Given the FACT the USA military is out of control as is the spending, it makes one realize why the Republicans prefer to talk about bizarre priorities, like children coming across the southern border needing the National Guard, or budget shut downs, rather than FACE FACTS.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
The never ending broken back of the USA treasury.
The fiscal cost of the Afghanistan war is currently estimated to be $4 Trillion.
...The fact remains, (click here) however, that if the CRS (Congressional Research Service) and OMB (Office of Management and Budget) figures for FY2001-FY2013 that follow are totaled for all direct spending on the war, they reach $641.7 billion, of which $198.2 billion – or over 30% – will be spent in FY2012 and FY2013. This is an incredible amount of money to have spent with so few controls, so few plans, so little auditing, and almost no credible measures of effectiveness....
Why worry about effectiveness when all that has to be planned is advancing the loss of income ahead of the end of the war. And what House of the Congress is handling the budget?
June 29, 2011
By Daniel Trotta
...The White House (click here) says the total amount appropriated for war-related activities of the Department of Defense, intelligence and State Department since 2001 is about $1.3 trillion, and that would rise to nearly $1.4 trillion in 2012....
Enough!
One question though.
All of a sudden there is this massive regional movement toward cooperation and defense in the Middle East; what the hell was Bush doing for eight years?
The USA Congress needs to get their heads screwed on straight.
Total expenditures for public elementary and secondary schools in the United States amounted to $638 billion in 2009-10, or about $12,743 per student.
The cost of war is usually just measured in dollars. I think the $1.7 trillion is about 10% of the current national debit.
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/Files UNREST OBITUARY)
But the losses from wars like Iraq and Vietnam run much deeper into the soul of the country. Broken lives, shattered dreams, widows with fatherless children and indebtedness no war monger cares to count.
It is estimated the cost of the Iraq war alone will result in veteran benefits in excess of $6 trillion over the next four decades. We have enough of the USA Congress volunteering our military for duty in places that don't even raise a finger to end any tensions or conflict.
The problems in Syria are contained and at the height of unrest and IS/IS/L fears the borders of allies were secure and undisturbed. The Republican right wing can take their mercenary habits elsewhere.
(Reuters) - The U.S. war in Iraq has cost $1.7 trillion (click here) with an additional $490 billion in benefits owed to war veterans, expenses that could grow to more than $6 trillion over the next four decades counting interest, a study released on Thursday said.
The war has killed at least 134,000 Iraqi civilians and may have contributed to the deaths of as many as four times that number, according to the Costs of War Project by the Watson Institute for International Studies at Brown University.
When security forces, insurgents, journalists and humanitarian workers were included, the war's death toll rose to an estimated 176,000 to 189,000, the study said.
The report, the work of about 30 academics and experts, was published in advance of the 10th anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq on March 19, 2003.
The editor. That was the editor of "Al Arabiya" stated the ONLY thing missing in the Middle East is American leadership.
August 29, 2014
By John McCain and Lindsey Graham
...The president (click here) clearly wants to move deliberately and consult with allies and Congress as he considers what to do about ISIS. No one disputes that goal. But the threat ISIS poses only grows over time. It cannot be contained. It must be confronted. This requires a comprehensive strategy, presidential leadership and a far greater sense of urgency. If Mr. Obama changes course and adopts a strategic approach to defeat ISIS, he deserves support....
It would seem as though the Republican right wing would agree. So while the USA Republican right wing works the American public over as being war weary and calling out it's best Psy-Ops to achieve it, "Al Arabiya" is promising every USA ally will suffer from delusion and the citizens being charmed by IS/IS/L will rise up and defeat civilization.
What?
There is no chance any populous movement in the Middle East is seeking to join a radicalized government. I don't know where that comes from, perhaps fear, but one might look to Egypt to realize how much the citizens of that country have withdraw the promise of free lancing freedom to a return of a dictator. So much for brainwashing from within.
In Jordan, people are encouraged to keep their travel plans safe and it's leaders state it is going to take 20 years to rebuild Gaza.
August 30, 2014
The latest exploitation of the imagination is the fear of a flying IS/IS/L due to their invasion of an airport. I suppose there are some that will achieve that goal, but, that is a threat to the Syrian government. There are reports the air force hasn't fared well during the civil war. The last human rights issue were barrel bombs being dropped.
The Syrian Air Force recently disclosed their development and completion of a new type of bomb; improving upon the design of what has now been commonly referred to as the 'barrel bomb'. This domestically-produced variation has greater accuracy and higher explosive yeild than prior versions.
This footage is from Hama Governorate, dated August 26, 2014. (click here)
This is not the USA's war. It is the regions problem and they have to solve it. Providing containment has proven effective. The problem is in Syria. If Arabs are so scared of the 3 year civil war ask Putin what he is doing about it?
By John McCain and Lindsey Graham
...The president (click here) clearly wants to move deliberately and consult with allies and Congress as he considers what to do about ISIS. No one disputes that goal. But the threat ISIS poses only grows over time. It cannot be contained. It must be confronted. This requires a comprehensive strategy, presidential leadership and a far greater sense of urgency. If Mr. Obama changes course and adopts a strategic approach to defeat ISIS, he deserves support....
It would seem as though the Republican right wing would agree. So while the USA Republican right wing works the American public over as being war weary and calling out it's best Psy-Ops to achieve it, "Al Arabiya" is promising every USA ally will suffer from delusion and the citizens being charmed by IS/IS/L will rise up and defeat civilization.
What?
There is no chance any populous movement in the Middle East is seeking to join a radicalized government. I don't know where that comes from, perhaps fear, but one might look to Egypt to realize how much the citizens of that country have withdraw the promise of free lancing freedom to a return of a dictator. So much for brainwashing from within.
In Jordan, people are encouraged to keep their travel plans safe and it's leaders state it is going to take 20 years to rebuild Gaza.
August 30, 2014
AMMAN — The Foreign Ministry on Friday advised Jordanians not to travel to Yemen due to the current security situation there.
The ministry urged Jordanians in Yemen to exercise caution and contact the Jordanian embassy in Sanaa for any help on 009671413277, 009671413276 or 00967736412412.
It called on those who do not have to stay in the country to leave immediately.
In case of an emergency, Jordanian expatriates in Yemen can also call the Foreign Ministry on 0096265735150 or its operation centre on 0096265735166.
And for those that knew this Saudi photographer:
August 30, 2014
Prominent Saudi photographer (click here) Mohammed Ali Shingiti died in Madinah on Thursday following a heatstroke. He was in his late 40s.
Shingiti worked for more than 25 years as the head of the photography team at the Saudi Research and Publishing Company (SRPC) in Jeddah. He covered a number of high-profile events, including the annual Haj pilgrimage, for Arab News, Asharq Al-Awsat and Al-Eqtisadiah....
Shingiti worked for more than 25 years as the head of the photography team at the Saudi Research and Publishing Company (SRPC) in Jeddah. He covered a number of high-profile events, including the annual Haj pilgrimage, for Arab News, Asharq Al-Awsat and Al-Eqtisadiah....
The Gulf Cooperation Council is promising closer cooperation and solidarity and Saudi Arabia has donated $100 million to combat terrorism.
August 30, 2014
Irish troops (click here) in the Golan Heights have been involved in a tense operation last night and today as UN troops came under attack from Syrian rebels.
Travelling in armed personnel carriers Irish soldiers extricated 35 Filipino troops from a position surrounded by rebels in the early hours of this morning under cover of darkness.
A firefight also took place between rebels and other Filipino troops on the Golan Heights today....
It would seem as though the United Nations has more information than "Al Arabiya." Quite frankly it is about time the Arab World began to be concerned about itself in a way that end the hatred among it's people of each other.
The desperate editor of "Al Arabiya" stated this Sunni-Shea hate is brand new. Never before a problem. If that is the case than why did Saddam Hussein leave behind mass graves and a dried up wetlands?
The USA is not going to war for the sake of being the world's police. A police who is easily alarmed and woken with the least little panic by the public no matter where it occurs. War isn't about social media and the unrest it can bring, it is about preventing the unrest in the first place though benevolent governments with a military capable of defending borders. It is not about having over powering strength that can be turned on the government when a traitor or militia takes over hardware it never earned.
War is about allies and how the mass of their joint holdings can defeat any challenge. It is not about one single country having the capability to destroy any aspect of civilization of another in the blink of an eye.
The Syrian Air Force recently disclosed their development and completion of a new type of bomb; improving upon the design of what has now been commonly referred to as the 'barrel bomb'. This domestically-produced variation has greater accuracy and higher explosive yeild than prior versions.
This footage is from Hama Governorate, dated August 26, 2014. (click here)
This is not the USA's war. It is the regions problem and they have to solve it. Providing containment has proven effective. The problem is in Syria. If Arabs are so scared of the 3 year civil war ask Putin what he is doing about it?
Friday, August 29, 2014
I have a demand for Congresswomen and female congressional staffers and those in the press.
The device that would pass Homeland Security and the Capital Police can be called the Gillibrand Security Camera and provided free of charge to every female within the vacinity of men under the USA Capital Dome.
August 29, 2014
By Irin Carmon
...In the New York Democrat’s (click here) forthcoming book, “Off the Sidelines,” Gillibrand writes that when her weight fluctuated around the birth of her children, one older senator squeezed her waist and said, “Don’t lose too much weight now. I like my girls chubby.” A House colleague warned her about becoming “porky,” and another offered the unsolicited consolation that “You know, Kirsten, you’re even pretty when you’re fat.”...
Obviously Senator Gillibrand who fights for women's rights at every turn felt not only insulted by personally threatened by off color comments. When a Senator or a staffer feels uncomfortable by another party no matter who it is that is serious business.
I see no problem in providing any and all needed protections for those that work in our federal capital. In the long run it will prove to provide a better more efficient government and women willing to now seek office in Washington, DC.
There you have it.
August 29, 2014
By Karoun Dermirjian and William Branigin
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin (click here) on Friday hailed pro-Moscow separatists in eastern Ukraine as “insurgents” battling an army that he likened to Nazi invaders during World War II, and the Ukrainian government raised the prospect of joining NATO as it seeks help in repelling what it calls an outright Russian military invasion of its territory....
Ukraine wanted to avoid having to choose sides. That is the truth, it was stated very early on when the first manifestations of Russian presence in Crimea existed. Now, because Putin hates The West 'enough' as expressed in his politics and wants a RMZ from Europe; the loyalties of Ukraine are changing. It has no clear path to find NEUTRALITY. It was decommissioned of the nukes it once possessed and now as an autonomous country. It is not one of the five permanent nuclear members to the UN Security Council.
There should be no doubt with the decommissioning of it's nuclear capacity Ukraine wanted nothing to do with war or aggression. Obviously. It speaks loudly to the country's priorities reflected in the values of it's people. It was completely clear Russia had nothing to fear, but, it fears it anyway.
Putin likes to brag he knows more about the Neo-Nazi movement in Ukraine as a real threat to Russia's homeland, but, that is a side bar to reality. There are many countries that have undesireable populous as valued by western culture, but, there are reasons for those to exist and not with permission of any government. The most dramatic reality is that of, was it 84 young people dead in Norway. The killer was a self-avowed Neo-Nazi. He killed and he sure as heck didn't have the favor of his government to do so. But, these right wing entities exist. That is not to say they pose any sovereign threat to Russia It's ridiculous.
It just so happens the Neo-NAZI (Germany) threat by NATO is convenient for Putin while Merkel considers him and she and her country good friends.
NATO's meeting is coming up and other Post-Soviet countries will no doubt bring up the very real threat Russia poses to them if Ukraine is not installed into NATO as their ally. Russia knows that and is why it is in a hurry to kill and take LAND and annex it in a so called PROTECTIONISM of the people under harsh rulers that are Russian Speaking.
Ukraine has good friends, loyal and great people, a very viable economy and promise for growth and shares borders with NATO allies. It has a good argument to become a partner in NATO.
One has to reflect on that reality now OVER TIME. What is being PLAYED OUT with Ukraine today was FEARED by Russia since the time of the collapse of the Soviet Union. So, Putin is still reacting to the end of his old country and carrying a lot of unnecessary baggage, EXCEPT, if one is looking to a strong country in the balance of power of nuclear capacity.
In that light Russia's propaganda makes more sense than not. And I reiterate, a USA with SUPREME authority and the only country left with nuclear capacity is a very dangerous thing. VERY.
But, it can also be said Putin has over reached in his concern for the balance of power. While cultures change and Russia could have become more mainstream Wall Street that never approached the dissolution of Russia's sovereign borders. Quite the contrary, which leads me to paranoia by the old communists that cultural changes paralleling that of The West will result in a homogeneous globe. I think not and to allow Russia to regress into an economy of worthless Rubles is more a threat to Russia's sovereignty.
I look forward to the burgeoning of new politics in Russia unless it is chronically oppressed by the likes of Medvedev. Putin is too far gone to expect any reversal at this point and Medvedev is his most viable follower in power to the communist thrown. A shame really. Medvedev is so young to be left behind in moving his once promising country forward.
To clearly illustrate my disappointment in Russia and President Putin I have repeatedly stated a culture to a nation/country is among it's wealth to an economy. Unique IF inviting.
By Karoun Dermirjian and William Branigin
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin (click here) on Friday hailed pro-Moscow separatists in eastern Ukraine as “insurgents” battling an army that he likened to Nazi invaders during World War II, and the Ukrainian government raised the prospect of joining NATO as it seeks help in repelling what it calls an outright Russian military invasion of its territory....
Ukraine wanted to avoid having to choose sides. That is the truth, it was stated very early on when the first manifestations of Russian presence in Crimea existed. Now, because Putin hates The West 'enough' as expressed in his politics and wants a RMZ from Europe; the loyalties of Ukraine are changing. It has no clear path to find NEUTRALITY. It was decommissioned of the nukes it once possessed and now as an autonomous country. It is not one of the five permanent nuclear members to the UN Security Council.
There should be no doubt with the decommissioning of it's nuclear capacity Ukraine wanted nothing to do with war or aggression. Obviously. It speaks loudly to the country's priorities reflected in the values of it's people. It was completely clear Russia had nothing to fear, but, it fears it anyway.
Putin likes to brag he knows more about the Neo-Nazi movement in Ukraine as a real threat to Russia's homeland, but, that is a side bar to reality. There are many countries that have undesireable populous as valued by western culture, but, there are reasons for those to exist and not with permission of any government. The most dramatic reality is that of, was it 84 young people dead in Norway. The killer was a self-avowed Neo-Nazi. He killed and he sure as heck didn't have the favor of his government to do so. But, these right wing entities exist. That is not to say they pose any sovereign threat to Russia It's ridiculous.
It just so happens the Neo-NAZI (Germany) threat by NATO is convenient for Putin while Merkel considers him and she and her country good friends.
NATO's meeting is coming up and other Post-Soviet countries will no doubt bring up the very real threat Russia poses to them if Ukraine is not installed into NATO as their ally. Russia knows that and is why it is in a hurry to kill and take LAND and annex it in a so called PROTECTIONISM of the people under harsh rulers that are Russian Speaking.
Ukraine has good friends, loyal and great people, a very viable economy and promise for growth and shares borders with NATO allies. It has a good argument to become a partner in NATO.
One has to reflect on that reality now OVER TIME. What is being PLAYED OUT with Ukraine today was FEARED by Russia since the time of the collapse of the Soviet Union. So, Putin is still reacting to the end of his old country and carrying a lot of unnecessary baggage, EXCEPT, if one is looking to a strong country in the balance of power of nuclear capacity.
In that light Russia's propaganda makes more sense than not. And I reiterate, a USA with SUPREME authority and the only country left with nuclear capacity is a very dangerous thing. VERY.
But, it can also be said Putin has over reached in his concern for the balance of power. While cultures change and Russia could have become more mainstream Wall Street that never approached the dissolution of Russia's sovereign borders. Quite the contrary, which leads me to paranoia by the old communists that cultural changes paralleling that of The West will result in a homogeneous globe. I think not and to allow Russia to regress into an economy of worthless Rubles is more a threat to Russia's sovereignty.
I look forward to the burgeoning of new politics in Russia unless it is chronically oppressed by the likes of Medvedev. Putin is too far gone to expect any reversal at this point and Medvedev is his most viable follower in power to the communist thrown. A shame really. Medvedev is so young to be left behind in moving his once promising country forward.
To clearly illustrate my disappointment in Russia and President Putin I have repeatedly stated a culture to a nation/country is among it's wealth to an economy. Unique IF inviting.
About the Kurds.
They are a magnificent people. The USA obviously has exhibited an interest in their well being to date with the potential of a land for them they can finally call a country. The question is where is that going to happen?
It was a relief to many that have followed these people through all the many decades of their ability to grow strength as a nation to realize they had a sovereign province within the former Iraq. It was the right thing and the best thing. The Kurds do not hate anyone enough to fathom genocide for their longing for their own nation and ultimately country.
When maps of Kurdistan are visualized it extends into many other countries. The question is where do the Kurds see their country's borders and how realistic is it for an alliance with the USA? AND. Is there a more viable solution that would serve their best interests and that of the global community?
It was a relief to many that have followed these people through all the many decades of their ability to grow strength as a nation to realize they had a sovereign province within the former Iraq. It was the right thing and the best thing. The Kurds do not hate anyone enough to fathom genocide for their longing for their own nation and ultimately country.
When maps of Kurdistan are visualized it extends into many other countries. The question is where do the Kurds see their country's borders and how realistic is it for an alliance with the USA? AND. Is there a more viable solution that would serve their best interests and that of the global community?
The UK has a little more than 63 million people and a far smaller land mass than the USA.
Getting rid of those chemical weapons in Syria was a good idea. But, I would expect Great Britain to take stock of what is occurring with it's young men and actually raise concerns about the safety of others. I am curious about what a unilateral elevation in the terror alert means to NATO.
Syria's population when left undisturbed is about 22 million, so the refugees are 13% of the people. That is significant when measuring the effects on this change in regime and it's purpose in taking power. That is now what is occurring in Syria. The Assad regime is losing their battle, but, that has been happening for three years now. The loses reflect a governing body that cannot reconstitute it's power.
I am not taking sides, but, it has always been curious that Assad as an Alawite was able to hold onto power for such a long time. His father before he. They are minorities in Syria. The Sunnis decided they wanted a different leadership that could not be achieved in elections. It is a civil war.
Containment is still the only viable solution while people pour out of the country for their own safety. They should not wait to move out of a war zone that quite possibly could lead to an unknown government with completely inhumane directives once in majority control of the land.
I don't see diplomatic relations with any change in government in Syria anytime soon.
This is the time for region to take account of what is occurring and measuring their response. For some their response may already be in place, for others the concern is probably heightened. At any rate, there is a new kid on the block and the strength of the containment of it's influence should be paramount followed by any potential to cause harm to their countries while the new regime builds it's expertise in governing and moving into yet unrealized power.
Basically, is this just a civil war OR is it more? The current ambitions of the burgeoning regime and it's effects crossing into land traditionally Iraq states it's intentions fairly clearly. The West among others have to find allies once again and build on the strengthening of those allies. My first thoughts are the Kurds and backing a strong provincial government while extending it's reach across Syrian borders to end any attempts by IS/IS/L to cross into their nation of people again.
But, I am putting the horse before the cart. Of vise versa. Not sure yet exactly which direction the horse is leaning. Assad is still in power for all we know and capable of pushing back in it's civil war. OR. Not? Which brings to the forefront the idea Russia ain't all that. If I can venture a guess after looking at some Russian training videos, the Russian ground troops are lacking. The only real strength in Russia's response is tanks and bombs and of course the ultimate bomb. I mean with Russian subs in the waters (They are still there right?) at the ports in Syria I would expect a better response UNLESS Russia figures, "Ah, the USA will take care of it."
"W"rong.
Right now, this very minute, if I were a nation relying on Russia as an ally I'd have second thoughts. Hellllooooooo, China and it's friendship pact of 2000.
But, my imagination runs away with me. I am confident IS/IS/L is even a greater threat than the USSR, oh sorry Russia could ever be in alliance with China and half the indigenous countries of the world. Indigenous people may find China's consumerism a step up, but, everything else might be questionable.
Sorry. There are dead people, but, I lack imagination to deliver my message differently. It must be my mother's fault.
August 29, 2014
By Stephanie Nebehay
By Stephanie Nebehay
(Reuters) - Three million Syrian refugees (click here) will have registered in neighboring countries as of Friday, but many remain trapped by the advance of Islamist militants or are having difficulty in reaching open border crossings, the United Nations said.
Syrians desperate to leave their war-engulfed homeland are forced to pay hefty bribes at armed checkpoints proliferating along Syria's borders, or to smugglers, the U.N. refugee agency said.
The record figure is one million refugees more than a year ago, while a further 6.5 million are displaced within Syria, meaning that "almost half of all Syrians have now been forced to abandon their homes and flee for their lives," it said....
All those political commentators stating the student loan problem should go away are backing Republicans.
Senate Minority Leader (click here) Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has received $598,025 from banks, lending institutions and student loan companies, more than any other senator. He voted 'NO.'
Bill author Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has received $36,920 from banks, lending institutions and student loan companies.
Like I said, the USA Budget belongs to the people right up to the point where Republicans control it.
Advanced weapons for local law enforcement is fine and FREE.
Advanced education for the USA brain trust expensive.
Bill author Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has received $36,920 from banks, lending institutions and student loan companies.
Like I said, the USA Budget belongs to the people right up to the point where Republicans control it.
Advanced weapons for local law enforcement is fine and FREE.
Advanced education for the USA brain trust expensive.
Our tax dollars at work or NOT?
Fifty-nine representatives received more than $100,000 from the defense industry from January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2013. Of those only four supported defunding the 1033 Program.
August 27, 2014
By Megan Cassidy
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio (click here) admitted Tuesday that his department is currently missing nine firearms issued to the agency through a federal program that hands out surplus military gear to local law-enforcement.
Arpaio's is one of 184 state and local police agencies that has reportedly been suspended from the Pentagon's controversial 1033 program for losing weapons or failing to comply with other stipulations, a recent Fusion article reported.
The report is one of the latest in an ongoing debate about the 1033 program and the merits of outfitting local police for a warzone....
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Why keep it all in the family? Because family doesn't snitch on each other.
Followed by another fall from grace in Iowa.
August 27, 2014
By Steven Dennis
A former Iowa (click here) state senator pleaded guilty to concealing payments he received from former Rep. Ron Paul’s presidential campaign to switch his support from Rep. Michele Bachmann.
Kent Sorenson, 42, of Milo, Iowa, entered the guilty plea for one count of causing a federal campaign committee to falsely report its expenditures and one count of obstruction of justice.
According to a Department of Justice release, Sorenson admitted he had supported one campaign for the 2012 presidential election, but from October to December 2011, “he met and secretly negotiated with a second political campaign to switch his support to that second campaign in exchange for concealed payments that amounted to $73,000.”...The Republican Motto has always been, "If you can't bet 'em, join 'em." I mean that sincerely. Republicans never fear prison enough to end corruption. Serious. Think about it.
How many times was Rove before the Special Prosecutor in the Valerie Plame outing? That is just one more example.
McConnell states in the House and Senate we own the budget.
"W"rong. The people of the USA own the budget and when Republicans are in power THAT right is removed from the people and placed with Wall Street, literally, in the pockets of all the people that put them in office. So, when Mitch McConnell states the Republicans own the budget that is exactly what he means.
...“So in the House and Senate, we own the budget. (click here) So what does that mean? That means that we can pass the spending bill. And I assure you that in the spending bill, we will be pushing back against this bureaucracy by doing what’s called placing riders in the bill. No money can be spent to do this or to do that. We’re going to go after them on healthcare, on financial services, on the Environmental Protection Agency, across the board [inaudible]. All across the federal government, we’re going to go after it.”...
And how exactly will Mitch McConnell be sure to put all that budget into the pockets of campaign contributors of Big Money? By doing exactly what Ron Paul's campaign did.
...On Wednesday, Sorenson admitted in federal court what he had long adamantly denied: that he took thousands of dollars in payments from the campaigns of Bachmann and Paul in exchange for his endorsement....
...Jesse Benton, a Republican strategist who is married to Paul’s granddaughter, served as chairman of Paul’s 2012 campaign. He is now running Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s reelection campaign and is expected to play a significant role in a 2016 presidential bid by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.)....
While I like Senator Rand Paul, I should not have to point to the fact the illegal bribery took place in Iowa, but, the candidates were Republicans from Kentucky. One big happy family.
...Neither Benton nor the McConnell campaign returned requests for comment.
A key point person from the Paul campaign who urged Sorenson to defect was Dimitri Kesari, then Paul’s deputy national campaign manager....
We all know when it comes to Republican politics, the momentum achieved in Iowa carries through to subsequent elections because it is a SUPPOSEDLY a direct straw poll of the people.
...Part of that massive payment (click here) came in the form of a $25,000 check written to Sorenson’s wife by a top Ron Paul staffer named Dimitri Kesari. The Iowa ethics investigation reported included a photo of the check, which Sorenson had not cashed. Dimitri Kesari had written the check from the account of a jewelry business owned by Kesari’s wife. In this secretly recorded audio, Sorenson claims that Dimitri Kesari had written the check at a restaurant dinner and given it to Sorenson’s wife while Sorenson was using the restroom....
We all know when it comes to Republican politics, the momentum achieved in Iowa carries through to subsequent elections because it is a SUPPOSEDLY a direct straw poll of the people.
...Part of that massive payment (click here) came in the form of a $25,000 check written to Sorenson’s wife by a top Ron Paul staffer named Dimitri Kesari. The Iowa ethics investigation reported included a photo of the check, which Sorenson had not cashed. Dimitri Kesari had written the check from the account of a jewelry business owned by Kesari’s wife. In this secretly recorded audio, Sorenson claims that Dimitri Kesari had written the check at a restaurant dinner and given it to Sorenson’s wife while Sorenson was using the restroom....
Dimitri Kesari not only wrote the check, but, detoured the money into a private business account of a jewelry store. The jewelry store was owned by his wife.
November 26, 2014
By Russ Choma
...The campaign of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) (click here) hired a former Ron Paul campaign aide accused of trying to buy the endorsement of an Iowa state senator in 2012, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. The aide, Dimitri Kesari, was also implicated in allegations made last week by a former National Right to Work Committee employee who says the politically active nonprofit broke Iowa state campaign finance rules and misled the Internal Revenue Service about its political activity....
Mitch McConnell’s campaign manager then went on to tell Fusaro, “Between you and me, I’m sorta just holding my nose for two years, cause what we’re doing here is gonna be a big benefit to Rand in ’16.”
The Republicans are so ensconced in lies they literally have to practice several times in order to find a way out of the maze to stay out of prison when the truth is discovered outside 'the family.'
High on my Bucket List.
The day I hear the White House Press ask about the deterioration of unions and the Middle Class. Why don't the unions have a press person in the room?
President Obama gave a great news conference on the topics he covered by questions of the press.
I like his new summer suit. He looked nice. I betcha he bought it on vacation. I wasn't crazy about the tie. The tie may have some sentimental value but tan and gray came across as bland.
I would encourage the President to bring an agenda to speak about as well as answering questions because not one of the journalists asked about Ferguson. The truth is FOX is simply hammering away at Attorney General Holder for every reason under the sun including the death of Michael Brown, Jr.
I have the support of "The Greats" on that topic.
August 28, 2014
By Erik Wemple
Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert (click here) hardly replicated the grand critique of Fox News mustered on Tuesday night by colleague Jon Stewart, but on his show last night he took a swing or two....
I appreciate and thank President Obama in his incremental approach to the activities of the USA military when confronting possible engagement. It is appreciated to have the tone of the country considered when approaching these subjects.
I think President Obama is spot on when it comes to the Middle East and regional involvement. His current assessment regarding Ukraine is conservative and correct. I also believe he is correct in regard to NATO. The region unfortunately is coming into play because of bizarre Russian politics and priorities. Oh, well.
I found it unfortunate war dominated the entire news conference. There is a country called the USA, too.
I would encourage the President to bring an agenda to speak about as well as answering questions because not one of the journalists asked about Ferguson. The truth is FOX is simply hammering away at Attorney General Holder for every reason under the sun including the death of Michael Brown, Jr.
I have the support of "The Greats" on that topic.
August 28, 2014
By Erik Wemple
Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert (click here) hardly replicated the grand critique of Fox News mustered on Tuesday night by colleague Jon Stewart, but on his show last night he took a swing or two....
I appreciate and thank President Obama in his incremental approach to the activities of the USA military when confronting possible engagement. It is appreciated to have the tone of the country considered when approaching these subjects.
I think President Obama is spot on when it comes to the Middle East and regional involvement. His current assessment regarding Ukraine is conservative and correct. I also believe he is correct in regard to NATO. The region unfortunately is coming into play because of bizarre Russian politics and priorities. Oh, well.
I found it unfortunate war dominated the entire news conference. There is a country called the USA, too.
Moscow doesn't have control of it's troops? Then this must be the Russian version of ISIS then?
August 28, 2014
Heather Saul, Independent
...Poroshenko's statement (click here) came as the pro-Russian separatist leader Alexander Zakharchenko claimed former and serving Russian soldiers on leave from their posts are fighting Ukrainian troops alongside the rebels.
The rebel leader told Russian state television station: "Among us are fighting serving soldiers, who would rather take their vacation not on a beach but with us, among brothers, who are fighting for their freedom."
He estimated between 3,000 and 4,000 Russians have joined fighting, but insisted they did so voluntarily and not on Moscow's orders....
That is a blatant lie and Ukraine needs to assess it's ability to withstand a Russian invasion into the country and then take to the people of Ukraine. Tell them what has happened to their democracy since the annexation of Crimea. There is no sense to the continued loss of Ukrainian lives in cities completely unprepared for such violence.
The next stop for the Russians, NATO.
There are no more international boundaries for Russia. There are no more international affiliations other than it's economic/military union. If one looks at the so called economic union Russia is attempting to achieve there is a rich supply of recruits.
August 22, 2014
Sergei Guriyev, (click here) former dean of the prestigious New Economics School in Moscow, and now a professor at Instituts d'etudes Politiques (Sciences Po) in Paris, left Russia in 2013 amid a crackdown on liberal intellectuals critical of the Kremlin's authoritarianism....
There is no mistaking the movement of Russia to it's former methodology when the Ruble had no value.
...These predictions were taken into account by the Russian government in the past and that is why the Russian government in the last 20 years integrated into the global economy and chose policies [different] from protectionism and autarky that were pursued by the Soviet government. And that has actually been one of the important factors behind growth of the Russian economy and growth in consumption, and therefore the raising of living standards, which, in turn, actually contributed to rising support for the Russian government among ordinary Russians, who enjoyed this prosperity and growth of consumption and living standards....
Russian can close it's borders to any imports and/or exports and live with the Ruble by also controlling costs to both consumers and producers. That will result in discontent within the country again and the political dynamic will begin to escalate, but, there is always oppression, propaganda and "Death to those that would destroy any preservation of Russian Speaking People." I believe that is the direction Russia is headed and any word otherwise is simply buying time to prepare for an inevitable war for expansionism.
Expansion is the only method left to improve the life of Russians and contain discontent as it grows. There is a reason why the Russian Olympic games reminded the world so much of past expansionist regimes when Crimea was annexed. These are not the good days in Russia, they are the days of preparation to return to old methods.
Professor Guriyek helped develop the basis of the Russian Economic Union which is properly called the Eurasian Economic Union. He was threatened with his life. It didn't have to be written in words, but, the assault on his practices within the academic community was as good as a tombstone. It was just that Putin could NOT cause carnage to expand his timeline to assault against The West.
Professor Guriyek is correct in his statements about the end of profitability of the Russia economy and the silly ideas Putin has in administering sanctions. Russia is not The West. The West is diverse. It won't take any time at all, perhaps one growing season, for Europe, the USA, Mexico, South America or India to begin to purchase the excess Polish apples. Russia's sanctions are basically meaningless. Putin is victimizing his own people and his greatest enemy now is discontent. There are limited ways he can over come that and none of his options are pretty.
It is time for the Ukraine people to move away from ANY chance of danger. What was once unthinkable as an outcome to a community of 12,000 people without arms to such intentions is now within the gun sites of Russian troops. The Russian troops have already committed crimes against humanity. There is nothing to say they won't continue to do the same. The Ukraine people need to realize that. While President Poroshenko's willingness to seek peace is at the heart of every Ukrainian, there needs to be a reality check to it's possible failure and the peril of the citizens.
Heather Saul, Independent
...Poroshenko's statement (click here) came as the pro-Russian separatist leader Alexander Zakharchenko claimed former and serving Russian soldiers on leave from their posts are fighting Ukrainian troops alongside the rebels.
The rebel leader told Russian state television station: "Among us are fighting serving soldiers, who would rather take their vacation not on a beach but with us, among brothers, who are fighting for their freedom."
He estimated between 3,000 and 4,000 Russians have joined fighting, but insisted they did so voluntarily and not on Moscow's orders....
That is a blatant lie and Ukraine needs to assess it's ability to withstand a Russian invasion into the country and then take to the people of Ukraine. Tell them what has happened to their democracy since the annexation of Crimea. There is no sense to the continued loss of Ukrainian lives in cities completely unprepared for such violence.
The next stop for the Russians, NATO.
There are no more international boundaries for Russia. There are no more international affiliations other than it's economic/military union. If one looks at the so called economic union Russia is attempting to achieve there is a rich supply of recruits.
August 22, 2014
Sergei Guriyev, (click here) former dean of the prestigious New Economics School in Moscow, and now a professor at Instituts d'etudes Politiques (Sciences Po) in Paris, left Russia in 2013 amid a crackdown on liberal intellectuals critical of the Kremlin's authoritarianism....
There is no mistaking the movement of Russia to it's former methodology when the Ruble had no value.
...These predictions were taken into account by the Russian government in the past and that is why the Russian government in the last 20 years integrated into the global economy and chose policies [different] from protectionism and autarky that were pursued by the Soviet government. And that has actually been one of the important factors behind growth of the Russian economy and growth in consumption, and therefore the raising of living standards, which, in turn, actually contributed to rising support for the Russian government among ordinary Russians, who enjoyed this prosperity and growth of consumption and living standards....
Russian can close it's borders to any imports and/or exports and live with the Ruble by also controlling costs to both consumers and producers. That will result in discontent within the country again and the political dynamic will begin to escalate, but, there is always oppression, propaganda and "Death to those that would destroy any preservation of Russian Speaking People." I believe that is the direction Russia is headed and any word otherwise is simply buying time to prepare for an inevitable war for expansionism.
Expansion is the only method left to improve the life of Russians and contain discontent as it grows. There is a reason why the Russian Olympic games reminded the world so much of past expansionist regimes when Crimea was annexed. These are not the good days in Russia, they are the days of preparation to return to old methods.
Professor Guriyek helped develop the basis of the Russian Economic Union which is properly called the Eurasian Economic Union. He was threatened with his life. It didn't have to be written in words, but, the assault on his practices within the academic community was as good as a tombstone. It was just that Putin could NOT cause carnage to expand his timeline to assault against The West.
Professor Guriyek is correct in his statements about the end of profitability of the Russia economy and the silly ideas Putin has in administering sanctions. Russia is not The West. The West is diverse. It won't take any time at all, perhaps one growing season, for Europe, the USA, Mexico, South America or India to begin to purchase the excess Polish apples. Russia's sanctions are basically meaningless. Putin is victimizing his own people and his greatest enemy now is discontent. There are limited ways he can over come that and none of his options are pretty.
It is time for the Ukraine people to move away from ANY chance of danger. What was once unthinkable as an outcome to a community of 12,000 people without arms to such intentions is now within the gun sites of Russian troops. The Russian troops have already committed crimes against humanity. There is nothing to say they won't continue to do the same. The Ukraine people need to realize that. While President Poroshenko's willingness to seek peace is at the heart of every Ukrainian, there needs to be a reality check to it's possible failure and the peril of the citizens.
The States that care about the lives and the quality of life of their children have a challenge before them.
My "Bucket List" includes never finding an Uzi anywhere inside the borders of the USA. It is a benign wish.
The wish of a child to fire an Uzi is not a benign wish. The gun industry has the problem. Their product is not benign within a democracy. It's product brings harm to others with values very different than the national value of domestic peace.
How much danger does a society ALLOW to exist within it's borders and as the population of the USA increases how realistic is it to continue the values of violent bucket lists as if benign to the outcomes of our families?
The gun industry through politicking has been exonerated from responsibility for it's products and distribution. It is time that changes.
Was tobacco within our borders benign? Well, then.
The wish of a child to fire an Uzi is not a benign wish. The gun industry has the problem. Their product is not benign within a democracy. It's product brings harm to others with values very different than the national value of domestic peace.
How much danger does a society ALLOW to exist within it's borders and as the population of the USA increases how realistic is it to continue the values of violent bucket lists as if benign to the outcomes of our families?
The gun industry through politicking has been exonerated from responsibility for it's products and distribution. It is time that changes.
Was tobacco within our borders benign? Well, then.
It is completely bizarre for the professionals in the USA to seek answers for violence among our young people only to have it destroyed by profiteers.
- Firing a gun is not a religious directive. I think most every American would agree with that, although the political right wing and the NRA would like it to be a religious edict.
In the Middle East the USA has made investments with countries such as Saudi Arabia to help rehab madrasas (click here) after 911. Yet within the borders of the USA there are absolutely no guidelines for children and violence while profiteers crank out violence into their lives.
- Developmental trajectories toward violence in middle childhood: Course, demographic differences, and response to school-based intervention.Aber, J. Lawrence; Brown, Joshua L.; Jones, Stephanie M.Developmental Psychology, Vol 39(2), Mar 2003, 324-348. doi: 10.1037/0012-1649.39.2.324
- Investigated (a) (click here) the course of developmental trajectories toward violence over middle childhood, (b) whether and how the course of these trajectories differed by demographic subgroups of children, and (c) how responsive these trajectories were to a universal, school-based preventive intervention. Four waves of data on features of children's social-emotional development known to forecast aggression/violence were collected over 2 yrs for a highly representative sample of 1st to 6th grade children from New York City public elementary schools (N=11,160). Using hierarchical linear modeling techniques, synthetic growth curves were estimated for the entire sample and were conditioned on child demographic characteristics (gender, family economic resources, race/ethnicity) and amount of exposure to components of the preventive intervention. Three patterns of growth--positive linear, late acceleration, and gradual deceleration--characterized the children's trajectories, and these trajectories varied meaningfully by child demographic characteristics. Children whose teachers taught a high number of lessons in the conflict resolution curriculum demonstrated positive changes in their social-emotional developmental trajectories and deflections from a path toward future aggression and violence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved)
If the USA can stand in judgement of Middle East madrasas while allowing it's children to be exposed to the same violence, but, this time for profit; who indeed has the real problem?
August 28, 2014
By News 21
August 28, 2014
By News 21
For every U.S. soldier (click here) killed in Afghanistan during 11 years of war, at least 13 children were shot and killed in America.
More than 450 kids didn’t make it to kindergarten.
Another 2,700 or more were killed by a firearm before they could sit behind the wheel of a car....
...“It’s an unacceptable number and it should be regardless of where you stand on gun-owning ideology,” said Colette Martin, a member of Parents Against Gun Violence. “The numbers are that high and we are as a country ignoring them.”...
The answer to protecting our children and our society from this level of gun violence is not about teaching them how to shoot a gun; it is preventing them from being exposed to the availability of guns and commercial exploitation of them and their parents.
In the case of Sandy Hook, a young man with emotional problems found his only reward in violence. He became an expert when he believed he was not an expert in anything else. He and his late mother were victims of politicized violence in our society. He should have never been exposed to violence and the potential to allow it into the lives of 26 families.
This country allowed Adam Lanza and his mother to make very bad choices for the sake of profits to gun manufacturers. What occurred in Arizona with a nine year old child is simply more of the same.
...“It’s an unacceptable number and it should be regardless of where you stand on gun-owning ideology,” said Colette Martin, a member of Parents Against Gun Violence. “The numbers are that high and we are as a country ignoring them.”...
The answer to protecting our children and our society from this level of gun violence is not about teaching them how to shoot a gun; it is preventing them from being exposed to the availability of guns and commercial exploitation of them and their parents.
In the case of Sandy Hook, a young man with emotional problems found his only reward in violence. He became an expert when he believed he was not an expert in anything else. He and his late mother were victims of politicized violence in our society. He should have never been exposed to violence and the potential to allow it into the lives of 26 families.
This country allowed Adam Lanza and his mother to make very bad choices for the sake of profits to gun manufacturers. What occurred in Arizona with a nine year old child is simply more of the same.
This killing is not an isolated incident and is a larger subject than the mechanics of gun use.
The NRA Women account—sponsored by Smith & Wesson—has since taken down the tweet. (click here)
Like I said, it is a sick, perverted aspect to our society.
Gun profiteers desperately want to break this death down into the mechanics of the gun and it's BEST use to educate children. That is not a topic that carries brevity. Every gun range operator speaking about this subject says the reason they allow children within their range is due to income. Alienate the children and cut into profits. Children are being used as a market source. Think McDonalds. Why not put up a paint ball range instead of a playground at your favorite gun range that caters to children. It is sick. No different than movies that feature children killing children. What is the purpose of any child receiving orientation to firing a gun and what possibly could be the goal in firing an automatic weapon that is not even on the market anymore.
These automatic weapons are expensive because they are rare. So, next to buying one the gun ranges have created a novelty in firing the automatic weapons at their gun range. PROFITS. This is about profits when in fact the people participating can't even purchase one.
Guns are not novelties. The gun ranges are not even providing instruction that matters. This is entirely inappropriate.
These automatic weapons are expensive because they are rare. So, next to buying one the gun ranges have created a novelty in firing the automatic weapons at their gun range. PROFITS. This is about profits when in fact the people participating can't even purchase one.
Guns are not novelties. The gun ranges are not even providing instruction that matters. This is entirely inappropriate.
Burger King is evading taxes. Just because it is a logical investment doesn't mean it isn't inversion. A side effect of a good investment should not be unethical or illegal.
By the way, burdening the USA with a high carbon emission reality is a hugely unethical industry. It is no different the entire of the right wing Wall Street politicians, most of not all their backers are unethical in their investments and PERMISSION to continue same for the sake of profits to convert to campaign funding.
The NRA doesn't peddle just hunting, they peddle high gun content to the USA society. That is unethical as well as deadly.
The morality that dictates unethical content in a society is lost to profiteers that have perverted that morality in the USA.
A society's morality and ethical content isn't set by religious content. Using only religious standards as a moral basis for society ultimately victimizes aspects of any society. Religion can govern, but, it governs with victimization and isolation of citizens.
The ideology of the political right wing in the USA is not just unethical, it is asinine. It completely rejects the very constitution and it's subsequent laws that allowed it's existence in the first place. The problem for the right wing is obvious as to their aspirations for the November elections, in that they don't hold a majority to CONVERT the USA within the power of majority to a theology.
The political right wing is completely committed to destroying the USA as we know it in order to instill a theology as well as a banquet for right wing Wall Street and ultimate failure of this democracy.
There are asinine. There is no other word.
“In order to understand, I destroyed myself.”
― Fernando Pessoa
An entire country has to destroy itself in order to realize it's former value? Asinine.
The USA was a country leading into the future, now it is a captive of Wall Streets entrails, ie: Koch, NRA, etc. The greed component alone should tell the people of the USA what they are dealing with. Is Koch making THEIR WEALTH available to stock investors? No, then why lend the country to their exploitation? Jobs? Yeah, sure, jobs that cause disease with companies that don't provide the best health care to their employees. It is chronic stupidity because JOBS, any job is better than a good paying job. BAN UNIONS, it costs jobs.
The post boy for the asinine. Jobs means destroying unions, BUT, send soldiers to the Middle East forever.
Why is that asinine?
Because it destroys the federal and state tax base while increasing it's spending.
Why is that asinine?
Because it destroys the Middle Class while increasing the working poor and the answer by GOVERNING AUTHORITY is to provide incentives to work by eliminating social supports to the poor in food stamps and Medicaid.
Why is that asinine?
Because eliminating social supports to the poor casts them forever into poverty when schools are all privatized and out of the reach of the majority of citizens.
Why is that asinine?
Because the brain trust of the USA will be lost and will result in the USA becoming a Third World country and no better than Idi Amin in Uganda. He rejected The West's influence in his country in order to align with the communists. Amin was the wealth of the country and the people lived in poverty.
But, of course, the right wing has the best answers for the USA in destroying the country in order to understand it.
That is asinine.
By the way, burdening the USA with a high carbon emission reality is a hugely unethical industry. It is no different the entire of the right wing Wall Street politicians, most of not all their backers are unethical in their investments and PERMISSION to continue same for the sake of profits to convert to campaign funding.
The NRA doesn't peddle just hunting, they peddle high gun content to the USA society. That is unethical as well as deadly.
The morality that dictates unethical content in a society is lost to profiteers that have perverted that morality in the USA.
A society's morality and ethical content isn't set by religious content. Using only religious standards as a moral basis for society ultimately victimizes aspects of any society. Religion can govern, but, it governs with victimization and isolation of citizens.
The ideology of the political right wing in the USA is not just unethical, it is asinine. It completely rejects the very constitution and it's subsequent laws that allowed it's existence in the first place. The problem for the right wing is obvious as to their aspirations for the November elections, in that they don't hold a majority to CONVERT the USA within the power of majority to a theology.
The political right wing is completely committed to destroying the USA as we know it in order to instill a theology as well as a banquet for right wing Wall Street and ultimate failure of this democracy.
There are asinine. There is no other word.
“In order to understand, I destroyed myself.”
― Fernando Pessoa
An entire country has to destroy itself in order to realize it's former value? Asinine.
The USA was a country leading into the future, now it is a captive of Wall Streets entrails, ie: Koch, NRA, etc. The greed component alone should tell the people of the USA what they are dealing with. Is Koch making THEIR WEALTH available to stock investors? No, then why lend the country to their exploitation? Jobs? Yeah, sure, jobs that cause disease with companies that don't provide the best health care to their employees. It is chronic stupidity because JOBS, any job is better than a good paying job. BAN UNIONS, it costs jobs.
The post boy for the asinine. Jobs means destroying unions, BUT, send soldiers to the Middle East forever. Why is that asinine?
Because it destroys the federal and state tax base while increasing it's spending.
Why is that asinine?
Because it destroys the Middle Class while increasing the working poor and the answer by GOVERNING AUTHORITY is to provide incentives to work by eliminating social supports to the poor in food stamps and Medicaid.
Why is that asinine?
Because eliminating social supports to the poor casts them forever into poverty when schools are all privatized and out of the reach of the majority of citizens.
Why is that asinine?
Because the brain trust of the USA will be lost and will result in the USA becoming a Third World country and no better than Idi Amin in Uganda. He rejected The West's influence in his country in order to align with the communists. Amin was the wealth of the country and the people lived in poverty.
But, of course, the right wing has the best answers for the USA in destroying the country in order to understand it.
That is asinine.
Children rely on parents to insure their safety and the response is? "Here kid learn to defend yourself."
There are no responsible gun owners if they back children being indoctrinated into violence. The children think it is simply another lesson as if their teachers in school.
Guns are violence. I don't care if one is shooting pheasants or are carried for personal protection; the context is violence. Children don't need those lessons they will find out about it when they are adults. It is like teaching a 9 year old about sexual content and pregnancy. The right wing objects to sex education, but, being indoctrinated to guns is the best thing for them. IT IS A SICK ASPECT OF OUR SOCIETY!
Children have rights, albeit limited. They have a right to feel and be safe. Being exposed to guns as child is to tell them they are not safe and they need appendages other than their own to be safe. There is no sport in shooting a weapon as a child. It is a lesson to learn to carry through life. That is not sport.
Guns are life and death be it human or otherwise and it is an adult issue.
Guns are violence. I don't care if one is shooting pheasants or are carried for personal protection; the context is violence. Children don't need those lessons they will find out about it when they are adults. It is like teaching a 9 year old about sexual content and pregnancy. The right wing objects to sex education, but, being indoctrinated to guns is the best thing for them. IT IS A SICK ASPECT OF OUR SOCIETY!
Children have rights, albeit limited. They have a right to feel and be safe. Being exposed to guns as child is to tell them they are not safe and they need appendages other than their own to be safe. There is no sport in shooting a weapon as a child. It is a lesson to learn to carry through life. That is not sport.
Guns are life and death be it human or otherwise and it is an adult issue.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)