for environmental health. (Apr 2006)
. Strengthen prohibitions against animal fighting. (Jan 2007)
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http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
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http://www.youtube.com/user/BarackObamadotcom
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- Ralph Nader:
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. Instrumental in establishing EPA, CAA, and CWA. (Feb 2008)
. Dems surrendered to the auto industry on safety & pollution. (Oct 2002)
. Charge agribusiness for water; stop charging more to people. (Oct 2000)
. Mining companies get free mines for campaign contributions. (Oct 2000)
. Highway pork leads to sprawl, air pollution, global warming. (Oct 2000)
. End all commercial logging in National Forests. (Jul 2000)
. Head off a genetic engineering rampage. (Feb 2000)
. Protect whistleblowers on health, safety, & pollution. (Feb 2000)
. Corporate collectivism leads toward ecological disaster. (Feb 2000)
. More funds to maintain National Park system. (Jul 1999)
. Ridiculous to sell public land for corporate gold mining. (Dec 1998)
. National corporate charters for environmental bankruptcy. (Mar 1996)
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http://www.ontheissues.org/Ralph_Nader.htm
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http://www.youtube.com/user/votenader08
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- Cynthia McKinney:
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. We need sustainable production and consumption policies. (Jan 2008)
. Add organic farming, sustainability, and GM ban to Farm Bill. (Jan 2008)
. Recognize Katrina victims as Internally Displaced Persons. (Jan 2008)
. Assess toxic contaminants in aftermath of Katrina & Rita. (Nov 2006)
. Voted YES on increasing AMTRAK funding by adding $214M to $900M. (Jun 2006)
. Voted NO on deauthorizing "critical habitat" for endangered species. (Sep 2005)
. Sponsored bill prohibiting commercial logging on public land. (Apr 2001)
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http://www.ontheissues.org/Cynthia_McKinney.htm
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http://www.youtube.com/user/RunCynthiaRun
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http://www.politics1.com/

New generation of cooks offers new take on tradition By Julie Wiener

2008-09-24T21:02:00.002-04:00

Onion Jam and honey liven up simple chicken dish
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By The Associated Press
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Perfect for Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year that begins at the end of September, this dish tempers sweet honey with thyme and onions. To flatten chicken breasts, place each between sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
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Honey-Thyme- glazed Chicken with Three-Onion Jam
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Start to finish: 1 hour; Servings: 6
. 3/4 cup honey
. 5 sprigs fresh thyme, divided
. 1/2 large Vidalia or other sweet onion, halved and thinly sliced
. 1 large red onion, halved and thinly sliced
. 2 shallots, thinly sliced
. 2 tbsps. cider vinegar
. 4 black peppercorns
. 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, pounded to an even thickness
. Fine sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
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Pour the honey into a small microwave-safe bowl. Add 2 sprigs of thyme, then microwave on high for 1 minute. Set aside.
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Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Set the skillet over medium heat, then add both onions and the shallots. Sauté for 10 minutes. Add the remaining thyme, then cook until the onions are caramelized, about another 10 minutes.
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Remove and discard the thyme sprigs from the honey. Drizzle 1/4 cup of the honey over the onions. Add the vinegar and the peppercorns to the skillet and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
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Meanwhile, coat a grill pan with cooking spray, then set over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. When the pan is hot, add the chicken. Sear for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
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Being careful not to drip any into the pan, use about half of the remaining honey to baste the tops of each chicken breast.
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Serve the chicken with a dollop of the 3-onion jam, then drizzle additional honey over each plate.
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Article:
New generation of cooks offers new take on tradition
By Julie Wiener, For The Associated Press
09/24/2008
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The Pottstown Mercury
http://www.pottsmerc.com/site/news.asp?brd=1674
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Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Monday September 29, 2008 and continues through nightfall on Wednesday October 1, 2008.

Ike helps uncover mystery vessel on Alabama coast

2008-09-20T15:32:00.004-04:00

Photo: People look over the wreck of a wooden ship uncovered by Hurricane Ike on a beach on Fort Morgan Road in Fort Morgan, Ala., Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008. Archeologists say the wreck could be that of a two-masted Civil War schooner that ran aground in 1862 or another ship from some 70 years later. The wreck had already been partially uncovered when Hurricane Camille cleared away sand in 1969. Researchers at the time identified it as the Monticello, a battleship that partially burned when it crashed trying to get past the U.S. Navy and into Mobile Bay during the Civil War. (AP Photo/Press-Register, Guy Busby)
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Ike helps uncover mystery vessel on Ala. coast
21 hours ago
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FORT MORGAN, Ala. (AP) — When the waves from Hurricane Ike receded, they left behind a mystery — a ragged shipwreck that archeologists say could be a two-masted Civil War schooner that ran aground in 1862 or another ship from some 70 years later. The wreck, about six miles from Fort Morgan, had already been partially uncovered when Hurricane Camille cleared away sand in 1969.
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Researchers at the time identified it as the Monticello, a battleship that partially burned when it crashed trying to get past the U.S. Navy and into Mobile Bay during the Civil War.
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After examining photos of the wreck post-Ike, Museum of Mobile marine archaeologist Shea McLean agreed it is likely the Monticello, which ran aground in 1862 after sailing from Havana, according to Navy records.
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"Based on what we know of ships lost in that area and what I've seen, the Monticello is by far the most likely candidate," McLean said. "You can never be 100 percent certain unless you find the bell with 'Monticello' on it, but this definitely fits."
Other clues indicate it could be an early 20th century schooner that ran aground on the Alabama coast in 1933.
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The wrecked ship is 136.9 feet long and 25 feet wide, according to Mike Bailey, site curator at Fort Morgan, who examined it this week. The Monticello was listed in shipping records as 136 feet long, McLean told the Press-Register of Mobile.
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But Bailey said a 2000 report by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined the remains were the schooner Rachel, built at Moss Point, Miss., in 1919 and wrecked near Fort Morgan in 1933.
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He said the wreckage appears to have components, such as steel cables, that would point to the Rachel rather than an 1860s schooner.
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Glenn Forest, another archaeologist who examined the wreck, said a full identification would require an excavation.
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"It's a valuable artifact," he said. "They need to get this thing inside before it falls apart or another storm comes along and sends it through those houses there like a bowling ball."
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Meanwhile, curious beach-goers have been drawn to the remains of the wooden hull filled with rusted iron fittings. Fort Morgan was used by Confederate soldiers as Union forces attacked in 1864 during the Battle of Mobile Bay.
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"It's interesting, I can tell you that," said Terri Williams. "I've lived down here most of my life and I've never seen anything like this, and it's been right here."
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Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Article Link
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I read this article in my local paper today "The Pottstown Mercury" Saturday, September 20, 2008-Business Section (C12).
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I posted this article for general interest, and like to read stuff like this. Something was brought to my mind while reading this, and I wanted to post that as well. I don't know if this is a prophetic point or not, but I always like feedback.
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Matthew 2:16-18
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
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17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
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18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
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Seach God's Word Search
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I found something interesting concerning the mention of the Jeremy the prophet. I am not finding him specifically mentioned in the Old Testament, and remember that I discussed this before with someone in my Yahoo group who pointed out that it is most likely Jeremiah.
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The Book of the Prophet Jeremie . . . God's Truth
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I'm still researching this above listed link - and am unfamiliar with the site 'God's Truth' - on "The Book Of The Prophet Jeremie". The site page is not clear on where this information is found. (Many sites and postings are terrible in listing just where or how they obtain the information they present)
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I'm not implying anything as far as my posted article being any kind of an omen, but posted like I said as general interest. But I found that the Lord can use things to impress on my mind to look something up. When I saw the mention of the 'schooner Rachel' my memory was brought to something. I was inspired to look this up, and can see I have a bit of reading to do.
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If anyone has any insight, prophecy or any feedback on this that would be good. I always feel the hackles go up on the back of my neck when I hear the Lord's voice in something like this - He scares me sometimes a bit.
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But I did find info:
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Hebrew Bible In English:
Jeremiah 33
Jeremiah 34
Jeremiah 35
Jeremiah 36
Jeremiah 37
Jeremiah 38
Jeremiah 39
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KJV
Jeremiah 33
Jeremiah 34
Jeremiah 35
Jeremiah 36
Jeremiah 37
Jeremiah 38
Jeremiah 39

Pinching pennies proves prudent by Sarah Cocchimiglio

2008-09-20T14:45:00.001-04:00

Pinching pennies proves prudent
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SARAH HEARTBURN
By: Sarah Cocchimiglio
09/18/2008
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I bargain shop like it's my job. And now it sort of is.
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One of my responsibilities at the new company is to organize the first company picnic later this month, and I was given a budget with which to feed everyone and provide one cool prize for each family attending.
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At first I was a little overwhelmed - my boss wanted me to buy things like a weekend in Atlantic City and a family pack of passes to HersheyPark, for at least eight families, plus prizes for each of the kids, and still have money left over for burgers and beer. Even for a tightwad like me, that sounded impossible.
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But my husband, Anthony, encouraged me to look at planning a great party on a tight budget as a personal challenge, so I do what I do best: I made a lot of lists, and I did a lot of shopping around.
.
After a couple eight-hour work days spent in retail stores and online (life's rough, isn't it?), I think my haul will impress my boss and make for a great inaugural picnic: A DVD player with Blockbuster gift card; a "dinner in" package with 12 pillar candles, an Applebee's gift card and a Blockbuster gift card; six tickets to the Reading Phillies for the 2009 season; $500 to an Atlantic City resort and casino; four tickets to HersheyPark; four tickets to the Philadelphia Zoo; a Magellan GPS unit; a "dinner out" package with Fandango.com gift certificate and Ruby Tuesday gift card; eight packages for the kids full of toys and kits, all for less than $1,200, with more than $300 left to spend on food and beverages.
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I know, I rock. I think my co-workers are going to love me.
.
My deal-discovering at work is not only limited to party-planning, either. One day not long after I started, my boss asked me to shop around for a good deal on a microwave for our new office. When I came back with a brand new Sanyo model and a receipt for $55, she seemed shocked.
.
"You got a new microwave for less than $60?" she asked.
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I found a good deal at Bed, Bath and Beyond, and in addition I had a 20 percent off coupon. (Bed, Bath and Beyond, by the way, will honor those coupons even after the expiration date, so don't toss them - ever.)
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In fact, I've sort of become the office shopper. Whenever someone needs to buy or order something, it seems they're coming to me to find the best deal.
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When I brag about a great deal I found, people sometimes ask me why I'm so thrifty. I honestly don't know the answer to that, except that I get a rush out of buying something on sale or with a coupon, that I need or want, or can give as a gift. I think I also may have inherited the good-buy gene from my parents. Christmas morning is a joy with gifts from my mom, little trinkets and doohickeys she finds on sale or markdown and collects all year long. And my dad is famous for finding deals at the grocery store. "It was on sale and he had a coupon," is an axiom in the Sando household.
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Although at the end of the day I'm sure he appreciates my saving tendencies, Ant teases me about my frugality. I clip grocery store coupons, and even belong to a few Web sites like CouponMom.com and eversave.com, where I can print out manufacturer' s coupons and find stores where those items are also on sale. (Not all stores accept printed coupons, check your store's policy before printing.)
.
I also do a quick Google search for "coupon code" or "promotion code" every time I buy something online, and I recently joined a Web site called Ebates.com which pays cash rebates of up to 26 percent for online purchases, and where you can double your savings by also utilizing the aforementioned online coupon and promotional codes. (When you join, say you were referred by 1luckygirl@gmail. com and they'll give you a $5 bonus to start.)
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I always browse the clearance section at a store before I check out, especially at retail stores - there are sometimes some great buys there. I've gotten a pair of jeans for $4.25, bookends for 49 cents, small jar candles for 10 cents each, and a pair of Reef flip-flops for $3. And that's just in the last few weeks.
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Occasionally, I pick up things at a huge discount and list them on eBay at the price I paid for them. Last week I sold two boxes of printable Martha Stewart invitations for $17.50. The retail price for each box was $29.99, but I bought them at 90 percent off for $2.99 each. I made almost 300 percent on them.
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And I've bookmarked sites like BlissfullyDomestic. com, ThriftyFun.com and BeingFrugal. net, which have blogs and forums offering tips on saving money and, well, being frugal.
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Anthony tells people I could back up to a wall and pull out a brick, if you know what I mean. I take it as a compliment, because he doesn't complain when he gets the bank statement. And he never gives me grief when I come home with a car full of shopping bags. How many women can say that?
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The savings are out there, you just have to be determined to find them. Take it as a challenge!
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Article Link
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http://www.zwire. com/site/ news.asp? brd=1306
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I read this today in my local paper "The Spring-Ford Reporter" in the Opinion section. I really like the tips Sarah mentioned.
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http://groups.yahoo.com/group/themastersmilieu/message/905

Pray Thursday! Pray For Election Day.

2008-09-18T02:44:00.000-04:00

Pray Thursday!
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As part of the National Day of Prayer's "Pray For Election Day" campaign, we are asking Americans to meet in corporate prayer. Matthew 18:20 says: "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." We ask that every Thursday through November 4th, groups of two or more meet in their homes and businesses from 12:00 noon to 12:30 p.m. to pray for the November 4th presidential and general election. Please join your friends, your family, your co-workers and join me in uplifting our nation's future leaders in prayer.
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Brian Toon, Vice Chairman
National Day of Prayer Task Force
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6UFq_CSTGA
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Page Link
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http://www.ndptf.org/home/home.html

McCain Grilled On "The View"/Boycott Called On Oprah

2008-09-18T02:27:00.000-04:00

1. McCain Grilled On "The View": Sarah Palin, His Abortion Stance, His Obama Attack Ads, And More
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2. Florida Republican Group To Boycott Oprah
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http://www.ffrw.net/breakingnews.html
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http://www.ffrw.net/
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Article Link My Boycott Ambition

5 Essential Weight Loss Foods-Dr. Mao's Secrets of Longevity

2008-09-17T14:09:00.000-04:00

Dr. Mao's Secrets of Longevity
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5 Essential Weight Loss Foods
Posted Mon, Sep 15, 2008, 2:58 pm PDT
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There are many fad diets that promise to help you lose weight in almost no time at all. After two or three weeks on the diet you find yourself losing enough to be able to brag to your family and friends about it, and you're so optimistic that this new lifestyle will be your ticket to a smaller waistline that you start to browse the stores for new clothes.
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You continue to lose weight for another couple of weeks, and then something happens: you start to feel sluggish, you begin craving something that your diet absolutely forbids you to have, or the general sense of optimism begins to transform itself into a feeling of constriction, frustration, and even dietary imprisonment.
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You decide to have just one snack, or spend just one day eating whatever you want with the intention of going back to the diet the following day. What happens then, is that you feel such satisfaction from that treat that the entire effort falls apart and you put the weight back on in practically no time at all.
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Does this scenario sound at all familiar?
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Diets are very hard, as is the feeling of being overweight. Many of these fad diets may promise instant and significant weight loss results, but most of them rely on depriving your body of certain nutrients and disrupting the natural function of your body's metabolism. Chinese medicine considers obesity to be partly the result of declining function of the metabolic fire of the kidney network and a diet that provides a well-balanced array of nutrients is the key to losing weight in a healthy way. What follows are five foods that will help you restore your body's ability to use energy and help you become your healthy weight.
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1. Millet: A well-balanced diet should consist of whole grains instead of refined grains like white rice and pasta, and millet is a beneficial and delicious staple of this category of food. This non-glutinous grain is over 10-percent protein, has high amounts of fiber and B-complex vitamins, and because it isn't an acid forming food, is easy to digest.
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2. Asparagus: When losing weight, it's important to favor chlorophyll- rich foods, including asparagus. Asparagus is a nutrient-rich vegetable packed with folate, vitamins A, C, and K, and fiber. Asparagus also contains a carbohydrate known as inulin (not to be confused with insulin) that promotes healthy bacteria in the large intestine - which in turn promotes a healthier digestive function.
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3. Pomegranates: Eating a balanced diet to lose weight should include eating fresh fruits, and pomegranates are a wonderful example of a healthy, nutritious fruit that has antioxidant properties and will help prevent cancer. While the benefits of drinking pomegranate juice have gained a lot of attention recently, you will be more likely to lose weight by eating the fruit fresh to increase your fiber intake and keep the calories down.
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4. Pine Nuts: Pine nuts are the edible seeds of pine trees and are considered an essential ingredient in the tasty Italian mixture pesto. Chinese medicine uses pine nuts to improve gastrointestinal tract and digestive functions, and pine nut oil is even used for appetite suppression. Pine nuts and other nuts are a tasty part of a well-balanced diet intended for weight loss.
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5. Green Tea: It has been found that consuming large amounts of coffee and caffeine can lead to food cravings, increase one's appetite, and induce stress-related eating. Green tea is a wonderful alternative to coffee in that it does provide a little caffeine but also contains beneficial antioxidants. So drink up!
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A healthy diet also includes lean proteins like chicken breast, legumes such as lentils, and other whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. While fad diets may promise a large amount of weight loss in a short period of time, there's almost a guarantee that you will put that weight back on-and then some!
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Eat five smaller meals a day, avoid processed foods, chew more slowly, and incorporate more healthy foods into your diet-starting with these five. Also, click here to learn more about the Tao of Wellness B-Slim dietary supplement, which will help you lose weight naturally.
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I hope this article helps you find foods that can aid in your weight loss goals! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.
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May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
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-Dr. Mao
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Article Link
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---------------
I am not advocating any weight loss program - except one that might be agreeable with the Lord's way of thinking.
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The Lord's way I'm learning would be, I believe, moderation, adequate water intake, adequate sleep, avoiding processed foods, unnatural or non-foods. (non-food would be things such as soda.) More or mainly fruits and vegetables.
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People take vitamins to make up for what they are not naturally getting, and actually fall into the category of the unnatural.
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I read an article-or saw it on TV-that most vitamins are simply flushed unused out of the body. (I think it is because people don't eat like they should when taking them in order for them to process them correctly - which is why they are taking unnatural vitamins in the first place)
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I don't want it thought that I am against vitamins, but they can be utilized as a makeup item for a person not taking care of themselves like they should. (taking too many man-made vitamins is not good either, and can end up being toxic instead of helpful to the body)
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People were initially created to be vegetarians, but after Eve and Adam sinned then incorporated the eating of meat - which I believe was the instruction of the utilization of the entire animal not just for skins for covering.
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Also, the Lord blessed fish and birds to be fruitful and multiply - not land animals - so I think this is His way of saying what it is we should mainly stick to as far as our diet.
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I find this article written by Dr. Mao to be on target.
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I have developed a fondness of Green Tea recently, but haven't tried any of the foods listed such as millet.
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I look forward to any ideas or feedback.
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http://groups.yahoo.com/group/themastersmilieu/message/897

2008-09-16T14:17:00.001-04:00

Thank you, Daniel DiCriscio.
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I can now recognize how hurtful something can be cloaked in the context of 'humor' - that would on the surface appear as busting on, or a spoof - maybe in reality hiding an undercurrent of meanness with the real intention of defaming, scorn or undermining.
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What could appear as harmless fun could in reality hurt someone - making them the object of being laughed at, scorned or being put down.
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Humor can be just as sharp as candor I see.
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http://www.cristinascourt.com/

The Astrology Of Ronald Ernest Paul

2008-09-15T13:50:00.001-04:00

Ronald Ernest Paul

born August 20, 1935

LEO

Leo is the fifth astrological sign of the Zodiac, originating from the constellation of Leo. In western astrology, this sign is no longer aligned with the constellation as a result of the precession of the equinoxes. In astrology, Leo is considered to be a "masculine", positive (extrovert) sign. It is also considered a fire sign and is one of four fixed signs.[2] Leo is ruled by the Sun.

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Individuals born when the Sun was in this sign are considered Leo individuals. Under the tropical zodiac, the Sun is in Leo roughly from July 23 to August 22.[3] Under the sidereal zodiac, it is currently there roughly from August 17 to September 16.

Mythology

Leo is a symbol for the Nemean Lion that was slain by Herakles (Hercules). Zeus raised the lion to the stars in honor of Hercules.

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In mythology Leo is associated with the Greco-Roman god Apollo and sometimes also the gods Helios/Sol, Ra, and Huitzilopochtli and the goddess Sunna.[4]

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The astrological symbol or glyph for Leo represents the head and mane of the lion.[5]

Associated traits

Astrologers broadly agree that the following are the characteristics of leo:

-Characteristics considered positive

A person born under the sign of Leo is very:
Creative [7] • Proud • Risk-taking
Fun-loving • Dramatic • Dignified • Theatrical
Passionate • Affectionate • Ardent • Loyal
Loves attention • Very strong • Independent
Noble • Leader • Sunny • Bright
Magnetic • Kingly • Powerful • Enthusiastic [7]
Protective •Adoring •Playful • Inventive
Generous [7] • Supportive • Warm • Broad-minded
Expansive • Faithful • Warmhearted [7] • Loving
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-Characteristics considered negative
But is also prone to be:
Bossy [7] • Patronizing [7] • Egotistical
Pompous [7] • Dogmatic [7] • Pushy
Materialistic • Over-dramatic • Argumentative • Possessive
Interfering [7] • Jealous • Self-serving
Voracious • Arrogant • Intolerant [7]

Attributes

-Ideal Careers

Politics or governmental work [8] • Business [8] • Lawyer • Photographer • Entertainer [8] • Music and Art [8] • Fashion Designer

-Likes

Spotlight • Speculative ventures [8] • Luxurious living [8] • Drama [8] • Adornment • Fashion • Pageantry • Grandeur • Kids [8]

-Dislikes

Doing things safely [8] • Small minded people [8] • Penny-pinching [8] • Being compared to others • Loneliness

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_(astrology)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Paul

My eLetter I Received From Senator Arlen Spector

2008-09-09T19:44:00.000-04:00

From: Senator_Specter@Specter.Senate.gov
Sent: Tuesday, September 9, 2008 5:44 PM
Subject: Re: Global Poverty Act S. 2433
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Dear Reverend Earhart:
.
Thank you for contacting my office regarding your concern.
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I appreciate your taking the time to bring your views on this important matter to my attention. As a United States Senator, it is essential that I be kept fully informed on the issues of concern to my constituents. While the large volume of correspondence I receive precludes a more lengthy response, please rest assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind as the Senate considers this issue. If you have any further questions on this or any other issues, please visit my website, http://specter.senate.gov, and carefully fill out the contact form under contact info.
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Again, thank you for writing.
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Sincerely,
Arlen Specter
.
http://specter.senate.gov/public/
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My 2nd eLetter To Senator Arlen Spector

Project Vote Smart: Ronald Ernest 'Ron' Paul

2008-09-09T18:33:00.002-04:00

Representative Ronald Ernest 'Ron' Paul (TX)

Current Office: U.S. House

Current District: 14

Office Seeking: U.S. House

District Seeking: 14

First Elected: 11/05/1996

Last Elected: 11/02/2006

Next Election: 2008

Party: Republican

Background Information

Gender: Male

Family:

Wife: Carol Wells

5 Children.

Birth Date: 08/20/1935

Birthplace: Pittsburgh, PA

Home City: Lake Jackson, TX

Religion: Protestant

Education:

MD, Duke University, 1967

BS, Gettysburg College, 1957.

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Professional Experience:

Medical Practice, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, 1968-1996

Air National Guard, 1965-1968

Captain, United States Air Force, 1963-1965

Author

Distinguished Counselor, Ludwig von Mises Institute.

Political Experience:

Representative, United States House of Representatives,

Texas District 14 1996-present

Candidate, United States President, Libertarian, 1988

United States House of Representatives,

Texas District 22, 1976-1977, 1979-1985

United State's Senate, Republican Candidate, 1984

Republican Nominee for United States House of Representatives, 1974

Chairman, The Liberty Caucus of Fellow Congressmen on Capitol Hill.

Organizations:

Founder, FREE and the National Endowment for Liberty

Founder/Honorary Chairman, The Liberty Committee

Distinguished Scholar, Ludwig von Mises Institute.

Caucuses/Non-Legislative Committees:

Congressional Fire Services Caucus

Past Member, Gold Commission

Congressional Rural Caucus.

More site info listed on committees.

Voting Record

http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=296

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Paul

http://www.ontheissues.org/Ron_Paul.htm

http://www.youtube.com/user/RonPaul2008dotcom

Candidates On The Issue Of Energy And Oil

2008-09-09T00:49:00.002-04:00

(Updated 09.23.08 with new info)

- John McCain:
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. AdWatch: Obama is the "Dr. No" of energy security. (Jun 2008)
. GovWatch: No, Obama supported $150B in energy innovation. (Jun 2008)
. GovWatch: Build 45 new nuclear power plants by 2030. (Jun 2008)
. AdWatch: Realistic climate plan that clashes with GOP. (Jun 2008)
. End moratorium on offshore oil drilling. (Jun 2008)
. GovWatch: Favors wind & solar in ad; favors nuclear in bills. (Jun 2008)
. GovWatch: Gas tax cut goes to oil companies, not consumers. (Jun 2008)
. GovWatch: 2003: Ethanol doesn't increase energy independence. (Feb 2008)
. End reliance on petro-dictators with market-based reform. (Feb 2008)
. Be more active in addressing the issue of climate change. (Jan 2008)
. In favor of cap-and-trade. (Jan 2008)
. FactCheck: Oil independence will take 25 years, not 5 years. (Dec 2007)
. Climate change is real and must be addressed. (Dec 2007)
. Climate change is real; nuclear power is solution. (Oct 2007)
. Public pressure on oil industry to invest in alternatives. (Oct 2007)
. FactCheck: nuclear plants do emit no GHGs, but do have waste. (Jun 2007)
. Reinvest oil profits in nuclear power. (Jun 2007)
. Ethanol made no sense in `05 but with $60/bbl it makes sense. (May 2007)
. 2000: Held hearings on mounting evidence of climate change. (Jan 2004)
. 2000: Criticized Bush's withdrawal from the Kyoto Treaty. (Jan 2004)
. Energy 2001: 1st Republican to sign onto reducing GHGS. (May 2002)
. Strength Clean Air & Water Acts; but not Kyoto. (Jan 2000)
. Supports alternative fuels, emission controls, & CWA. (Jul 1998)
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Voting Record
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. GovWatch: Yes, his cap-and-trade bill is mandatory. (Jun 2008)
. Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR. (Nov 2005)
. Voted NO on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
. Voted NO on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
. Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
. Voted NO on Bush Administration Energy Policy. (Jul 2003)
. Voted YES on targeting 100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010. (Jun 2003)
. Voted YES on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill. (Mar 2003)
. Voted NO on drilling ANWR on national security grounds. (Apr 2002)
. Voted NO on terminating CAFE standards within 15 months. (Mar 2002)
. Voted YES on preserving budget for ANWR oil drilling. (Apr 2000)
. Voted YES on defunding renewable and solar energy. (Jun 1999)
. Voted YES on approving a nuclear waste repository. (Apr 1997)
. Voted NO on do not require ethanol in gasoline. (Aug 1994)
. Sponsored bill for greenhouse gas tradeable allowances. (Feb 2005)
. Rated 17% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence. (Dec 2006)
. Gas tax holiday for the summer. (Apr 2008)
. Supports immediate reductions in greenhouse gases. (Sep 1998)
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http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcCaindotcom
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--------------------
- Bob Barr:
.
. Voted NO on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels. (Aug 2001)
. Voted NO on prohibiting oil drilling & development in ANWR. (Aug 2001)
. Voted NO on starting implementation of Kyoto Protocol. (Jun 2000)
. Repeal the gas tax. (May 2001)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Bob_Barr.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BobBarr2008
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---------------------
- Chuck Baldwin:
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. Drill in Alaska for domestic energy sources. (May 2008)
. More drilling; more refineries; more nuclear power plants. (May 2008)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Chuck_Baldwin.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/chuckbaldwin2008
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----------------------
- Ron Paul:
.
. Big Oil profits ok; Big Oil subsidies are not. (Jun 2007)
. Voted NO on tax incentives for energy production and conservation. (Jun 2008)
. Voted NO on tax incentives for renewable energy. (Feb 2008)
. Voted NO on criminalizing oil cartels like OPEC. (May 2007)
. Voted NO on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jan 2007)
. Voted NO on keeping moratorium on drilling for oil offshore. (Jun 2006)
. Voted YES on scheduling permitting for new oil refinieries. (Jun 2006)
. Voted NO on passage of the Bush Administration national energy policy. (Jun 2004)
. Voted NO on implementing Bush-Cheney national energy policy. (Nov 2003)
. Voted NO on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels. (Aug 2001)
. Voted NO on prohibiting oil drilling & development in ANWR. (Aug 2001)
. Voted NO on starting implementation of Kyoto Protocol. (Jun 2000)
. Repeal the gas tax. (May 2001)
. Rated 0% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence. (Dec 2006)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ron_Paul.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RonPaul2008dotcom
.
----------------------
- Barack Obama:
.
. GovWatch: $150B for electric car batteries & new technology. (Jun 2008)
. GovWatch: Supports nuclear power if it's clean & safe. (Jun 2008)
. GovWatch: Opposes Yucca Mountain for nuclear waste storage. (Jun 2008)
. Gas tax holiday is a classic Washington gimmick. (May 2008)
. Voted for failed IL gas tax holiday & learned from mistake. (May 2008)
. $150B investment over 10 years to reduce oil usage by 35%. (May 2008)
. Figure out how to sequester carbon and burn clean coal. (May 2008)
. GOP right on cap-&-trade: guidelines instead of bureaucracy. (Apr 2008)
. Raise fuel efficiency standards to reduce long-term demand. (Apr 2008)
. Reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. (Feb 2008)
. FactCheck: Self-contradictory on Bush's clean-energy plan. (Jan 2008)
. Reduce the consumption of energy and be more efficient. (Jan 2008)
. Aggressively address accelerating climate change. (Dec 2007)
. Fuel efficiency and Middle East stability help on fuel costs. (Oct 2007)
. Nuclear power ok if we safeguard against waste & terrorism. (Sep 2007)
. Explore nuclear power as part of alternative energy mix. (Jul 2007)
. Cheney met environmentalists once; but Big Oil 40 times. (Jul 2007)
. Cap-and-trade carbon emissions; raise CAFE standard. (Jun 2007)
. Stop sending $800M a day to Mideast dictators for oil. (Mar 2007)
. Wants Detroit to build more hybrids & use more ethanol. (Oct 2006)
. We cannot drill our way out of our addiction to oil. (Oct 2006)
. 3-way win: economy, environment, & stop funding terror. (Jun 2006)
. Cap-and-trade is more specific on reducing greenhouse gases. (Jan 2006)
. Conserve, develop alternative fuels, increase efficiencies. (Oct 2004)
. 20% nation's power supply from renewable sources by 2020. (Sep 2004)
. 20% renewable energy by 2020. (Jul 2004)
. Invest in alternative energy sources. (Jun 2004)
. Increase CAFE to 40 mpg. (Jun 2004)
. Tradable credits for renewable energy. (Jun 2004)
. Renewable Fuels Standard: require ethanol in fuel supply. (May 2004)
.
Voting Record
.
. Passed tax credit for installing E85 ethanol at gas stations. (Feb 2008)
. Sponsored legislations that improve energy efficiency. (Sep 2004)
. Voted YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jun 2007)
. Voted YES on making oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal. (Jun 2007)
. Voted YES on factoring global warming into federal project planning. (May 2007)
. Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR. (Nov 2005)
. Voted YES on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
. Voted YES on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
. Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
. Sponsored bill for tax credit for providing 85% ethanol gas. (Apr 2005)
. Sponsored bill to notify public when nuclear releases occur. (Mar 2006)
. Sponsored bill raising CAFE by a 4% per year until 2018. (Jul 2006)
. Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence. (Dec 2006)
. Designate sensitive ANWR area as protected wilderness. (Nov 2007)
. Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025. (Jan 2007)
. Let states define stricter-than-federal emission standards. (Jan 2008)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BarackObamadotcom
.
----------------------
- Ralph Nader:
.
. It is time to break our addiction to fossil fuels. (Feb 2008)
. End subsidies of entrenched oil, nuclear, & coal interests. (Feb 2008)
. US lags behind Europe & Japan in renewable energy. (Oct 2004)
. Kyoto treaty is so watered down there¢s nothing to fight for. (Nov 2000)
. Drilling Alaska is a temporary fix for an inebriated system. (Oct 2000)
. More renewables & more efficency to stave off global warming. (Jul 2000)
. Raise CAFE standards; treat SUVs like cars. (Jul 2000)
. Congress should revive energy policies before crisis. (Oct 1999)
. Promote energy independence to avoid foreign wars. (Oct 1996)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ralph_Nader.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/votenader08
.
---------------------
- Cynthia McKinney:
.
. Declare US carbon-free and nuclear-free. (Feb 2008)
. Implement Kyoto; raise CAFE; oppose drilling ANWR. (Feb 2008)
. Leave the oil in the soil. (Jan 2008)
. Protect ANWR; fund sustainable power sources. (Dec 2007)
. Voted YES on keeping moratorium on drilling for oil offshore. (Jun 2006)
. Voted NO on scheduling permitting for new oil refinieries. (Jun 2006)
. Voted NO on authorizing construction of new oil refineries. (Oct 2005)
. Voted YES on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels. (Aug 2001)
. Voted YES on prohibiting oil drilling & development in ANWR. (Aug 2001)
. Voted YES on starting implementation of Kyoto Protocol. (Jun 2000)
. Regulate wholesale electricity & gas prices. (Mar 2001)
. Preserve Alaska's ANWR instead of drilling it. (Feb 2001)
. Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence. (Dec 2006)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Cynthia_McKinney.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RunCynthiaRun
.
--------------------
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/themastersmilieu/message/908
--------------------
http://www.politics1.com/
.
SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE.
RON PAUL ON PREZ BALLOT; YOUNG WINS ALASKA PRIMARY; NRSC PULLS OUT OF NEW MEXICO.
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P2008. GOP Congressman Ron Paul will see his name appear on Presidential primary ballots in November in two states: Montana and Louisiana. The Constitution Party of Montana, which is feuding with the national Constitution Party over the issue of abortion, has placed Paul on the Montana ballot as the party's nominee instead of official CP nominee Chuck Baldwin. In Louisiana, a group of Paul supporters have succeeded in placing him on the ballot there under the label of the fictional Taxpayers Party. Montana is a hotly contested swing state this year, while Louisiana is fairly solid McCain state. Paul refused to make a deal with the RNC to grant him a prominent speaking slot at this week's national convention in exchange for Paul endorsing McCain. Instead, Paul held a rival convention across town from the GOP convention.
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--------------------
.
An Unreasonable Man
Directed by Steve Skrovan, Henriette Mantel
Editorial Reviews
.
Amazon.com As the title of his biography puts it, Ralph Nader: Crusader, Spoiler, Icon. Without him, automobiles would be less safe... and Al Gore would've been elected president. Well, one of those statements is not in dispute. Henriette Mantel and Steve Skrovan's illuminating documentary begins in the 1950s with Nader's career as a consumer advocate and ends with his more recent reputation as election spoiler. Along the way, they look at a provincial childhood steeped in politics (his parents were community activists). Throughout, they speak with a broad spectrum of interested observers, including Phil Donahue, Pat Buchanan, Howard Zinn--even Bill Murray. They also feature commentary from the man himself. George Bernard Shaw provides the provocative title. In context, it sums up the film's perspective: "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man." So, on the one hand, Nader has saved thousands of lives. On the other, his third party candidacy ruined the 2000 election for many voters. An Unreasonable Man may not convince anyone that the campaign was a wise move, but Skrovan and Mantel, a former Nader associate, make a convincing case that he's a Democrat in the truest sense, i.e. a man committed to the idea that one citizen can make a difference. This Sundance Grand Jury Prize nominee is necessary viewing for any person interested in American politics--which should be everyone. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
.
-----------
.
- I seen this movie last night, and it is very much worthwhile to see. I rented it over on NetFlix. I highly recommend it. (previews for other films are a bit liberal leaning however.)
.
-----------
.
An Unreasonable Man - Ralph Nader:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS1c5Ei0eIg
.
http://astore.amazon.com/alivingspirit-20/detail/B000N2HDHS/002-4125481-6264819

From My Inbox: Code Amber Displaced by Hurricane Gustav

2008-09-02T23:12:00.001-04:00

Subject: Code Amber Displaced by Hurricane Gustav
- We Need Your Help
From: "Code Amber"
Tuesday, September 2, 2008 9:36 PM
.
Hello Rev. Marguerite Earhart,
.
We will occasionally send you news about changes and additions to http://codeamber.org .
.
Hello,On Sunday, August 31, we were forced to evacuate our Louisiana offices and move operations to a hotel on the panhandle of Florida. Some of you may remember our evacuation from Hurricane Katrina three years ago at which time we were in Florida for over two weeks. We probably will be able to return sooner this time as the damage is not as severe. However, our office in Louisiana has lost power, telephone and high speed Internet access indefinitely which, of course, we need to operate Code Amber.
.
As a result of our displacement, we are experiencing extraordinary Code Amber operating expenses. If you are able, please help Code Amber through this time of crisis by making a small donation. Any amount you are able to contribute will help us continue to operate while we are displaced.
.
Please help us keep Code Amber operating by contributing what ever you are able. Visit http://codeamber.org/index-1.php?nl0902
to make a contribution now, please.
.
Purchases of the Amber Stick Child Id device or the Safety Net Kids Child safety DVD also help with our expenses
http://codeamber.org/idkits.html?nl0902 for the Amber Stick
http://codeamber.org/video.html?nl0902 for the Video
.
Without you, what we have accomplished thus far would not have been possible.
.
Sincerely,
Bryant Harper
Founder
CodeAmber.org
.
http://www.codeamber.org/?tck2

Candidates On The Issue Of Education

2008-08-31T20:27:00.002-04:00

(Updated 09.23.08 with new info)

- John McCain:
.
. Teaching creationism should be decided by school districts. (Jun 2007)
. Believes in evolution, but sees the hand of God in nature. (May 2007)
. Against nationally imposed standards & funding strings. (Feb 2000)
. Teach virtues in all schools. (Dec 1999)
. Enlist retirees for tutoring. (Nov 1999)
. Good teachers should earn more than bad lawyers. (Oct 1999)
. Decisions on teaching evolution should be made locally. (Aug 1999)
. Help unqualified teachers find other lines of work. (Jul 1999)
. Supports tax-free savings accounts for education expenses. (Jul 1999)
. Supports “Reading Excellence”; and rewarding good schools. (Jul 1999)
. Supports at-risk programs; homeless ed.; anti-drop-out ed. (Jul 1999)
. Internet access, with filters, at every school & library. (Jun 1999)
. Merit pay & competency testing for teachers. (Jun 1999)
. Ed-ACT Bill: college plans; language proficiency. (May 1999)
.
School Choice
.
. Place parents & children at the center of education. (Feb 2008)
. We need more choice and competition in education. (Dec 2007)
. Charters, homeschooling, & vouchers are key to success. (Dec 2007)
. Local charters are the best Arizona schools. (Mar 2000)
. Let states decide if they link vouchers to student testing. (Feb 2000)
. Use sugar, oil, and ethanol subsidies to finance vouchers. (Jan 2000)
. Tax breaks for charters - not from public school funds. (Dec 1999)
. Vouchers & charters will improve our school system. (Oct 1999)
. Nationwide test of school vouchers. (Sep 1999)
. $5B program for 3-year test of school vouchers. (Jul 1999)
. Tax-funded vouchers for private schools or charter schools. (Jun 1999)
. Shift policy-making from bureaucrats to parents. (May 1999)
. Vouchers needed where teachers fail. (May 1999)
. Vouchers for any schools; more charter schools. (Jul 1998)
.
Voting Record
.
. Unrestricted block grants--let states decide spending. (Feb 2000)
. Voted NO on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
. Voted NO on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
. Voted NO on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)
. Voted NO on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors. (May 2001)
. Voted NO on funding student testing instead of private tutors. (May 2001)
. Voted NO on spending $448B of tax cut on education & debt reduction. (Apr 2001)
. Voted YES on declaring memorial prayers and religious symbols OK at schools. (May 1999)
. Voted YES on allowing more flexibility in federal school rules. (Mar 1999)
. Voted YES on education savings accounts. (Jun 1998)
. Voted YES on school vouchers in DC. (Sep 1997)
. Voted YES on $75M for abstinence education. (Jul 1996)
. Voted YES on requiring schools to allow voluntary prayer. (Jul 1994)
. Voted NO on national education standards. (Feb 1994)
. Focus educational resources to help those with greatest need. (Jul 2001)
. Require state standards, regular assessments, and sanctions. (Jul 2001)
. Support Ed-Flex: more flexibility if more accountable. (Jul 2001)
. Rated 45% by the NEA, indicating a mixed record on public education. (Dec 2003)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcCaindotcom
.
--------------------
- Bob Barr:
.
. Don't let California home schooling ban spread. (Apr 2008)
. Voted YES on requiring states to test students. (May 2001)
. Voted YES on allowing vouchers in DC schools. (Aug 1998)
. Voted YES on vouchers for private & parochial schools. (Nov 1997)
. Let schools display the words "God Bless America". (Oct 2001)
. Supports requiring schools to allow prayer. (Jan 2001)
. Supports a Constitutional Amendment for school prayer. (May 1997)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Bob_Barr.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BobBarr2008
.
--------------------
- Chuck Baldwin:
.
. Tax relief for homeschooling, private & religious schools. (May 2008)
. Disband the Department of Education; it's unconstitutional. (May 2008)
. Would be best friend homeschoolers ever had in White House. (May 2008)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Chuck_Baldwin.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/chuckbaldwin2008
.
----------------------
- Ron Paul:
.
. School prayer is not a federal issue. (Apr 2008)
. Private funds for arts work better than government funds. (Apr 2008)
. Close Dept. of Education, but don't dismantle public schools. (Dec 2007)
. Encourage homeschooling & private school via tax writeoff. (Dec 2007)
. Don't impeach judges for decisions on legislature prayers. (Sep 2007)
. Present scientific facts that support creationism. (Sep 2007)
. Equal funds for abstinence as contraceptive-based education. (Sep 2007)
. Tax-credited programs for Christian schooling. (Sep 2007)
. Guarantee parity for home school diplomas. (Sep 2007)
. Voted NO on allowing Courts to decide on "God" in Pledge of Allegiance. (Jul 2006)
. Voted NO on $84 million in grants for Black and Hispanic colleges. (Mar 2006)
. Voted NO on allowing school prayer during the War on Terror. (Nov 2001)
. Voted NO on requiring states to test students. (May 2001)
. Voted NO on allowing vouchers in DC schools. (Aug 1998)
. Voted YES on vouchers for private & parochial schools. (Nov 1997)
. Abolish the federal Department of Education. (Dec 2000)
. Sponsored bill for private scholarships to public schools. (Feb 2003)
. Rated 67% by the NEA, indicating a mixed record on public education. (Dec 2003)
. Supports a Constitutional Amendment for school prayer. (May 1997)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ron_Paul.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RonPaul2008dotcom
.
----------------------
- Barack Obama:
.
. Merit pay ok if based on career instead of a single test. (Apr 2008)
. Evolution & science aren't incompatible with Christian faith. (Apr 2008)
. Supports charter schools; it's important to experiment. (Feb 2008)
. Children's First Agenda: zero to five early education. (Feb 2008)
. $4,000 college tuition for 100 hours' public service a year. (Feb 2008)
. Put billions of dollars into early childhood education. (Jan 2008)
. Need after-school and summer programs with good parenting. (Jan 2008)
. Get parents re-engaged in educating the children. (Dec 2007)
. We need a sense of urgency about improving education system. (Sep 2007)
. Nationwide program to reconstruct crumbling school buildings. (Sep 2007)
. STEP UP: summer learning opportunities for disadvantaged. (Aug 2007)
. We left the money behind for No Child Left Behind. (Aug 2007)
. Pay "master teachers" extra, but with buy-in from teachers. (Aug 2007)
. Sends kids to private school; but wants good schools for all. (Jul 2007)
. Supreme Court was wrong on school anti-integration ruling. (Jul 2007)
. Incentives to hire a million teachers over next decade. (Jun 2007)
. Pay teachers more money & treat them like professionals. (Jun 2007)
. Cut banks out and add $4.5 Billion to college loans. (Mar 2007)
. Public school system status quo is indefensible. (Oct 2006)
. More teacher pay in exchange for more teacher accountability. (Oct 2006)
. Guarantee affordable life-long, top-notch education. (Jun 2006)
. Sex education needed to help children discuss molestation. (Oct 2004)
. Provide decent funding and get rid of anti-intellectualism. (Jul 2004)
. Address the growing achievement gap between students. (May 2004)
. Will add 25,000 teachers in high-need areas. (May 2004)
. Supports charter schools and private investment in schools. (Jul 1998)
. Free public college for any student with B-average. (Jul 1998)
.
Voting Record
.
. First Senate bill: increase Pell Grant from $4,050 to $5,100. (Aug 2007)
. Sponsored legislations that recruit and reward good teachers. (Sep 2004)
. Voted YES on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
. Voted YES on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
. Voted YES on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BarackObamadotcom
.
---------------------
- Ralph Nader:
.
. Abandon standardized testing; focus on teaching civic skills. (Oct 2000)
. Invest in K-12 education; that will reduce poverty. (Jun 2000)
. Teach democratic principles & citizenship in schools. (Feb 2000)
. Kick Channel One & commercialism out of class. (May 1999)
. Focus on civic & consumer education. (Oct 1996)
. Support choice within public schools. (Jun 2000)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ralph_Nader.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/votenader08
.
---------------------
- Cynthia McKinney:
.
. Something wrong with $38B on education & $700B on defense. (Jan 2008)
. No Child Left Behind aimed at dismantling public education. (Jan 2008)
. Our public schools are in a serious state disrepair. (Dec 2007)
. No Child Left Behind is an unfunded mandate. (Dec 2007)
. Voted YES on $84 million in grants for Black and Hispanic colleges. (Mar 2006)
. Voted YES on requiring states to test students. (May 2001)
. Voted NO on allowing vouchers in DC schools. (Aug 1998)
. Voted NO on vouchers for private & parochial schools. (Nov 1997)
. Voted NO on giving federal aid only to schools allowing voluntary prayer. (Mar 1994)
. Supported funding for teacher training & other initiatives. (Jul 1999)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Cynthia_McKinney.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RunCynthiaRun
.
---------------------
http://www.politics1.com/
.
Saturday News Update (Politics1):
.
McCAIN PICKS PALIN FOR VEEP, CONSERVATIVES PRAISE MOVE; NEW PREZ POLLS.
.
McCAIN-PALIN. John McCain used his 72nd birthday on Friday to name Alaska Governor Sarah Palin -- a 44-year-old mother of five -- as his Vice Presidential runningmate. It was a bold political gamble to select Palin as his runningmate. Conservative Republicans quickly praised the choice, saying Palin is an energetic campaigner and political reformer. Religious right leader James Dobson said the selection made it easy for him to now support McCain. Conservatives note Palin is staunchly pro-life, pro-gun rights, pro-tax cuts and pro-oil drilling. The Anchorage Daily News also reported Palin "thinks creationism should be taught alongside evolution in the state's public classrooms." Conservative pundit Pat Buchanan also noted on MSNBC that Palin openly supported his 2000 cultural conservative Presidential run for the GOP nomination: "She's a great choice for the base ... She's a Buchananite." Democrats, by contrast, questioned the wisdom of selecting someone so inexperienced to be just a heartbeat away from the Presidency. They note Palin was formerly mayor of a town of 9,000 residents and is now just 20 months into her first term as Governor. McCain clearly intends the move to help him pick-up support from independent women voters. Untested on the national stage, it is simply too early to tell if Palin will prove on the trail to be a brilliant political pick or another Dan Quayle.
.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Sarah_Palin.htm
.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/themastersmilieu/message/906

Denver Post: ABC Producer Arrested Photographing Democratic Donors

2008-08-28T07:29:00.000-04:00

Denver Post: ABC Producer Arrested Photographing Democratic Donors
.
By Ken Shepherd
August 27, 2008 - 19:19 ET
.

The Denver Post is reporting that "[a]n ABC News producer was arrested Wednesday outside the Brown Palace Hotel as he attempted to chronicle attendees at a private breakfast held by a Democratic Party campaign committee."
.
In an article filed in the late afternoon on August 27, Post television critic Joanne Ostrow noted that the network insists they weren't breaking the law:
.
ABC said in a statement that Asa Eslocker and a camera crew were "attempting to take pictures on a public sidewalk of Democratic senators and VIP donors leaving a private meeting."
.
"We're getting under their skin, I think," said Brian Ross, ABC News correspondent whose "Money Trail" reports are running every night this week and next from both nominating conventions.
.
Eslocker, a member of the investigative team, was charged with trespass, interference and failure to follow a lawful order. He was put in handcuffs and taken by police van to the downtown police station.

On Tuesday, Ross and his crew were asked to leave Hotel Teatro when they tried to photograph a private function. On Monday, they shot pictures of a party at the Denver Art Museum through the glass.
.
Article Link
.
NewsBusters
http://newsbusters.org/

Candidates On The Issue Of Drugs

2008-08-27T22:22:00.003-04:00

(An Update 09.19.08 with new info.)
.
- John McCain:
.
. Mexico should extradite drug dealers to the US. (Mar 2007)
. Administration is AWOL on the war on drugs. (Mar 2000)
. Public/private partnerships for drug treatment. (Jan 2000)
. Prevention & education apply to alcohol as well as marijuana. (Oct 1999)
. We're losing drug war - just say no. (Oct 1999)
. $1B for detection equipment for more border interdiction. (Mar 1999)
. Mexico: balancing act between free trade & stopping drugs. (Mar 1999)
. Restrict methadone treatment programs. (Feb 1999)
. Stricter penalties; stricter enforcement. (Jul 1998)
. Voted YES on spending international development funds on drug control. (Jul 1996)
. Sponsored bill on drug testing for major league sports. (May 2005)
. Sponsored bill for grants to Indian tribes to fight meth. (Dec 2006)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcCaindotcom
.
---------------------
- Bob Barr:
.
. Favors the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes. (Jun 2008)
. No national nannies: leave smokers alone. (Jun 2008)
. The Clintons welcomed drug criminals into White House. (Jul 2004)
. Illegal drug traffickers are murderers. (Jul 2004)
. In Congress, a strong supporter of the War on Drugs. (Dec 2003)
. Voted YES on military border patrols to battle drugs & terrorism. (Sep 2001)
. Voted YES on prohibiting needle exchange & medical marijuana in DC. (Oct 1999)
. Ban federal funding for needle-exchange programs. (Mar 1999)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Bob_Barr.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BobBarr2008
.
----------------------
- Chuck Baldwin:
.
. No issue stance yet recorded by OnTheIssues.org.
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Chuck_Baldwin.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/chuckbaldwin2008
.
-----------------------
- Ron Paul:
.
. War on drugs is out of control; revert control to states. (Dec 2007)
. Repeal most federal drug laws; blacks are treated unfairly. (Sep 2007)
. Inner-city minorities are punished unfairly in war on drugs. (Sep 2007)
. $500B on War on Drugs since 1970s has been a total failure. (Sep 2007)
. Legalize industrial hemp. (Jan 2007)
. Drug War fosters violence at home & breeds resentment abroad. (Oct 2001)
. Societal inconsistency on alcohol contributes to drug use. (Dec 1987)
. Voted NO on military border patrols to battle drugs & terrorism. (Sep 2001)
. Voted NO on subjecting federal employees to random drug tests. (Sep 1998)
. War on Drugs has abused Bill of Rights . (Dec 2000)
. Legalize medical marijuana. (Jul 2001)
. Rated A by VOTE-HEMP, indicating a pro-hemp voting record. (Dec 2003)
. Rated +30 by NORML, indicating a pro-drug-reform stance. (Dec 2006)
. Allow rehabilitated drug convicts get student loans. (Jan 2008)
. Ban federal funding for needle-exchange programs. (Mar 1999)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ron_Paul.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RonPaul2008dotcom
.
------------------
News: 09.18.08
Hacker impersonated Palin, stole e-mail password
.
WASHINGTON - Details emerged Thursday behind the break-in of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's e-mail account, including a first-hand account suggesting it was vulnerable because a hacker was able to impersonate her online to obtain her password.
.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080918/ap_on_el_pr/palin_hacked
.
- I wrote to Yahoo to see how to change security question or answers, or if there was a way to protect email security better. I haven't heard back about this from them. I don't at all like that someone could gain access to Yahoo email accounts like that. I haven't seen any statement from Yahoo issued about this breach so far.
.
-----------------------
- Barack Obama:
.
. Look at needle exchange; and expand treatment. (Feb 2008)
. Fight to rid our communities of meth. (Feb 2008)
. Expand drug courts; help prisoners with substance abuse. (Feb 2008)
. 2001: questions harsh penalties for drug dealing. (Oct 2007)
. Not first candidate to use drugs, but first honest about it. (Oct 2007)
. Do not lower drinking age from 21 to 18. (Sep 2007)
. Experimented with cocaine but turned down heroin. (Aug 2007)
. A "secret smoker", especially around reporters. (Aug 2007)
. Smokes cigarettes now; smoked some pot in high school. (Feb 2007)
. Admitted marijuana use in high school & college. (Jan 2007)
. Deal with street-level drug dealing as minimum-wage affair. (Oct 2006)
. Understand why youngsters want to use drugs. (Aug 1996)
. Require chemical resellers to certify against meth use. (Sep 2007)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BarackObamadotcom
.
---------------------
- Ralph Nader:
.
. The drug war has failed, despite $50B annually. (Feb 2008)
. Rehabilitation, not incarceration. (Jul 2004)
. Women targeted by tobacco and alcohol companies. (Feb 2003)
. Failed War on Drugs endangers communities. (Oct 2000)
. Legalize marijuana, and treat addiction as a health problem. (Sep 2000)
. Treat hemp like poppy seeds, not like heroin. (Sep 2000)
. Remove industrial hemp from DEA drug list. (Jun 2000)
. Replace Drug War with treatment and alternative sentencing. (Jun 2000)
. Supports legalization of industrial hemp. (May 2000)
. Solution to addiction is information, not prohibition. (Oct 1994)
. Rated A+ by VOTE-HEMP, indicating a pro-hemp voting record. (Dec 2003)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ralph_Nader.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/votenader08
.
---------------------
- Cynthia McKinney:
.
. Legalize medical marijuana & needle exchanges. (Feb 2008)
. End the war on drugs. (Jan 2008)
. CIA has admitted it was involved in drug-dealing. (Jan 2008)
. Detoxification & rehabilitation--not incarceration. (Jan 2008)
. Voted NO on military border patrols to battle drugs & terrorism. (Sep 2001)
. Voted NO on prohibiting needle exchange & medical marijuana in DC. (Oct 1999)
. Rated +20 by NORML, indicating a pro-drug-reform stance. (Dec 2006)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Cynthia_McKinney.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RunCynthiaRun
.
-------------------
http://www.politics1.com/
-------------------
YouTube Video Of Interest:
.
- Police Trap Peaceful Protesters in Denver
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoAVce-Rc2c
.
------------------
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/themastersmilieu/message/900

Candidates On The Issue Of Crime

2008-08-25T20:34:00.001-04:00

(Updated 09.17.08 with new info.)
.
- John McCain:
.
. Judges have limited scope under the Constitution. (Nov 2006)
. More death penalty; stricter sentencing. (Jan 2000)
. More community policing; enough hate crime laws. (Jan 2000)
. Prosecute youths as adults, but separately; explore sources. (Jan 2000)
. Urges hearings on how FBI can deter Hate Crimes. (Aug 1999)
. 1st Amend. not a shield for hate groups. (Aug 1999)
. Pro-death penalty; more prisons; increased penalties. (Jul 1998)
. Voted YES on limiting death penalty appeals. (Apr 1996)
. Voted YES on limiting product liability punitive damage awards. (Mar 1996)
. Voted NO on restricting class-action lawsuits. (Dec 1995)
. Voted YES on repealing federal speed limits. (Jun 1995)
. Voted YES on mandatory prison terms for crimes involving firearms. (May 1994)
. Voted YES on rejecting racial statistics in death penalty appeals. (May 1994)
. Rated 29% by CURE, indicating anti-rehabilitation crime votes. (Dec 2000)
. Rated 85% by the NCJA, indicating a "tough-on-crime" stance. (Dec 2005)
. Establish an FBI registry of sexual offendors. (Oct 1996)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcCaindotcom
.
-------------
- Bob Barr:
.
. Voted NO on funding for alternative sentencing instead of more prisons. (Jun 2000)
. Voted YES on more prosecution and sentencing for juvenile crime. (Jun 1999)
. Voted NO on maintaining right of habeas corpus in Death Penalty Appeals. (Mar 1996)
. Voted YES on making federal death penalty appeals harder. (Feb 1995)
. More prisons, more enforcement, effective death penalty. (Sep 1994)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Bob_Barr.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BobBarr2008
.
-- Barr Update:
.
Bob Barr Sued by McCain's GOP
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASzndumNspE
.
-------------
- Chuck Baldwin:
.
. No issue stance yet recorded by OnTheIssues.org.
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Chuck_Baldwin.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/chuckbaldwin2008
.
-------------
- Ron Paul:
.
. Opposes death penalty at state and federal level. (Jan 2008)
. Changed opinion to anti-death penalty due to many mistakes. (Sep 2007)
. Opposes "hate crimes" legislation. (Sep 2007)
. Not appropriate to prosecute all illegal adult pornography. (Sep 2007)
. Opposes the death penalty. (Jan 2007)
. Voted YES on funding for alternative sentencing instead of more prisons. (Jun 2000)
. Voted NO on more prosecution and sentencing for juvenile crime. (Jun 1999)
. Rated 60% by CURE, indicating mixed votes on rehabilitation. (Dec 2000)
. Rated 11% by the NCJA, indicating a "soft-on-crime" stance. (Dec 2005)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ron_Paul.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RonPaul2008dotcom
.
-------------
- Barack Obama:
.
. Reduce recidivism by providing ex-offender supports. (Feb 2008)
. Ban racial profiling & eliminate disparities in sentencing. (Feb 2008)
. Have a civil rights division enforce laws fairly and justly. (Jan 2008)
. GovWatch: No, more young black men in college than in prison. (Jan 2008)
. Lack of enforcement sets tone for more hate crimes. (Dec 2007)
. Legislated protecting police detainees during interrogation. (Nov 2007)
. Pushed Illinois bill to videotape all capital interrogations. (Oct 2007)
. No extra penalty for gang association. (Oct 2007)
. Works on ex-offender laws because it could have been him. (Aug 2007)
. Need justice that is not just us, but is everybody. (Jun 2007)
. Some heinous crimes justify the ultimate punishment. (Oct 2006)
. Videotape all capital punishment interrogations. (Oct 2006)
. Passed 150 laws to toughen penalties for violent crime. (Oct 2004)
. Restrict police entry rules, to protect our civil liberties. (Oct 2004)
. Death penalty should be enforced fairly and with caution. (Oct 2004)
. Death penalty should not discriminate by gang membership. (Oct 2004)
. Battles legislatively against the death penalty. (Jul 2004)
. Supports alternative sentencing and rehabilitation. (Jul 1998)
. Voted YES on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program. (Mar 2007)
. Rated 75% by the NCJA, indicating a mixed record on criminal justice. (Dec 2005)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BarackObamadotcom
.
------------
- Ralph Nader:
.
. Opposed 1996 expansion of the federal death penalty. (Feb 2008)
. Crime in the suites worse than crime in the streets. (Sep 2002)
. Decreasing unemployment reduces crime; not enforcement. (Aug 2000)
. Death penalty does not deter. (Aug 2000)
. Moratorium on executions. (Aug 2000)
. Some executed by death penalty were innocent. (Jul 2000)
. Pollution & toxic exposure cause more deaths than homicide. (Jun 2000)
. Death penalty does not deter & is discriminatory. (Jun 2000)
. Focus on crime prevention instead of harsher sentences. (Jun 2000)
. Police must follow the law too. (May 2000)
. Product liability suits are a pillar of democracy. (Mar 1996)
. Lawyers & victims need unlimited contingency fees. (Mar 1996)
. Regulatory agencies are needed to fight corporate crime. (Dec 1995)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ralph_Nader.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/votenader08
.
-------------
- Cynthia McKinney:
.
. Replace death penalty with life imprisonment. (Feb 2008)
. End the death penalty; it's based on race & class. (Jan 2008)
. End racial disparities in sentencing. (Jan 2008)
. Police take communities of color as rampaging ground. (Jan 2008)
. Rethink prisons; reverse astronomical incarceration rates. (Jan 2008)
. Voted YES on funding for alternative sentencing instead of more prisons. (Jun 2000)
. Voted NO on more prosecution and sentencing for juvenile crime. (Jun 1999)
. Voted YES on maintaining right of habeas corpus in Death Penalty Appeals. (Mar 1996)
. Voted NO on making federal death penalty appeals harder. (Feb 1995)
. Voted YES on replacing death penalty with life imprisonment. (Apr 1994)
. Rated 80% by CURE, indicating pro-rehabilitation crime votes. (Dec 2000)
. Moratorium on death penalty; more DNA testing. (Mar 2001)
. More funding and stricter sentencing for hate crimes. (Apr 2001)
. Require DNA testing for all federal executions. (Mar 2001)
. Stricter sentencing for hate crimes. (Mar 1993)
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http://www.ontheissues.org/Cynthia_McKinney.htm
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http://www.youtube.com/user/RunCynthiaRun
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http://www.politics1.com/
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http://groups.yahoo.com/group/themastersmilieu/message/898

Candidates On The Issue Of Corporations

2008-08-22T18:28:00.001-04:00

(Updated 09.16.08 with new info)

- John McCain:
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. More deductible expensing of equipment investments. (Feb 2008)
. Cut corporate income taxes to keep jobs here. (Jan 2008)
. People worry about corporations unduly influencing elections. (Sep 2007)
. Voted NO on repealing tax subsidy for companies which move US jobs offshore. (Mar 2005)
. Voted YES on reforming bankruptcy to include means-testing & restrictions. (Mar 2005)
. Voted YES on restricting rules on personal bankruptcy. (Jul 2001)
. Rated 61% by the US COC, indicating a mixed business voting record. (Dec 2003)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
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http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcCaindotcom
.
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- Bob Barr:
.
. Eliminate billions in corporate welfare. (Apr 2008)
. Voted YES on Bankruptcy Overhaul requiring partial debt repayment. (Mar 2001)
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http://www.ontheissues.org/Bob_Barr.htm
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http://www.youtube.com/user/BobBarr2008
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- Chuck Baldwin:
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. Restore manufacturing base, not multinational corporations. (May 2008)
. End corporate welfare; put people ahead of CEOs. (May 2008)
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http://www.ontheissues.org/Chuck_Baldwin.htm
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http://www.youtube.com/user/officialbaldwin2008
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- Ron Paul:
.
. Big business demand for easy money causes inflation. (Dec 1981)
. Voted NO on allowing stockholder voting on executive compensation. (Apr 2007)
. Voted YES on replacing illegal export tax breaks with $140B in new breaks. (Jun 2004)
. Voted YES on Bankruptcy Overhaul requiring partial debt repayment. (Mar 2001)
. Rated 46% by the US COC, indicating a mixed business voting record. (Dec 2003)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Ron_Paul.htm
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http://www.youtube.com/user/RonPaul2008dotcom
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- Barack Obama:
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. Cap the farm subsidies for Fortune 500 companies. (Dec 2007)
. End tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas. (Aug 2007)
. Hold corporations responsible for pensions & work conditions. (Aug 2007)
. Tax incentives for corporate responsibility. (Jun 2004)
. Close tax loopholes for US companies relocating abroad. (Jun 2004)
. REAL USA Plan: Reward companies that create domestic jobs. (Jun 2004)
. Voted YES on repealing tax subsidy for companies which move US jobs offshore. (Mar 2005)
. Voted NO on reforming bankruptcy to include means-testing & restrictions. (Mar 2005)
. Prevent money laundering by disclosing corporate owners. (May 2008)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
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http://www.youtube.com/user/BarackObamadotcom
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- Ralph Nader:
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. Washington DC is corporate-occupied territory. (Feb 2008)
. Obama & McCain differ, but neither takes on corporations. (Feb 2008)
. Corporations have too much control over people's lives. (Jan 2008)
. Corporations control government; that defines fascism. (Jan 2008)
. Citizens' agenda for cracking down on corporate crime. (Oct 2004)
. No eminent domain gifts to private enterprises. (Aug 2004)
. Legislative "tort deform" for consumers, not corporations. (Jul 2004)
. Economic powers control our lives and our elections. (Jul 2004)
. Capitalism can lead to fascism. (Jul 2004)
. Corporations should not legally be counted as individuals. (Jul 2004)
. Giant corporations roam the Earth making people into serfs. (Jul 2004)
. Corporate politics is only free speech because money talks. (Oct 2002)
. Major parties both focus on wealthy interests. (Oct 2002)
. Net worth is $3.8 million; owns corporate stocks. (Oct 2002)
. Consumerism is about corporations vs. citizens. (Sep 2002)
. Shift power from corporations to consumers. (Oct 2000)
. Corporate state gives away public assets to private monopoly. (Dec 1998)
.
Auto Safety
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. Instrumental in food safety laws as well as auto safety. (Feb 2008)
. Auto safety devices are simple & cheap; but take years. (Oct 2000)
. Safety regulation works; but Auto Safety Agency sold out. (Oct 2000)
. More regulation for auto safety, with criminal penalties. (Oct 2000)
. Cancel R&D giveaways to auto industry; let them do it. (Oct 2000)
. Gore has given auto industry and other polluters a free ride. (Oct 2000)
. Motor vehicles are the greatest environmental hazard. (Feb 2000)
. DOT: Focus on safety and mass transit. (Oct 1996)
. Automakers avoid replacing internal combustion engines. (Dec 1995)
.
Consumer Rights
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. Instrumental in Consumer Product Safety Act and related laws. (Feb 2008)
. Help for ordinary people should replace corporate welfare. (Sep 2000)
. Address corporate crimes piecemeal AND by revoking charters. (Feb 2000)
. Stop giving corporations the same rights as people. (Dec 1995)
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Corporate Welfare
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. Scrutinize even “good” corporate welfare which helps public. (Oct 2000)
. Corporate welfare is a function of political corruption. (Oct 2000)
. S&L bailout helped bankers & hurt consumers. (Oct 2000)
. Rules needed for examining & challenging corporate welfare. (Oct 2000)
. Disallow benefits to companies except for public purposes. (Oct 2000)
. Stadiums & other local tax abatements ignore small business. (Oct 2000)
. Federal regulation of state & local abatements & subsidies. (Oct 2000)
. Bailouts: require payback; practice prevention by regulation. (Oct 2000)
. Legislation to eliminate all corporate welfare. (Oct 2000)
. $1000 bounty for suing for abuse of corporate welfare. (Oct 2000)
. Big business influence hurts democracy. (Jun 2000)
. Corporate sponsorship turns debates into beer commercials. (Jun 2000)
. Corporate government has hijacked political leadership. (Feb 2000)
. States & the public should oppose corporate tax breaks. (Apr 1999)
. Role of government is to counteract power of corporations. (Apr 1996)
. Coined the term “corporate welfare”. (Jul 1995)
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http://www.ontheissues.org/Ralph_Nader.htm
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http://www.youtube.com/user/votenader08
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- Cynthia McKinney:
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. Corporate media limits discourse & voters therefore dropout. (Mar 2008)
. US companies abide by environment & labor standards overseas. (Feb 2008)
. Astounded at the corporate influence in Farm Bill. (Jan 2008)
. Require reporting of outsourced jobs. (Nov 2006)
. Voted NO on Bankruptcy Overhaul requiring partial debt repayment. (Mar 2001)
. Sponsored bill on Code of Conduct for US corporations abroad. (Aug 2001)
.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Cynthia_McKinney.htm
.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RunCynthiaRun
.
----------------------
http://www.politics1.com/
.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/themastersmilieu/message/896