Michael Steele - New RNC Chairman

After Mike Duncan oversaw the worst chapter in the Republican History, his term of service at the head of the party has expired. He has been replaced with an innovative individual able to energize the party and get us back on the right track...

Michael Steele was my choice going into the contest, and I support his victory in taking the top spot in the party.

Congratulations, Chairman Steele. You have a tough road ahead! Best of Luck!

Letter from Reader - too good NOT to share

All the credit for this post goes to John B., a local reader and active Republican. When we say it like this, it seems blatantly clear - so obvious that it enrages those of us who actually see the problem. Please Enjoy.

------------
Steve,

Thanks for your email. They are always informative, although not always uplifting.

As I look back over the time frame from 1929 to 1945 I try to analyze the downward spiral and the recovery that followed.

Herbert Hoover did nothing and FDR did not have a plan.

The rise of the military state (the Axis) was fueled by the economic conditions imposed on it after WWI and the depression that followed. Hitler offered hope, as misguide as it was, to the German people.

Our recovery was result of the demand created by WWII. At the end of the war America had the greatest means of production in the world. We took that production to produce both capital and consumer goods, and used our labor to build the infrastructure to support it. Then we not only sold but also gave our industrial production to nations world wide. (the Marshal Plan)

As we sold goods and services we accumulated both power and cash, with this we became a super power! Over time we have allowed our industrial base to move offshore and with it the profit it made.

If America wants to maintain a position of power, we must rebuild that industrial base.

The problem being, whenever you produce a product there is an environmental and social impact that a very vocal well organized minority will not accept. Not only that, but they scream it at you at the top of their lungs every chance they get.

The secret to the solution of the current economic mess is this:
Before you can CONSUME something you have to PRODUCE something!

To do this you have to build.

National wealth and power are the result of one of four activities:
Fishing, Farming, Mining and Manufacturing.

And the collateral activities that are associated with them...

Government needs to get out of the way! It also needs to foster an
environment that both encourages production and maximizes the output of the individual.

What's it going to take to get our elected representatives to realize this or more so the American People?
-----------------------

The answer is simple - the elected officials do not care. They are all preoccupied with their pet projects and favors to friends - as is evidenced by their $800 Billion "payback" to left wing organizations - those who supported their campaigns this election cycle... There is nothing "stimulating" about this bill... and I say it again, it is evidence that the elected officials simply do not care anymore.

The American people care - if they are educated on the issues... unfortunately, in today's society, that is like herding cats, or pushing a wet noodle... As an officer of the County GOP, I can tell you that I was ANGRY over the sheer number of calls I received ON NOVEMBER 5TH from angry voters asking what they could do to help... my initial thought was "hop in a time machine and do the work before the elections"... but I simply smiled, and directed them to our website - or took their information for future volunteerism - or informed them of small groups that meet regularly that may welcome the added support. In a world of distractions and 7 minute attention spans, it is a wonder how anyone can pull themselves out of muck and become an active and informed citizen.

Thank you John for your input and feedback. The thoughtful insight is worthy of recognition by me and the readers of the blog.

On a Positive Note - KIVA.org

A reader and friend here in Colorado informed me that the blog has fallen into a perpetually depressing publication - and that I should at least mention, from time to time, the positive happenings - such as the birth of the neighbor's kittens... Unfortunately, as I told him, Obama's "Pro-Choice" act included Feline Females, and my neighbor's cat regretted her one-night-stand with the stray Tom in the Alley, and subsequently aborted the litter of kittens with help of the Federal Government... Sorry - No Kittens.

Alas - There is always a fall back for a positive and uplifting story - My involvement with KIVA.ORG.

KIVA.ORG is a micro-lending service which provides loans to individuals and groups in troubled countries, in an attempt to spread entrepreneurship and create wealth by funding innovation and dedication. The individual lender is requested to contribute $25 to one loan - which is usually paid back over a one year period (depending on the term of the loan at the other end). The rate of loan default is so low on Kiva, making this pro-active "investment" low risk.

The Kiva loan is completely repaid to the lender, who is free to re-lend to another individual, or withdraw after the loan has been repaid.

I started with 3 loans last year, totalling $75.

The first loan went to Bahtiyer Odilmatov, a Tajik farmer (from Tajikistan) to invest in livestock during the slow months, when prices were reduced. He took an 8 month loan, which has since been repaid in full. After making the loan, I also did some research on the lifestyle of Tajik peoples from the region in which he lives. It was a fulfilling experience, which excited me to engage in a second loan.

The second loan went to a group of women in Uganda, Total 2083(b) Group, who run a business of Charcoal Sales. Now, the selling of charcoal is controversial because it leads to deforestation - however, it is necessary for heating and cooking in the region... more information I was able to learn in further studies of the destination of my loan.

My third loan went to Amal in Lebanon, an investment in her clothing sales operations... Of course, Lebanon is in the conflict ridden middle east - which is why an investment in entrepreneurial activities is so important - it acts as a stabilizing factor... those who have something to lose are less likely to pursue radical or extreme measures.

As the loans have been paid back over time, I have shared the experiences with friends and family, encouraging them to make similar loans - or at least letting them take part by redistributing my funds that have been repaid... giving them some stock in the lives of others.

The mission of KIVA is to change lives in uncertain regions of the world... but at home, the impact of investing - even $25 - is so strong and fulfilling that you cannot help but want to share it with others.

I encourage you to visit Kiva... make a $25 loan... track the success of your investment... and share your experiences with others... you do not need to move mountains to change lives...

Obama to Republicans: Get on Board, or Get Out of the Way

Obama's continual call to "Keep Politics to a Minimum" is already getting under my skin in a bad way! It is the battle cry of the left - when they are the minority party, there is a continual "kumbaya" for bi-partisanship and inclusion of their liberal ideals... Now that they hold a solid majority, there is a deafening roar of "GET ON BOARD!"

Obama's words are intended to slander the conservative values, an attempt to drive home the propaganda that "conservatism has failed - and those ideals are outdated and unwanted in the New America"...

It is the new truth - "Capitalism has failed" and "Conservatism has failed"... lefties are shouting this message from the rooftops... but what they do not understand is that they are cheering in the end of actual liberties... The pendulum in America is farther left than ever before - so much to the point that the structure of America is going to come under undue strain... and it WILL begin to crumble as we gain momentum leftward...

Capitalism, true capitalism, is little more than the freedom to create a good or service and to trade that good or service for a price that a consumer is freely willing to pay. The key word is freedom - the freedom to create and the freedom to equally trade for someone else's creation (or fruits of their creation)

Socialism, true socialism, is little more than labor for the sake of service - labor to normalize (as in to stabilize the economy for nothing more than "the greater good")... labor, not from our wants, but from our abilities - merely to provide for the needs of the many...

Under socialism, there is little room for innovative growth... it is better to keep the bloated car companies producing inferior products and to keep 2 million laborers working than to allow the market to correct itself and follow the innovation and NEW goods or services which may make the quality of life of everyone better... Socialism is the Government Regulation of which industries live, and which industries die.

Capitalism is dead - but not a failed policy... it was strangled by the slow regulation by increased socialist ideology, who eventually claimed that it is the solution to the failed capitalist experiment... using increased propaganda and lies to fool the proletarians into believing that regulations were part of Capitalism... in fact, they were the plaque on the arteries of capitalism...

Capitalism: I created an automotive vehicle - able to transport you from point A to B.
Socialism: You must make you vehicle conform to impossible standards regulated by the govt... and your labor force may have the right to force you to overpay - making your product unmarketable and inferior over time.

Now to tackle the question about Conservatism... Conservatism is not entirely dead - but it is clearly shadowed by the neo-con movement's constant "shadowing" of liberal ideals, with the eventual buckling to the leftward movement in America... true conservatism - paleo conservatism - is the steadfast adherence to the ideals of personal responsibility and personal liberty...

True conservatives believe that not only does a mother have rights over her body, but that an unborn and viable child has rights over it's own life!

True conservatives believe the words and teachings of the founding fathers - that true liberty cannot be achieved under intrusive government.

True conservatives believe that personal responsibility should never be replaced by government social regulation - that morality and faith trump fear from government.

True conservatives believe that a nation is healthy ONLY WHEN the government fears it's people - NOT the other way around...

For Obama to ask Republicans and Conservatives to abandon our principles for little more than what is being described as "a line after line after line of favorite liberal spending programs and it amounts to a big government bill, not a job creation" - well, that is pompous ignorance in the founding principles of this country, ignorance in the importance of debate, and ignorance in leadership. Ultimately, it is a shrill warning that anyone who opposes the New America is in for a battle - in for a struggle - a fight... The left are working tirelessly, led by the words of Obama, to convince Americans that freedom and liberty are only found in big government...

War is Peace; Freedom is Slavery; Ignorance is Strength...

Bush sold the world on "War is Peace" - the farthest left, Big Government President until Obama...

Obama is selling the world on "Freedom is Slavery" - that the free market, free choice, free ideals are nothing more than creations of the "wealthy" or the Capitalist Pigs forcing your labors to make them more wealthy... (unfortunately, we are becoming slaves to the bondage of the government)

Ignorance is Strength... reality TV has solidified the mindless zombie in America... the distraction which makes you FEEL like you are involved in a greater something else - but what is actually happening behind the scenes is that those in control are working to disarm and dominate the peoples of this land...

Resistance is not futile, Mr Obama. I applaud any lawmaker who questions your "bailout" of billions for ACORN, billions for condoms, and billions for other liberal pet projects... Show me where you have that right... and I will show you what rights I have!

Beginning of the End - Iceland Government Dissolves under Economic Pressures

Under intense economic pressures, increased Mid-Eastern turmoil, and general uncertainty regarding "change" around the world, there has been the first of what I see to be many governmental collapses.

According to the Associated Press, the government of Iceland has collapsed.

The world economic downturn led Iceland to banking failures, and an eventual nationalization of the banks - the same proposal being floated by the new American President, Obama. Unemployment has soared, the value of the Krone has plummeted, and commodity prices have skyrocketed - leaving the people of Iceland with no faith in their government - and eventual emergency elections required to begin rebuilding the country.

This comes just a week into Obama's Presidency - a term that is going to be marred with similar occurrences - after intelligence reports indicated that Mexico is on the brink of a Civil War and governmental collapse, the Canadian government was reported in December to be on the verge of collapse, and Obama's Treasury Secretary is at a dangerous risk of inciting retaliation from China on controversial comments regarding currency - causing the US dollar to plummet into obscurity.

What is more troubling on the home front is that Obama is requesting $1 Trillion in "bailout" moneys from Congress - which means removing $1 Trillion from the economy (our pocket books) in order to redistribute elsewhere... of course, if his proposal indicates an additional loan from a foreign investor, it is going to be a tough sell to the American People that taking an additional loan equivalent to 1/10 of our ENTIRE debt from an ideological enemy is a good idea at all. In America, gas prices are on the rise, unemployment is on the rise, and we are witness to rising costs of commodities... There is talk of governmental collapse on the northern and southern borders possibly requiring US military intervention in Mexico... States of the Union are locked in financial crises due to large governments who continue to spend beyond their means, and are appealing to the Federal Government for bail-out, effectively eliminating the sovereignty and personal responsibility... Obama is penning Executive Orders which will put further strain on the ailing auto industry, regarding carbon emissions as enemy number one - though this is scientifically incorrect, as carbon dioxide saturation is already complete and only absorbs heat logarithmically, thus is not the driving cause behind climate change (which occurs NATURALLY) - the earth is about to plummet into a cataclysmic ice age, more on that later... and finally, uncertainty in the United States is leading the citizenry to prepare for the worst, at a time when the government is ready to step in and forcefully interfere with free citizens - creating an atmosphere of unrest and increased tensions...

Ultimately, the collapse of Iceland's government is the modern day equivalent of the canary in the mine shaft... What it indicates is not good - what it means may not necessarily be clear, but the evidence above of the recipe for world governmental collapse seems overwhelming...

Russell Means, Lakotah, Explains Obama's "Final Solution"

Russell Means has created a video further explaining the trouble with a President using the precisely chosen words: "Dissolve the Lines of Tribes"... It is a hint at the "Final Solution" to the "Indian Problem" in America... Scary.

That is that... America has a New President - but, what did he say about tribes?

Listening to the Obama speech after his (late) inauguration, it is clear that he is a smooth talker - though evident that he heavily relies on the teleprompter... I listened very carefully to each and every word - and though I agreed with some and not with others - there was one comment in particular which should stand out as a warning to states, Indian tribes, and territories of America who pride themselves on their individual differences... Obama said:

"The lines of Tribe shall dissolve"

This is the fundamental problem with Obama and the Democrats - they believe that Central Government trumps State, Local, and Tribal governments... there is no lower level sovereignty - only cogs in the machine that make the federal government work.

Let me tell you why it is important that the line of tribe NOT dissolve.

* We are a nation of free individuals who CHOOSE to support a common goal - freedom, peace and prosperity.
* We are a nation who has a government - NOT a government who has a nation.
* We are a collective of individuals representing local differences - regional defining factors - specific needs and wants as a resident of our region and community - not a collective of drones.

The "melting pot" signifies the importance of commonalities as a nation, but it does not indicate the need to dissolve ties to regional needs, regional norms, regional values. To expect rural Kansas to accept the norms of San Francisco is absurd - though we should be able to come together in peace and debate our differences... THAT is the real intent of the government.


I would assume that Obama picked his words very carefully - so why would he specifically mention "tribes" if not for a warning to the Indian Nations that their differences will not be resolved under his administration - and almost as a threat that their nations will be dissolved, and the reservations - the last of the lands promised to their sovereign governments - will vanish like the rest of the once great nations that inhabited these lands.

Let us hope that his words are not "just words" - and that this is not an affront to the Indian Tribes of this land.

The Future Is Now

Hollywood has consistently used the election of a Black President (or a woman) to indicate a future scenario...

* Morgan Freeman is President when the world is threatened by an Extinction Sized Asteroid in the near future of Earth in Deep Impact.

* Dennis Haysbert is the President in the near future terrorist fighting storyline of 24.

* Tom Lister is President in the sci-fi comedy (?) set in a time of flying cars and interstellar conflict - the Fifth Element.

* Terry Crews is President in the horribly idiotic futuristic Idiocracy.

* James Earl Jones is President in The Man, after a series of deaths leaves him as the next in line for the seat.

There is no doubt that Hollywood has been a major player in bringing about the social change in the idea of a Black President, and their efforts are applauded. In a country whose founding documents included a 3/5 clause, it is a milestone for skin color relations to have a President who, at one time, could not live freely in certain parts of this nation.

That being said, according to Hollywood standards, we are now in the Future - and in the future there is nothing but catastrophe, despair, and end-times scenarios... Keep your eyes on the skies in search of asteroids, flying cars, and alien creatures bent on interstellar dominance.

Otherwise - for us non-Hollywood types... just keep your eyes on your wallets! Obama will need to pay for his social programs somehow... and the only drilling he supports is in the pocketbooks of Americans...

Bush elects not to Pardon Ramos and Compean

Ramos and Compean to be freed? Not until March 20th says outgoing President Bush.

In a last ditch effort to save some face, Bush elected not to pardon the gentlemen, rather commute their sentences to a reduced sentence - releasing them on March 20th of 2009.

Bush's efforts simply reflect his lack of enthusiasm in border security, US/Mexico relations, and common sense.

I take that back - Bush has worked on US/Mexico relations... unfortunately every effort has been to benefit the Mexican people and government with little to better serve the United States.

The end of an era, indeed.

End of an Error

Let's face it - Obama is not what put "Conservatism in Exile"... it was Bush. George W. Bush killed true conservatism, and replaced it with the idea of "Neo-Conservatism", where strength of nation is not imagined, it is realized - through war, authoritarianism, and increased "national Intelligence".

I voted for Bush - twice. Once in 2000 as the lesser of two evils (Bush or McCain), and once again in 2004 (where Bush or Kerry didn't offer much more alternative than 4 years prior). This is why I worked extremely hard for Huckabee's campaign in the primaries - with my alternate vote being for Ron Paul. My thought was simple: if we continue to front bad candidates, we truly get more of the same.

This blog was inspired by the latest from the Southern Avenger - and when you are right on, you are right on. His video is here:


Bush almost single handedly is responsible for the implosion of the Republican Party. His increase in spending, larger government, authoritarian, Orwellian, Open Borders, war mongering presidency led me to want to leave the party a number of times (unfortunately alternative conservative parties are extreme and ineffective) - but instead of leaving the party, I chose to get involved, in an attempt to drive home some reform from within our own ranks.

Bush Bashing - not without a purpose... To speak the truth should never be ostracized - though this is now a common tactic within our own party (and society as a whole). Bush may not have been the worst president, but he has been a bad one - bad for the party, bad for conservatism, and bad for libertarianism.

I echo the sentiments of my friend - the Southern Avenger - in bidding farewell to the End of an Error... in hopes that we learn from our mistakes and RETURN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY TO A PARTY OF LIBERTARIANISM and TRUE ECONOMIC CONSERVATISM.

Another Example of how Media's Integrity has Crumbled

Natalie Dylan, a 22 year old graduate student in Women's Studies, living in San Diego, may be a cabinet pick by the Obama administration... no - not really... but with the CONSECUTIVE FRONT PAGE COVERAGE of this woman's "dealings" you would think that she is.

Fox News has run this story in its headlines for the last 3-4 days. There have been videos on their website about the story, discussion forums, etc...

CNN has run the story. It has been reported on the Telegraph. The list goes on.

The story goes that late last summer a virgin placed her virginity up for auction - now the bidding is cashing in at $3.7 Million - but she is still holding out for a higher bid... somewhere closer to $5 Million.

Here is the problem - The major news networks have been running this story for DAYS. It is all I see when I log onto FoxNews.com. It has been a little more subtle on CNN. It has been on Howerd Stern, Tyra Banks, and all over the internet. This is a non-story that every major news outlet is reporting on... there is little difference in the news between any of the majors - they are all reporting on the same smut! Why is it that true journalism has left the media?

It is clear that the news is nothing more than smut-mongers, looking for rating. True journalism is dead.

Another problem - the attention this story is getting is BOUND to give other young ladies the bright idea that prostitution is an easy way into fast money. They may be underage, less attractive, or less able to protect themselves from the lower class of society that would take advantage - instead of the millions they dream about getting, they will end up enslaved for pennies a night while a pimp takes all the earnings...

Why are we advertising on the front pages? Why are we propagating these ideals?



Regardless of my own feelings about prostitutional rights, civil liberties, etc - why are we advertising this at the highest level and in the best of light... In a world of "celebrity worship", we only stand to impact the lives of younger women who are more vulnerable... we are letting the media advertise the further degradation of the moral fiber of our most precious national treasure - our children.

ISRAEL STRIKES IRAN?

In June of 2008, IAEA Director, General Mohamed ElBaradei, said that Iran would have a Nuclear Weapon in as little as six months. The six month window has now come and gone, placing any invasion of Iran in a "midnight scenario" - the potential for Iranian Nuclear Retaliation.

Iran is pressuring Arab and other Muslim nations to confront Israel over the full scale invasion of poverty stricken terrorist stronghold, Gaza.

Now, with President Bush set to leave office within the week, Informed sources in Washington tell Newsmax that Israel indeed will launch a strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities soon – possibly in just days.

An Israeli strike against Iran will cause retaliatory strikes against US troops by Iranian sympathizers in Iraq, drawing out a mission that is very near total completion. Such a strike will cause Hezbollah to launch attacks from Lebanon along Israel's northern border. Syria may join in the defense of her ally, and invade the Golan region - or at least begin military bombardment in that region. And finally, any attack on the enrichment facilities is likely to trigger a launch of an Iranian long range missile tipped with nuclear warheads, aimed at Israel - who will likely retaliate with their own nuclear strike.

The first shots of the first major nuclear war may be days away. If Newsmax is accurate, troubling days are ahead.

Bailout Humor - on a serious note

The following story was sent to me, regarding the bailouts. It is fairly humorous, if it weren't painfully true! Enjoy the lighter side of politics this morning!

Once upon a time a man appeared in a village and announced to the villagers that he would buy monkeys for $10 each.

The villagers, seeing that there were many monkeys around, went out to the forest and started catching them..

The man bought thousands at $10 and, as supply started to diminish, the villagers stopped their effort. He next announced that he would now buy monkeys at $20 each. This renewed the efforts of the villagers and they started catching monkeys again.

Soon the supply diminished even further and people started going back to their farms. The offer increased to $25 each and the supply of monkeys became so scarce it was an effort to even find a monkey, let alone catch it!

The man now announced that he would buy monkeys at $50 each! However, since he had to go to the city on some business, his assistant would buy on his behalf. In the absence of the man, the assistant told the villagers: "Look at all these monkeys in the big cage that the man has already collected. I will sell them to you at $35 and when the man returns from the city, you can sell them to him for $50 each."

The villagers rounded up all their savings and bought all the monkeys for 700 billion dollars.

They never saw the man or his assistant again, only lots and lots of monkeys!

Now you have a better understanding of how the WALL STREET BAILOUT PLAN WILL WORK!

Bill Ritter, CO Gov State of the State: CO needs higher taxes, Renewable Energy, and more

Gov. Bill Ritter's State of the State address - quasi Live Blog - my thoughts about what I have heard thus far...

The Gov. is dead wrong on Referendum C - the suspension of TABOR. While the Governor is speaking of the need to ensure a quick economic recovery, he is also proclaiming that the way to economic stability is a higher tax rate... this mindset is sure to create a more stagnant economy, as taxpayers are squeezed for every last penny available - and are less likely to stimulate the consumer market, leading to lay-offs etc... the cycle continues... Higher taxes and more government are never the answer.

Ritter is right on when it comes to Renewable Energy. Though the higher regulations may be more costly to the construction industry - in ensuring that all new homes are solar compatible - it is an investment in the future for Colorado's independent energy infrastructure. The best way to ensure this infrastructure has minimal impact to the industry, tax incentives must be mandatory.

Ritter is right on the expansion of clean Natural Gas exploration - so long as his environmental protection programs do not entirely debilitate the ability for NG extraction.

Ritter is on the mark for Dual Enrollment. In Washington State, where I come from, there is a program called "Running Start", where Juniors and Seniors can attend local community colleges, earning college credit, and graduating High School with an Associates Degree. Such a program cuts cost for University, and entices students to achieve a higher standard in education - increasing the likelihood of pursuing Masters Degrees. This program will be a benefit to the Colorado workforce.

The Governor is wrong about climate change - pollution and lack of conservation is one thing... but "climate change" is an oxymoron... the climate is always changing... we do not have impact on speeding or slowing change... only the pollution, quality of life/health, etc... it should be our goal to build industry that is clean for purposes of a cleaner environment - but global warming is not a tool to beat us over the heads...

Partisanship is now under attack - after 8 years of Democrats attacking Republicans under a Bush administration, we are now being asked to fall in line behind Democratic leadership without partisan questions or concerns... Perhaps what Ritter fails to understand is that partisan lines are usually drawn along economic and social ideals... Higher taxes v. lower taxes, Bigger Government v. Smaller Government, Social Change v. Social Conservatism... These are partisan issues - and when the opposition is simply wrong, it is the responsibility of opposition to state these facts.

32 minutes later - a record setting and generally somber address... a sign of the times - uncertainty and introspection. Welcome to the change! Be sure to comment on your thoughts of the true state of the state (or the state of the union - for those readers out of Colorado)

Pursuit of Happiness

I have previously shared posts on Life, and on Liberty. Now to close out the series on the three explicitly defined rights, I feel compelled to share with you, first, a video from Fox News on the subject:

All the points shared by this commentator I tend to agree with - namely that Conservative Americans tend to lead happier lives. Our outlook on life in general is more optimistic, and we are more likely to give of ourselves. This is not a pat on the back - but the statistics from the video seem compelling.

But personally - what is the right of "the pursuit of happiness"?

In discussing this question with economic scholars, I have consistently heard that it is in reference to the pursuit of financial wealth and personal prosperity.

In discussing the question with religious friends, I have consistently heard that it is the freedom to worship openly without persecution.


The message being shared by the video is simple - there are constant truths, and those constants create an overwhelming sense of happiness or unhappiness. For instance - the ability and willingness to give freely to those in need - regardless of the individual, on the whole those who are able to give feel happier.

He also hinted at family. We all have family - and the betterment of the relation with our families is the most immediate source of happiness... there is nothing simpler than kindness in the home - a smile, an extra long hug... something that says "You are safe and loved"... Even with extended family - conduct some genealogical research and reach out to a distant cousin... you would be surprised at the truth in the Lakotah Phrase "Mitaku Oyasin" (We are all related)

Truly - happiness is what you make of life that fulfills your soul's yearning. Find it on a mountain top, or behind the counter of a soup kitchen... Happiness is giving more of yourself than you take in...

That is a right that no government can take from you.

Obama's Pick for Director of National Intelligence, Blair, Human Rights Violator - Odd couple with Panetta

It is no secret that some of President Elect Obama's appointments to top posts have been shocking - and Dennis Blair for Director of National Intelligence is no exception... especially for those who remember his actions during the latter portion of the Clinton Years.

Dennis Blair's actions in Indonesia in the late 90's led to mass genocide and the violation of human rights throughout East Timor, which has shaped the militaristic government mindset still plaguing the people of East Timor to this day. John Miller, the National Coordinator for ETAN (East Timor Action Network) had this to say about the "change" Obama intends to bring to the world:

"It is unfathomable that Obama would consider appointing someone to such a prominent position who has shown so little concern for human rights in the past. Can we expect someone who has sought to undermine efforts to link human rights to military assistance to be a champion of reform? We don't think this is the kind of 'change' people are expecting"

A background on Blair's involvement with this violence: As Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Command from February 1999 to May 2002 Blair was the highest ranking U.S. military official in the region during the final period of violence in East Timor, as Indonesian security forces and their militias killed, looted, and destroyed the country's infrastructure.

In April 1999, Blair met in Jakarta with General Wiranto, then the Defense Minister and the commander of Indonesian forces, just days after dozens of refugees in a Catholic church in the town of Liquica, East Timor were hacked to death by machetes by militia members backed by the military (including Kopassus) and Brimob troops.

Instead of pressuring Wiranto to shut down the militias, Blair promised new military assistance, which the military "took as a green light to proceed with the militia operation.

Leon Panetta, Obama's appointment for the head of the CIA, as inexperienced for the post as he is, is truly an odd choice to work with Blair. Panetta's resume for intelligence is virtually non-existent... but what makes him a strange pair for Blair is that Panetta has a history of international philanthropic endeavors on education, oceanic affairs, world hunger, etc.

In one hand you have a hardened military man able and willing to turn a blind eye to genocide, and in the other you have an inexperienced philanthroper heavy into human rights and ecological affairs. And the two will be working together as our Intelligence Heads.

My hat's off to you, Mr. Obama... you have truly puzzled me. Perhaps your inexperience is evident in your cabinet posts - or perhaps you are some sort of shrewd schemer, whose genius is known only but to you.

Russian News Media Reports: US Collapse in 2010

Russian Professor Igor Panarin has been predicting for ten years that the US will collapse in 2010, but post-election uncertainty, mixed with general economic uncertainty in the United States has given Prof. Panarin's theory new steam.

The Wall Street Journal reports:

"There's a 55-45% chance right now that disintegration will occur," he says. "One could rejoice in that process," he adds, poker-faced. "But if we're talking reasonably, it's not the best scenario -- for Russia." Though Russia would become more powerful on the global stage, he says, its economy would suffer because it currently depends heavily on the dollar and on trade with the U.S."

He based the forecast on classified data supplied to him by FAPSI analysts, he says. He predicts that economic, financial and demographic trends will provoke a political and social crisis in the U.S. When the going gets tough, he says, wealthier states will withhold funds from the federal government and effectively secede from the union. Social unrest up to and including a civil war will follow. The U.S. will then split along ethnic lines, and foreign powers will move in.

California will form the nucleus of what he calls "The Californian Republic," and will be part of China or under Chinese influence. Texas will be the heart of "The Texas Republic," a cluster of states that will go to Mexico or fall under Mexican influence. Washington, D.C., and New York will be part of an "Atlantic America" that may join the European Union. Canada will grab a group of Northern states Prof. Panarin calls "The Central North American Republic." Hawaii, he suggests, will be a protectorate of Japan or China, and Alaska will be subsumed into Russia.

"It would be reasonable for Russia to lay claim to Alaska; it was part of the Russian Empire for a long time." A framed satellite image of the Bering Strait that separates Alaska from Russia like a thread hangs from his office wall. "It's not there for no reason," he says with a sly grin.

Interest in his forecast revived this fall when he published an article in Izvestia, one of Russia's biggest national dailies. In it, he reiterated his theory, called U.S. foreign debt "a pyramid scheme," and predicted China and Russia would usurp Washington's role as a global financial regulator.

Panarin, an ex-KGB analyst, may be overstating Russia's role in the restructuring of the United States - a sort of ex-Soviet Fantasy...

However, what he has to say is highly intriguing - regarding the collapse of the US... a prediction that has been made here and on many other blogs recently. He states plainly that "mass immigration, economic decline, and moral degradation will trigger a civil war next fall and the collapse of the dollar". Though he may be wrong about the restructuring, the wheels may be in motion on the structural collapse...

Mass immigration, upwards of 20+ million, has strained the United States economy, and was the cause for much tension throughout the nation within the past three years - including demonstrations in the streets drawing millions of individuals on both sides of the struggle.

The current economic decline has placed a strain on the people of this nation, but the government may not necessarily lose power due to the loss of income - they can create money and perceived wealth. The conflict would arise, economically, if the US is bankrupted by the demand for immediate debt repayment by Saudi's and China, as well as others who hold US Treasury debt. Such an international strain on relations would weaken the US' role in world affairs, and thus weaken the power of the Federal Government - placing an increased focus on regional governments (as indicated by Panarin in his "going gets tough" comment).

The moral degradation serves to weaken the influence politicians have on the people. As their political pull is weakened, they must substitute force - such as authoritarian assaults on civil liberties (i.e. Patriot Act). See recent political scandals from 1960 - current.

Ahead of uncertainty, the US population has armed itself - as reported on this blog - and has begun preparing for self defense from government incursions within the US. Unlike the first US civil war, the second stands to begin not as two opposing governments, but as the government against her people... a true rebellion, if you will. This is, of course, unless Obama can pull off a miracle and calm tensions in the US, and stabilize international affairs that may trigger such pressures from outside. Unfortunately, it looks like Russia is ready to strike while this iron is hot...

What our Russian friend fails to realize is that the collapse of the US would trigger world economic collapse and widespread territory grabs - not just by forces such as Russia and China, but by well armed regional forces within the United States as well. I imagine the following scenario is much more likely than the events of Panarin's proposed outcome:
* The United States Treasury is bankrupted by a Bail-out to several states' governments, but uncertain international economic times stop foreign countries from buying the debt.
* Oil imports to the United States slow to a near halt as Russia, China, and the Middle East form an alliance in the absence of the US' ability to pay it's debt
* The United States makes an appeal to the United Nations for international economic and energy stimulus, which it receives after agreeing to suspend much of the US constitution and become subject to International Law and the International Court. Obama gladly signs the treaty.
* The US Army 1st Infantry Division, currently deployed to Northern Command, is ordered to begin the mandatory collection of civilian armaments. Civilians are instructed to relinquish all weapons to the determined checkpoints within 30 days.
* Texas and other Midwestern/southern states refuse to comply with the Federal Mandate, and fall back on their State Constitutions - they call up their state National Guards to defend State Government institutions as a show of force against Federal Authority. Private Militias are encouraged for regional protection in these areas.
* Internet and telephones lines are cut - eliminating the civilian use of networking and communication
* Other private militias secretly cashe their weapons, as do private citizens in other states. The Black market opens a flood of munitions into the United States.
* Texas secures it's airspace, and ceases or confines all US military bases - taking control of all military equipment. Neighboring states' private militias assist in this effort, causing the US army to establish checkpoints in other regional states, making mass arrests and detention of free citizens now labelled as terrorists. President Obama appeals for UN Peacekeepers to assist in securing the region after first hot combats erupt during struggle for military bases.
* Alaskan forces move to secure the northern oil fields and the southern ports, as well as a troop build-up in the Bering Straight region. Alaska declares independence, taking with it the Canadian Yukon and British Columbia.
* Quebec declares independence from Canada, causing Canada's government to peacefully dissolve.
* Russian forces secure extreme northern lands formerly belonging to Canada - claiming the sparsely populated NW Territories and Nunavet - they are undisputed in these regions, but are unable to effectively advance south or into Alaska.
* The United States suspends the 2010 congressional elections, Obama suspends those portions of the Constitution under Presidential War Powers.
* The UN and NATO send forces into the Northeast to secure international interests
* Russia moves forces into Ukraine and Georgia beginning a new regional conflict
* Obama concedes the loss of Texas and portions of bordering states - opting to isolate and calm tension in the region, but refuses to release the thousands of detained militia fighters, sparking an outrage throughout the nation, and putting into question the security of the world - now entirely at war...

Of course, this is all speculation and the stuff of debates... Are we headed into a civil war / world war... economic crisis is usually a good indicator for such conflicts, so is political uncertainty. We surely have these two throughout the world. I have heard private mumblings of uncertain times - and now there is international question as to the future of the US as a world power...

As a betting man, let's just say that it is my suggestion to keep your powder dry. You may need it soon. Of course, I pray that the government stops its growth, stops its authoritarianism, stops its socialism, and stops its internationalism...

Return from a well needed break!

I hope that your Holidays were as refreshing and fulfilling as mine! Though I did not travel, I did:



1. accomplish a solo summit of a difficult peak near my home (after 5 failed attempts),

2. spend some great time with my family,

3. repair the roof after hurricane force winds did a dandy on the house,

4. make a resolution to summit 4 fourteeners and run 1 marathon before my 30th in September

5. give my daughter her first swim lesson

6. make some great headway into my genealogy project

7. have someone hit my new car - and subsequently be without it for over a week now

8. did I mention great family time yet?



And most importantly, I took special efforts to watch / read as LITTLE news as possible, so as to focus on clearing my mind/body/spirit and enjoy the family time.



Now that I am back, here is what is in the works -



Besides the usual commentary on developing world affairs, I will be researching a special topic requested by Russel Means of the Lakotah Movement - focusing on Indian Extermination Policy held by the US Government for two hundred years; I will be writing on other topics specifically geared toward Indian Affairs, International Affairs, and the changing face of the US.



Thank you all for your continued readership. As the major political news dies down, I am finding that the best focus of the blog is one of the "Untold News Stories". I will be increasing my articles on Indian Advocacy, as I believe this topic is the canary in the mine shaft of the US - an indicator of the direction this country is heading and the challenges it faces. For instance - the current battle in Gaza - The conflict in Israel (and I am an advocate for Israel) is ongoing with the Palestinians for the simple fact that the Partition of 1948 has not been upheld - similarly, the US/Indian wars of the 1800's were conflicts of broken treaties and territorial incursions (of course there is much more - but the fundamentals at this point are territorial).



Here is to a great New Year - and here is to a year full of interesting debate and dialogue.