Reform

For those who may not be paying attention to such matters, the following: the Republican Party is NOT the party of REFORM. They are the party of Corruption and Abuse of Power. Missed the Bushit spewed yesterday? Bush claims he has the right to spy on Americans without a warrant. Speaking of official mendacity, the present AG, Mr. Gonzalez has said that Bush has a inherent right to spy on us under the constitution. Oh, by the way, spying on Americans will now be called, by Bushco, "Terrorist Surveillance Program."

General Payden has made it known that he knows the Fourth Amendment and by god Bush is good to go with his spying on U.S. citizens via that Amendment. Is that right? I mean, General Payden said so. And, why would he say that if it weren't true. After all, he's a General in the U.S. Air Force. Uhhh...well...let's just go back and read it, just in case we can't quite remember the whole thing from college, or high school, or wherever.

Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Let's see here. Bush has the right to spy on U.S. citizens because the 4th Amendment says he does. Thus spake the good and true general. However, there is just this one little item, "...upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation,...would that mean get a goddawm warrant? Sure looks like it to me. Perhaps the general should go back and read that part again. It doesn't say whenever the fuck you want to, and for whatever trumped up reason you claim. Bush claims that these are new circumstances requiring new tactics. Let's just take a little trip down memory lane, shall we. Founding Father's...British marching on the capital with intent to burn it down and hang the traitors therein. Might be a pretty good reason, according to Bushco, to spy on citizens to protect the country. Nope. Not here. They left the Fourth Amendment intact. Hmmmm.

Nixon tried this tactic in the 70's. Claimed he was trying to protect the country from those commie, pinko, fags. It was Bushit then, it's Bushit now. There is no reason to spy on citizens of the U.S. without a warrant.

In its battle against Islamic terrorists, the federal government may need reminding that the enemy is not us.

Lobbying

There is a lot of discussion in DC about lobbying and the reforms necessary to bring it under control. Before our stat's let's just make this clear. The problem we have at present is a Republican problem. It is not a Democrat problem. Jack .....off and company passed out money to the Republican Party. From 2001 - 2004 they gave all of their money to the Republican Party. They gave none to the Democratic Party. Got that? They gave none, during that period to the Democratic Party. The people who are trying to make this a DC problem are trying to smear all with the same pile of shit. This is a Republican Party issue.

Now that we have taken care of that bit of housekeeping, let's move on. With Republicans in control of every facet of government, the number of registered lobbyists in Washington D.C. has more than doubled since the year 2000 to more than 34,750. Any particular reason why? you might wonder. Let's see, the Republican Party favors business over people? And, since that is true, the way to get your share of the business type handouts is to make your case known. Lobbyists.

Since the year 2002, what lobbyists charge has increased by 100%. Just look at your own earnings....I'll wait...now take your 2000 earnings and give them a 100% boost. Does that resemble what has happened to your earnings since 2000? I thought not. Just a question. Why would all of those congress critters and the staff that worked for them be moving into the lobbyist field? Earinings up by 100% over a five year period. Jesus Christ!!!! You don't mean...Doh!!

So now we have the Republican Party attempting to make it appear as if they are going to try and clean the whole mess up. And who do they put in charge of the clean-up? Rick Santorum. Senator Santorum was a major player in making "K" Street the Republican owned & operated mess it is today. He was an architect of this corrupt, criminal group that has stolen the government.

For those who may still be under the illusion that the Republican Party has anything to do with fiscal responsibility, let me just remind you that Federal oulays from 200 - 2004 increased by 30%. That would make it $2.29 Trillion. Their statements that they intended to reduce the government by any means is coming to fruition. They are spending us into non-existence. We may not have to worry about taking care of those less fortunate, because we won't have the capability.

Maybe we can get some of that Lobbyist money to help them out?

Informed

Taken from a Al Gore speech 01/16/06 in which he was quoting James Madison. "The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary,in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny."

Notice anything familiar in there, George? I know, a lot of big words. But, the man was saying that one party (in this case the Republican's) control of the Presidency, Congress, and Supreme Court all at the same time can cause problems for those who would prefer to remain FREE. You might consider the indictment of Scooter and Tom, along with the singing of Jack ....off and Scanlon, and maybe the investigation of Frist as a clue.

Then there is this matter of lying. You see, lot's of people believe you when you speak...unfortunately. That means that we don't have a very informed citizenry. And, as Thomas Jefferson said, "An informed citizenry is the only true repository of the public will." That means that we need people to hear opposing viewpoints. Seems harsh I know. That means there is a need for a skeptical press. Not FOX, CNN, NYT, and WAPO. But real journalists who ask tough questions. And then ask tougher follow-up questions forcing those questions to be answered.

Quoting John Locke, "All just power is derived from the consent of the governed." He certainly meant the informed governed.

From Gavin Menzies.
Bush: Look, Dick, there's a message in my Alpha Bits. It says "Oooooo."
Cheney: George, those are Cheerios.

Some Quotes

Not quite sure why, but I keep running into people who just cannot help but tell me all about how religious they are. When I ask them how they voted in the last election, they tell me Republican. So, I thought I might just jot down here a couple of quotes from people who believe, at least in part, what they believe and show them what these reputed people might have to say about how they act and re-act, politically.

Doug Smith, citizen. "Too many people are willing to die to wage war, too few are willing to die for peace."

George Washington, 1st President, US. This is taken from a speech. "For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection, should demean themsevles as good citizens."

Rabbi Hillel, 30-90 B.C. "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I? And if not now, when?"

Isaiah, Author. " Woe be to you legislators of infamous laws...who refuse justice to the unfortunate, who cheat the poor among my people of their rights, who make widows their prey and rob the orphan."

And lest you should believe that all of those folks carrying the Bush banner are on your side. This e-mail between two very highly (at the time) respected lobbyists working with/for the Republican Party. {Scanlon to Abramoff} "The wackos get their information through the Christian Right, Christian Radio, mail, the internet and telephone trees...Simply put, we want to bring out the wackos to vote against something and make sure the rest of the public lets the whole thing slip past them."

Makes you all warm and fuzzy...don't it?

Might want to go back and re-read your philosophy book(s).

Dear Veteran

Just so that you know what will await you, if you make it back to the US alive. A nation so grateful that they display yellow ribbons on their vehicles, saying that they support the troops. The fact that we have cut money to the VA to assist those who will come back maimed and wounded in body or spirit, should in no way be payed attention to. After all, we support the troops. But, times are tough you know. I mean, you should be grateful that we allowed you to serve this nation in containing terrorism...I mean, freeing the people of Iraq. You know, we have to fight them over there so that we don't have to fight them here. But, by god we support our troops.

Oh, and there is this one thing. If you happen to have served 37 years, and have a Bronze Star and Purple Hearts. And decide to serve in Congress and really do something to help your brothers in arms. But you disagree with those in the White House. They (those in the White House) just might "Swift Boat" the hell out of you. You see, you cannot disagree with the White House, so just a precaution here. You may want to look into the cases of Senator John Kerry and Congressman John Murtha for background.

For those familiar, a short story about the treatment of Congressman Murtha. This of course begins with Congressman Murtha standing up in Congress and telling President Bush that the war in Iraq was bullshit and should be ended immediately. The first step by the WH was to call for a strategy to smear the Congressman. Then a news magazine (right wing) aired a story, broadcast and sponsored by the Repbulican National Committee, with a quaote from 1996 by a Harry Fox, who was quoting a John Saylor, former Rep (R-PA), stating that Murtha was "pretending to be a big war hero." It turns out that Mr. Fox had lost the 1974 election for that Congressional seat held by Mr. Murtha. Oh, and it just so happens that Mr. Saylor died in 1973 (thus the election duel in 1974), and Mr. ;Fox is now to infirm to interview. Thus the 1996 quote.

So, just in case you decide to run for public office as a Democrat, you might want to bring you body armor along with you...and a steel jock strap.

Pat

Pat Robertson, that mental giant in the Intelligent Design world, has stepped on his dick again. This time, it concerns Israel. Pat told his audience on the 700 Club that Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's stroke was a divine punishment for "dividing God's land."

Now, I'm not really the one to ask for an opinion on religion of any sort. But, it seems to me, that if you're trying to sell something, you don't make outrageous statements that indicate that you're an idiot to your potential customers. But this guy is one of those who cannot seem to supress his need to spread his stupidity before the entire world.

As you may recall, this guy ran for president on the Republican ticket not to long ago. It should have given all an indication of what was to come further down the road. His occasional gaffes weren't really. They were indeed the way the guy was thinking. When he indicated that those who did not believe (in Christianity) needed to be re-educated, he wasn't kidding. Now we see Intelligent Design, which of course is neither, and efforts by some of his followers to put it into the Science curriculum. Man, did we ever dodge one there. Of course, we got something so much better, the Busheviks.

It would be nice if we could gather up the Robertson's and Cruise's, et.al., and put them in pen to entertain each other with their sheer stupidity. Call it cleaning up airwave pollution.

DeLay aside

CNN is reporting that Tom DeLay will not seek to retain his Majority leadership position in the House of Representatives. Seems those not caught in the trap are looking for new leadership, saying that the "Culture of Corruption" meme was starting to have effect. Geez, that didn't take too long.

The closer we get to a trial of Abramoff and co, the faster things happen. Beginning with Scanlon turning on Abramoff, now Abramoff turning on the memebers of Congress, and perhaps higher, we are seeing money being shipped out (Bush the other day) to charities, etc to try and distance themselves.

Maybe it's just me, but there is a beauty to symmetry. For the last few years, the Republicans have held power in all three branches of government. As has often been said about total power and corruption, it makes a hell'uva mess. And, here we have the first branch beginning to break. Perhaps this will once again bring some sanity to the governance of this country.

'06 To Go

And, their off. We are expecting some news of interest concerning Jack Abramoff and all of his connections this week. While we know that their will be many familiar names involved, it will be interesting to see just how far his nasty little net was cast. It would be great to believe that once it all comes down and is settled, that all will have learned their lessons and we would'nt face this kind of thing again. Alas!! Such is not likely to be the case.

Scalito will, beginning next week, face those who would decide his fate...judicially speaking. One can but wonder how this little parade will fare. It could be that he will have more rain on his parade than the Rose Bowl Parade just passed. Lots of speculation from across the spectrum. However, what I have been able to glean finds him more in favor of corporate rights than human rights. We shall see.

Am just now seeing a "News Flash" stating that Jack Abramoff will plead guilty and cooperate with prosecutors. Since we know that the wailing and gnashing of teeth has already begun, it will be of interest to see how many start to scurry now. Burns of Montana sent his money back to the organization last month. But, it may be way to late. The stench may already have tainted his sorry ass. Others too have returned contributions, but we may see a flurry in the next few weeks. Or, may not. They may be paralyzed by now. Knowing that their base may be watching much closer than they previously were.

And of course, we will be watching to see how Congress handles the FISA situation. We can certainly hope that they take this seriously and pull the reins in on the Busheviks. We have been drawn down a terrible path, and at this time, they (Congress) are the ones we must depend on. Certainly not the warmest feeling I've had in the last five years.

Let us all decide to make it a better year than last. And to so with a happy heart, and grand resolve.

bravery

I just read a note entitled "Bravery" written, supposedly by a young Marine. Just thought I'd put some old guy into the thing. First, I am one of those that stepped into the breach so that the young man could make such statements, if he did. Second, the reason for stepping into the breach is so that all can speak their minds. That means those that disagree. Third, a young man is more apt than others to be decieved by those who would send him to his death for no good reason. Fourth, one should be wary of those who wrap themselves in the flag. Hitler carried a nation to hell wrapped in a flag.

The war being perpetrated upon the Iraqi, and US, people is a crime. It was brought about by a group that did not have the best interest of the country or world in mind. There is no connection between 9/11 and Iraq. There is NO reason for us to be there. The reason we went to war was to get Bin Laden. He is still alive and well. Al Queda was not in Iraq when we got there. They now drive the politics and agenda in Iraq. Why in the fuck is that young man in Iraq? Who would put him in a position to write such a thing?

Just my guess, but the message was not written by a young Marine, but a political hack trying to score political points. Very sad that such a thing could, or would, be done in the name of a war that we should not be part of. And, in the name of those who stand in the breach for their brethren.

If my supposition is incorrect, I refer to my original statement. Like the writer (maybe) I stood in the breach and earned my right to make up my own mind about whatever subject...and make myself known. Much as the young man is doing now.

Just a thought from Mark Twain: "Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when it deserves it."

Spontaneous Feeling

In her book, entitled "Bait and Switch," Barbara Ehrenreich wrote, "Picking up after a firing and regrouping in a mode of passionate engagement, and doing so time after time-this is a job for a professional actor or for a person who has lost the capacity for spontaneous feeling." Italics are mine.

So, I was just wondering, is that the issue with so many in the corporate world? Lay, Skilling, Scrushy, and Frist come to mind. These people seem devoid of real emotion of any kind. Their loyalty is to the dollar and nothing more. They seem to believe that they are entitled to do as they wish, as long as it makes money...for themselves. As Mr. Lay sat before the House Committee looking into the Enron scandal, his face was devoid of any emotion. Rather like the oil exec's who sat before another House Committee stone faced and pronounced that they had not been involved with VP Cheney in writing the Energy Bill.

It will be interesting to see how these folks react during their upcoming trials. Those who are most accomplished will of course have a religious experience and move from prison to talk radio. But the others, I wonder if they will somewhere down the road have an epiphany, and actually change their thinking. Or, continue down the path they know and re-create the chaos and mayhem they foisted on so many.

Christmas, The Aftermath

Hope everyone had a great Christmas. We surely did. We spent the holiday with our dear friends the Wyma's in Palos Park, ILL (Chicago). The day went just perfectly...if you're looking for a holiday to remember. We had imbibed a little the eve of and when we got up the first and most important issue was coffee and a Bloody Mary. With the first cup of coffee, the dishwasher was turned on. As we all stood in the kitchen contemplating all things perfect, we noticed water running onto the floor from the front of the dishwasher. All sprang to life and the appliance in question was turned off and towels were spread to catch the flow. After a little discussion, the P-traps were loosed and found to be free of debris. That of course meant that places downstream had to opened and sure enough a block was found, and removed. Condensing the operation, down to one line, we were then set for a dinner to rival all others. And, sure enough, David put together a dinner to remember. Filet Mignon, double baked potatoes and bundled esparagus. The butcher had done us a real favor, and the steaks were of the "melt in your mouth" variety. The bundled esparagus was a real treat, though I must admit that the tieing, after cocktails, didn't impress any Boy Scout. However, in the end, they were a hit with all.

For another version of a "Wyma Week-end" we thank you sincerely.

Now we have a couple of weeks to restore our livers and get ready for the next excursion, Washington DC in Jan/Feb.

Christmas Presents

We've had two Christmas presents this year. Ted Stevens and his never ending "drill ANWR" seems to have been done in, at least for this year, by Democrats who have suddenly begun to find their balls. And the Patriot Act has been extended as is for 6 months, so that the two sides can continue to negotiate what is to be done with it.

Next year perhaps we can find an impeachment in our stockings. And, DeLay and Frist in jail. Does one good to dream.

S & K Technologies

Since the arrest of Robert J. Klein Jr last month, I have tried to find out more about him and the company that originally took him to Iraq.

S & K Technologies is a contracting company owned by the Salish & Kootenai tribes located in St. Ignatius, MT. This very small town on the Flathead Indian Reservation, some 40 miles north of Missoula, is not a household name in the world at large. But is quite well known to the Department of Defense.

As a Tribal-Owned corporation with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) as the sole shareholder in the company the two tribes, as sole owners qualifies for the Small Business Administration 8 (a) Program. This program gives the company the ability to offer such things as: a sizeable (unable to quantify) line of credit to fund large contracts; SBA 8 (A) qualified, so that they are not subject to the $3 million limitation on services contracts or the $5 million limitation on supply (manufacturing contracts); the ability to establish more than one 8 (a) firm, if Tribally-Owned; the ability to joint venture with other firms, while size standards for sole-source contracts don't applysince they are Tribally-Owned; participation on the Board of Directors is not restricted.

The second program that is avaiable to the firm is the SBA Hubzone Program. This program provides federal contracting opportunities to firms located in "historically under utilized business (HUB) zones." HUBZONE contracts can be awarded on a sole source or competitive basis.

Pause. The 8 (a) program is divided into two pahses over nine years. A four-year development stage and a five-year transition stage. So my first question is, how does the firm qualify for 8 (a) assistance in 2003? You see, there were government contracts awarded under 8 (a) for Iraq to S & K Technologies in 2003. If my math is correct, 2003 would be 18 years from the time of incorporation, or 9 years past the time when the program would be applicable.

In 2003 Robert J. Stein Jr. was sent as an Administrative Support employee of S & K Technologies to Iraq as a contractor. He was "outprocessed" in October of 2004. He was then hired by the American Occupation Authorities as a comptroller and financial officer. He was then subsequently arrested in the fall of 2005 for bribery and kickback schemes. On the S & K Technologies website, they claim the following: We've earned an outstanding reputation by maintaining the highest ethical standards and professional integrity. Mr. Stein was a felon at the time of his hiring by the firm. It may be that Mr. Stein was squeaky clean during his time with S & K, and only returned to his felon ways when he went to work for the government. However, that claim would be dubious.

Back to S & K Technologies in Montana. They have the HQ in St. Ignatius, MT, an IT group in Bremerton, WA, and Aerospace in Webster, TX, Warner Robbins, GA and Dayton, OH. And of course, an office in Washington D.C. Remember that they can form more than one firm or form joint ventures without penalty under the 8 (a) program. Of the contracts mentioned that were let in 2003, one is worth just less than $5 million, while another is worth $27 million. And what kind of operations are we talking about? Some are communications. However, one involves the EC-130H Compass Call Aircraft. This is a modified Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft configured to perform tactical command, control and communication countermeasures or C3CM, used for jamming enemy communications.

So, our little firm on the Flathead Reservation now has arms across the nation and is doing maitainance on Air Force aircraft. And they can be given no-bid contracts due to the 8 (a) status. Where else then do we find this outfit working? On their client list we find the USAF, the Saudi Royal AF, NASA, Dept. of AG, the Coast Guard, GSA, EPA, and FAA. Not a bad client list.

My second question. If no one knows about this firm, and they stay out of the limelight, can it be that they are exploiting the system? And, is the government exploiting the fact that they are covered by 8 (a), to let no-bid contracts?

Right now we don't know the answers. But, Mr Stein will come to court during the next year and it will be of considerable interest to see what part S & K Technologies has played in the Iraq saga.

11 Million Illiterates

How in the hell do eleven (11) Million people in the US attain adulthood with the inability to read? I've heard lots of discussion about the failure of schools and teachers and parents and...who or what the hell ever, but that statistic actually surprises me. That number means that all of those 11 million people were allowed to move through however many grades and not one teacher noticed, or gave a fat rats ass whether they learned to read or no. The school or schools that they attended took tax money and absolutely, positively and catastrophically failed them. The rest of us, the tax payers, allowed that to happen. We obviously do not demand that schools actually educate their charges. We don't demand that our money be spent wisely and judiciosly.

What do we do about that problem? How do we go about making sure that we get our money's worth from the system? Who is it that must be held accountable for such things as sending finished product into the world with an obvious defect?

It occurs to me that a taxpayers union might be one idea. Have people actually watching schools and holding them accountable to obvious, basic metrics. Such as, the ability to read, write a sentence, and how to do basic math. Seems simple enough on it's face, but obviously it is much more difficult. Because 11 million adults can't accomplish those tasks.

Perhaps if we spent more time working on that issue, rather than whether someone is saying Merry Christmas we might get a better outcome. Or, maybe if we took the money that is being poked down the warhole that is Iraq and put it to use paying teachers what the job is worth. Perhaps hire enough of them to accomplish the task and provide the materials necessary. We might come up with a system that can teach everyone who enters their doors to read. Seems like a worthwhile project to me.

Heavy Heart

Tonight I have a heavy heart. It's not about family. All of them are safe at home with their loved ones. All to old or to young to be a part of Bush's war in Iraq. It's not about friends. All of them are safe and sound also. It's Christmas time, my favorite holiday season of the year. Terri and I are going to spend Christmas in Chicago with our long time friends the Wyma's.

So, what you might wonder would cause me to have a heavy heart? My answer is actually quite simple. It is the last night in the life of Stanley Williams. Williams is to murdered by the state of California at 0001 hours, 12/13/05. Since everyone knows the story, I will spare us all the details. But, tonight I have a heavy heart.

Merry Christmas to all of the Christians in the world. Thou Shalt not kill...indeed.

Christmas

Now hear this!! All of you fucking idiots screaming about how the lack of the word Christmas is somehow taking the meaning out of the season. Since you're obviously illiterate, let's do a quick fix of your knowledge base. The "Season" is based on an event going back a very long time. Like since the time the earth was able to sustain seasons. It's called Solstice. It was co-opted by the Christians as a significant time for a festival.

If you take the time to speak to a scholar, (a scholar will be someone who can actually read and understand the book you claim to know all about) he/she will tell you that the guy you're claiming as a Savior was probably more likely born in the March/April time frame. There goes your Jesus Birthday bullshit scheme right at it's core.

Since most of this crying and wailing is done by people trying to sell something, (religion) or Christiban, let me just clue you into something. There are a lot of us who don't give a rat's ass about your fucking illiterate claims or your whining. Since we know that you will spend more than we will for presents for this occaison, and will drag out the same old tired shit next year. After all...it comes around every year. Check your calendar for Winter Solstice.

Now SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!!!!!

Fly

I've watched this for a couple of days wondering what the hell was going to happen. Condi Rice went to Europe to try and make nice concerning the flights of terrorists in and out of EU airspace and the possible CIA prisons in a couple (or more) of the EU nations. Suddenly, last night, we see that EU officials say Condi Rice cleared concerns over US policy. I'd love to have been a fly on the wall during that enlightening process.

At the same time, the Law Lords (think Supreme Court US) in England made it known that information gathered using torture would not be allowed. And, that it had been established in England for many hundreds of years. That makes one wonder how the US SCOTUS will handle the question when it comes up. We can sure as hell hope it comes up. In light of the CIA questions being asked, it's hard to imagine that it won't.

My question is:what the hell did that woman say to those EU officials that they would suddenly take her word for anything? She is a known prevaricator inside a regime that has no use for the truth or for facts. Hopefully, a reliable source will spill the proceedings to someone in the press...the Europeans press, since the US press hasn't the guts for that sort of thing. And, certainly doesn't have the will to actually ask questions.

Poorest Populations in the U.S.

According to the newest data from the Census Bureau, roughly 12.5% of the U.S. population is living in poverty. This in the richest nation in the world.

Lest you should think otherwise, children under 18 represent 17.6%.

This data is from 2003, the latest year for which Census data is available. A toltal of between 35.2 and 36.5 million people fell under the poverty threshold. Poverty threshold for a single person was $9,393 or less. For a family of four, that amounts to $18,660. This isn't a lack of HDTV. This is grinding povery.

So what states house the highest percentages of poor residents relative to the state's total population you ask? Mississippi (18.3), Louisiana (18.1%), New Mexico (17.7%), West Virginia (16.3%), and Texas (16.2%).

So, let's see what we have going here. The upper 1% of earner's in the U.S. need a tax break. We pay Wal-Mart (incentives they're called) to build their gulags throughout the country. And, of course we have the Bushco debacle (2 Billion per month) in Iraq.

With 12.5% of the U.S. population living in poverty, that seems more like a crime wave than good governance. The religious crap they peddle is terrific for the ignorant. But as anyone who has ever participated in that business can attest, one of the tenets of christianity is to take care of the least among us. Kinda sounds like Bushit to me.

Noise Pollution

Taken from a post at www.thestar.com.

A study done by Charite University Medical Centre in Berlin studdied 2,000 heart attack victims. What it revealed is that excessive environmental noise (think airplanes, jack hammers, Bushco) increases heart attacks by 50% in men and 300% in women. Studies have previously linked excessive noise to high blood pressure, heart disease, and cognitive/learning difficulties. Noise kills.

In 1969, Dr. William Stewart, former U.S. Surgeon General, state, "Calling noise a nuisance is like calling smog an inconvenience." And, the EU has established noise as a public-health menace equal to or greater than the problem of cigarette smoke.

If we know then that noise should be curbed for the sake of people's health, the only thing that can be lacking is political will. That should be enough to put it on hold for another 50 years or so. So, we can expect to put up with deafening car stereos roaring enghines and outdoor speakers into the forseeable future.

If that is true, then it occurs to me that quiet is an immensely valuable resource. If that is true, and since I live on 5 acres in a remote location, I wonder if there is an approaching market for quiet. Hmmmm

CIFA

CIFA(CounterIntelligence Field Activity) could soon be transformed according to a presidential commission. The office now coordinates Pentagon security efforts including protecting military facilities from attack. The transformation would allow it to investigate crimes within the U.S. such as treason, foreign or terrorist sabotage or even economic espionage. Does anyone see a hole big enough to drive a tank through? Obviously, the sons-of-a-bitch haven't got enough to do with their time. Not a problem that they can't fulfill their goddam mission. Like say...providing the troops with battle armor...or, armored vehicles to assist in thwarting IED's. No, let's waste a little more of the tax payer's money by trying to do the FBI's job. Now hear this you low life, scum suckin', mother fucker's. Their are a lot of us who have done our duty for this nation. And, we are not interested in your low life, pathetic, as usual lowest possible standard interest in our lives. Try, if you can, to protect our children and grandchildren from your wretched and assinine intrusion into Iraq.

From a war veteran, to the sorry excuse for a secretary of defense...you, are a useless piece of humanity. You have no right to be connected with the military in any way. You have no qualification whatsoever. You have done everything you can to denegrate it. So, just do the right thing and resign. Of course, we know that you would never do the right thing, so how about if, just because you are a chicken-shit at heart, you have a heart attack and leave the office quietly?

Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when it deserves it.
Mark Twain

Thanks,
A Real Patriot