The Privacy Act of 1974- Social Security Violations

You go to the bank to open an account, you have to give your social security number or you are turned down.  It isn't illegal to ask for the number nor is it illegal to give the number but it is illegal to be denied service for not giving your social security number.  You go to buy auto insurance and are asked for your social security number and if you don't give it you will be denied insurance.  You go to the Dept. of Motor Vehicles to get your driver's liscence or I.D. and are asked for your social sercuity number.  You won't get your indentification if you don't fill in that spot nor will you get your license if you don't have insurance (at least in California).  Also, to get your kids enrolled in school they must have social security numbers. In fact, just about everything we do from taking out loans to buying medical insurance is denied to us if we refuse to be indentified through our social security number.

Now, let us look at outsourcing.  For the past couple of years, you call up to find out your balance on anything from telephone company records to your credit cards or you require help for your internet accounts and phone service you are apt to have heard a foreign sounding voice. Recently these foreigners have undergone training to use American diction. They got tired of the Americans being rude to them because the jobs that Americans once held, now are going to those around the world.  If that doesn't piss you off, maybe this will( and it should).  In order to get help from these American sounding foreigners you must indentify yourselves.  How is this done?  The last 4 digits of your social security number.

Outsourcing is troublesome, yes but are you comfortable with people in other countries knowing your social security information????

I sure as hell am not!  Please start writing your congress and senators, your assembly and the opinions of the people.   Get the word out and if you think outsourcing is a problem know that the real problem is a homeland security one in the worst way--our entire life's movement (from birth to death, now) is in the hands of foreign countries.

One more thing about Social Security.  Don't let this president or the next president tell you that our Social Security is a growth industry based on investments or that the S E C  should have anything to do with it.  Social Security was always a federally implemented program that by law could never be privatized(no federal program, not even the Postal Service can be privately owned.).  It is a pay as you go deal.  Todays people who pay into the social security are paying for those who are using it today.  Tomorrow's payees will be paying for tomorrow's users.  As long as our population grows and our jobs match that, we shall never run out of social security.  Our social security numbers were meant to only identify us as payees and recipients of Social Security-period!  It is illegal to use our numbers as identification purposes in any realm if we make that known.  Be angry.  Do something about it.  Don't stop no matter what road blocks are put before you.  I'm on your side.  I won't stop you.  I'll walk along side you, and write along with you, speak to you and listen to you.   Let's start here.   Let's begin now.

THE PRIVACY ACT OF 1974, 5 U.S.C. § 552a -- As Amended

The following section originally was part of the Privacy Act but was not codified; it may be found at § 552a (note).

Sec. 7(a) (1) It shall be unlawful for any Federal, State or local government agency to deny to any individual any right, benefit, or privilege provided by law because of such individual's refusal to disclose his social security account number.

(2) the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not apply with respect to--

(A) any disclosure which is required by Federal statute, or (B) any disclosure of a social security number to any Federal, State, or local agency maintaining a system of records in existence and operating before January 1, 1975, if such disclosure was required under statute or regulation adopted prior to such date to verify the identity of an individual.

 

Migration To Winter

By Chelle Stockman

 

            Outside the ravens announced their presence and with tails swishing up and

down, the squirrels occasionally paused to watch me throw nuts on the grass below. I love the cooler mornings and I love waking to the poofy clouds or the misty morning fog.  Moistened leaves weep silently before hitting the ground.  I’m reminded of my walks with my sons in their earlier years.  We would gather leaves and look at their veins beneath the microscopes.  I could mourn the lost innocence of their pre-grammar school days but just as the glowing colors of autumn show richness of hue, my heart warms in anticipation of what they will become.

            Suddenly, high up above, nomads in flight; the geese made their journey to their next destination singing their song before winter moon shines down upon us all.  My heart began to dance and I realized that life is coming full circle.  While autumn signals the dying off of earth’s bounty, I was filled with an incredible awe.  Though the air had a chill, I was warmed from the inside out; my heart a hearth of brilliant embers; and in an instant, the geese were gone.

            On my drive to work, I opted to listen to music instead of the normal political rhetoric I dine on every day.  Even the music has mellowed rich with resonant sound; no blaring banging summons forcing me to drive faster, work harder, or be more than is expected of me.  How odd it is that when the music is slower, it becomes more intense; and so it was with me.  I found myself slowing down and by the time I got to work, I was focused, yet overcome by a potent serenity. Out of the fogged morning, I was rewarded with uncommon clarity.

As I walked through the door where I work, the day seemed to pause, softening the task load I was greeted with.  Just as autumn signals the harvest of the fruits of labor, I plowed easily through the last set of bills with money left over for the first time in a long time.  All this past year’s toiling yielded proceeds to be stored for the coming lull during the winter months.  For me spring was an unkind genesis but thankfully, autumn has terminated the hellish beginning allowing me to enjoy a kinder conclusion.

So many people I know love the spring.  To them it means pretty flowers and birth, a transformation from the blighted landscape of the winter; while most loathe that winter which forces them indoors, sequestered from the bustle of life.  Depression overtakes many during the winter months and some panic as early as autumn because they know winter is only a few months away.  For me, autumn is sobering.  My senses are no longer sullied by the commotion of spring or the sweat of summer because for me the real living of life and the savoring its fullness begins in autumn. It is a time of reverence, not mourning. It is the end to hurried bedlam which inspires resplendent reflection upon what was and what no longer is and thanksgiving pours from my soul as I leave all my toiling behind.

William Cullen Bryant said, “Autumn, the year’s last loveliest smile.”  So powerful is autumn’s smile it shall carry me through winter’s solitude.  Yes, thankful I am for what this season gives to us; in all of its splendor, the most promising reprise.  Happy days of fallen leaves to you all.

The Man of Careful Decision

Imagine if you will a huge chair, like the one that sits at the Lincoln Memorial.  Imagine a man who greatly resembles Lincoln sitting in it and looking down.  What is he looking at?  Well, below him is a table with a glass of water on it.  On one side of the table is a world leader, a man with a great following and on the other side of the table is another man who wishes to be a great leader.  He has many different people gathered around him who basically are there to protest the world leader who possesses the great following. 

The world leader declares, "This glass is half full.  We are on our way!  We can do it.  We have what it takes and there will be no stopping us."  His following cheers and exalts their leader.

The man seeking to be the leader rebutts, "This glass is half empty.  What we once had has been used up and there is nothing left to sustain us.  Surely there will be nothing left of us when you, oh great leader, are through."  Those in his company were jeering at those on the other side of the table and screaming, "Restoration! Restoration!  Viva la revolution!"

From the giant chair, the man who resembled Lincoln looked at the leader to his right and said," You look at this glass and declare its half full."  He then looks to the left at the man who wants to be leader and says, "You see this glass and declare it to be half empty."  He then says after thinking for a moment, "What I see is a glass on a table with some water in it.  We have what we have and we must build from there.  Perhaps I could listen to you from the left and empty it; out with the old and in with the new.  I could also, after emptying it out, listen to you on the right; only I'd ask that we build this nation together--no more they against thems; we would never have to decide whether a glass with some water in it was half full or half empty again."

This is how I see Senator John Kerry.

No sense in being caught off guard

My friends who have taught me so much and those who I continuously discuss various globals subjects with, this is my morning thought.  I've said it to you all before that if we were to cut out pics of each of our leaders and stick them up on a wall, it would make the mafiosa look like boy scouts.  This morning my vision included the new alliances and their double talking promises to each other as being a coup to control the masses of this world.  We are being shepherded and rounded up by the current world leaders.  If they really had our best interests at heart, the problems we face in regards to civil matters, health care, and economics would be addressed.  Instead, we are all engaged in homeland and foreign security matters.  The leaders have no problem using intelligence forces to accomplish their goals, but when these forces find out who is really at the helm, their covert identities are exposed and then they come under fire for not doing their jobs effectively.  This is bullshit, my friends. 

I wish the secret service would pre-empt the group of global thugs who are perpetuating this war and all the other attrocities which lead to these wars.  The Putins, Cheneys, Chirocs(wishywashy putz), and Bushs need to be handcuffed and gagged for the next ten years.  These are the real thugs.  After what Bush has said about Putin, I see Putins endorsement and Bush's willingness to exploit that as a threat to our nation and to Russia.  They are subliminally issuing us a threat, "Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists."  Anyway we choose to go sounds like a losing proposition to me.

Watch for the next endorsements and go study everything you find on both sides, the fors and the against articles.  Lets formulate some scenarios together, shall we?

What would happen if...?

The interest rates are going up and the 27% I pay on Advanta credit card isn't high enough?  You know, the rates were supposed to go up three months ago nationwide, but the current administration asked them to hold of for a few months.  Because I gambled and subscribed to Usury practices (buying stuff on credit) I'll not survive an interest increase.  My water bill is going up 50% and our energy just increased 18% meanwhile I pay $2.35 per gallon for gas and that is today.  Who knows how high it will be next week.  I owe in the higher 30,000.00 range and my hubby lost his job a year and a half ago, with no insurance; its killing me.  I need dental work but cannot afford it.  Forget about going to the doctor. If I get sick, it will be easier to die.  I'm ashamed I took risks during a time when this administration was hell bent on concentrating on bringing "freedom" to other countries. Uh huh.

I'm thinking of getting rid of all things that require I use a bank; pay cash and pay as I go. This is kind of what Kerry wants to do for our nation.  I think I'll start putting it into action today.  I wonder how many others in this nation are facing a debt like I have?

What if.... we all took our cash out of the bank, shored up our home loan situations and paid our vehicles off?  What if....we all decided to file bankruptcy?  What message would that say to our government?  You want a civil revolution; there's the answser.  Imagine what that would do to the interest rates which are due to go up the moment the election results are in?  Sure it would displace workers who work for banks.  Let them do as I do and use their talents to earn a living.  If just 20 % of the nation decided to do this, it would have a horrendous impact on our country.  Imagine, we would still have cash to buy what we needed and still make our house notes.  What we wouldn't have, would be money going out for the purpose of giving lenders power over our lives and our vote.  This would be a tremendous move and would require bravery on the part of Americans.  But more than likely what would happen is that Americans would be afraid they would never get credit again.  I say "So what?"  Prices would have to be lowered.  More folks would barter for goods.  Less taxes would be paid and therefore we would be less likely to enter wars in the nameof "blessing" others.

Americans are simply not that brave or we would have done this already.  The rich would be stuck making up for the losses and the poorer folks would stand a much better chance.  In order for something like this to work ,it would require that we never subscribe to Usury practices ever again.  Pay as you go sounds magnificent to me.  If we are to make an impact on our government we should lead by example.  If we buy on credit, our government will too.  It's a radical thought, I know, but hey; up to now, we have failed.

The sun rose without being seen.  The smoke from the fires and the morning Bay area fog have married to blot out our warmth.  The past month, two months, have been surrealistic, like something a grand daughter of Dante' might paint. 

The truth I've found lately comes through the twinkle of one's eyes and the warmth of one's smile.  The spirit of the people have taken over the radiance of our sun for a short time, rendering the wall that seperates us impotent.  If the sun cannot reach us, we will reach the sun.  Be blessed as you provide warmth for others and recieve their warmth in return.  Amen.

Listening isn't enough, but it's a start.

The social problems internally in this country are still falling upon deaf ears as our youth seek ways to avenge attrocities perpetuated against their friends and loved ones.  Their situation, anger and grief, build to a capacity our inner cities and barriors cannot contain. I recall a time in 1972 when conditions down in Watts, California had quieted on the surface because of heavy policing but built beneath the surface, fear, anger, and the call for either obedience or revenge. 

 I was fourteen then and had gone on a search for Nachos--a new bag of chips from Frito Lay.  Up north we had them in all our stores, but in Southern California, they could barely be found.  I left a gathering to go jogging with the intent of stopping at every opened liquor store until I came upon them.  I ended up 45 minutes later in a liquor store in Watts.  There they were on a huge display near the door.  Delighted, I screamed, "Nachos!"  Everyone inside turned to me, mouth agape.  I made my purchase, hung out with them and used their restroom.  I asked them how to get back to Long Beach on foot as I wasn't from the area.  They were quite concerned and insisted they buy me a cab ride back to my destination.  Stubbornly I refused the collection they had taken up for me.  I said, "Just point me in the right direction. I'll get there."  What I didn't know is that I was a white girl with long blonde hair in a black city where there were heavy racial problems.  I'm a northern gal and grew up in a mixed society where things of a racial nature were not addressed openly.  We got along because we had found some common ground.  Back then, children like myself did not buy into the reasons for racial strife.  They existed, but we simply responded differently than the bulk of our country and differently than we do now.

By the time I was eighteen, I found myself walking in an area of Los Angelos where many ethnicities were present.  The only white folks I did see were alcoholics lying in their own vomit--bums.  I was just strolling along when I came upon two groups of young men with their guns drawn.  Suddenly I realized it was just they and me.  Everyone else, whores and drug-dealers seemed so far away.  These guys were happy to see me and called me racial names and told me to prepare to die.  How does one prepare to do such a thing?  I sat down and they ordered me to stand to which I remember replying, "I'm about to die.  I'd prefer to do so sitting down."  I asked them if they would allow me to take time to think of my family and wish them well as I would never see them again.  They joked, said I was one brave honky slut.  I looked up to a dude whom they called Snippy.  He was the one who would be issuing me a bullet.  We had gone from brass-knuckles and knives to guns in such a short time, I remember thinking. 

Snippy said to me, "We scored big time, you dumb honkey."  He also said other stuff to which both factions began a line of dialog I tried not to pay attention to. I was scared and sad, more sad than scared.

I said in kind of a question, "You have some kind of message. If this is what you must do to make people aware, I hope my death won't be in vain.  I hope this time you will be heard so that others don't have to die."  I was shocked at my words.  Where did they come from, I had wondered.

More chattering in both Spanish and ghetto rhetoric.  One of the hispanic guys pulled my hair back and looked down into my eyes forcing me to look in his.  He said they were going to do things to me before they killed me.  I'll save you the details. "What do you have to say to that puta?"

Never breaking eye contact I said, "If this will help your sisters, daughters and mothers get through the things they suffer and get their message out, then you must do what you must do.  I only ask that you allow me to pray in silence for a moment.  I'll be quick."--something like that.  Time stood still and as I sat "indian-style" on the stinky asphalt; I prayed.  I can remember hearing some commotion and when I finished praying, no one was around.  I got up and slowly walked to the corner of the nearest building, peeked around the corner and nobody looked at me.  I walked and kept walking until I came upon a cleaner, tidier phone booth.  I made a call and was picked up by my family.  I was delivered out of their pain, their suffering; and what became clear to me was that I had to get their story out.

Their story still isn't being heard and one reason is that our voice has become a partison skirmish, pale in comparison to the plight of our people.  I found over the years that children raise guns in anger, in desperation, and have become so inflamed they haven't got time to think things through.  My rescue that day was one that was borne by a simple maneuver.  They were heard.  Someone heard them.  Now, I find myself yearning to do more than just listen.  What I'll do, how I'll do it, I don't know.  I only know, I must start somewhere.  Pray for them folks.  Pray for me as I attempt to get out their message.  Pray for us all.   Thank you. --chelle aka lana

Email to Joe

Morning!  I'm researching something terribly diabolical that goes to Bush wanting to get Putin first and Sadam secondly.  I'm exploring the possibility that Putin got word and manipulated us into going after Sadam rather than him...and the possibility that he used French, German, Russian, and a minor amount of American industrialists who funded Sadam which left a paper trail luring Bush there instead.  This raises a huge question: Who really was responsible for the World Trade Centers? 


Love ya, Joe.  ********  from Chelle

Define yourself.

1) Spirit  2) Human  3) Member of a family 4) friend to friends 5) Wife  6) Mother

7) Active voice   8) Prayer warrior 

Through all this ,what fuels me is knowing without doubting that the hand of grace extended to me through my Messiah is what sustains me here and when my body dies.  This is by no virtue of my own.  I'm an American because I was born here and have no desire to live elsewhere.  My patriotism stems from the Constitution itself--kill it and my patriotism will be snuffed out. 

I believe in freedom both to believe in God and also to live under the precepts of our land while we are in this abode known as earth.  I believe that to live as spirit and as biological lifeform, we must seriously carry out our freedoms with carefully considered responsibility or pay the consequences on earth for the lack thereof.

Still, it is through grace and mercy that I'm delivered and so its only natural that I must extend the same to others.  This is my calling.  This is who I am.

Elegant Inspiration

By Lana Wolfe

 

Sneakers on foot, suits neatly pressed, hair barely combed and makeup not yet applied; a great portion of our females fight through commuter pathways to get to their jobs every day, five days a week.  There was a time when women wouldn’t go out of the house without full makeup.  You might see them in grocery stores with curlers in their hair with elegant scarves adorning the curlers, but never would you find them without makeup.  There was an air of the feminine everywhere there were women.  Today women work every bit as hard as do their male counterparts and rarely do they take time to revel in the fact that being a woman is wonderful; its splendid; and its appreciated by those who notice.

 

Anymore, once we exit our prom stage and graduate beyond our wedding nights, the call to elegance gets further down our list.  Few attend the opera anymore and even those who do are going far more casually than they once had in the previous decades.  When I worked for Farouk Systems, an ammonia free hair coloring company, I dressed in style.  I was called upon to represent our field in high fashion and good taste.  We were celebrated a few times a year in the most splendid way and were required to dress in formal evening attire. The gentlemen were magnificent to behold and the grace of our women was noticeably majestic.  Ahh, those were the days.

 

I get it.  Our fast paced world of multi tasking efforts requires a more functional mode of dressing and we work so hard that most of us rarely have the time or energy to go anyplace that requires us to get decked out.  I had stored my formal gowns long ago when I took leave of Farouk Systems to write my first book.  Never had I expected to get called upon to attend another formal gig.  I thought surely my favorite dress, one I got years ago from Helen Lyells, and all 5 of the others I possessed, would have to be passed down to a daughter in law.  I stored them safely in a rental place with salon supplies I need only seasonally.  They now are hidden from view at the very back of the storage.

<o:p> </o:p>

It just so happened that my girlfriend from the mountains was asked by her cousin to come sell T-shirts he had made for his class of 64 high school reunion and she chose me to assist her.  The catch?  We had to dress formally.  I panicked as this was a last minute gig and I remembered exactly where I had put my formal gowns.  The thought of digging them out and having them cleaned at the dry cleaners brought me down.  I thought, I could go buy one but immediately felt guilty.  My work schedule was tight and the locker was closed by the time I got off work so the day before our event, I headed up to the Gateway Plaza.  In less than ten minutes I found the perfect gown at 80 percent off.  I paid a paltry twenty bucks for it.  I dashed back to the salon in time for my next client with my treasure.  Everyone thought it was beautiful and wanted to see me wear it.  I said, “Tomorrow.”   I didn’t have the time to model it. 

 

The next day came, the day of our event, and Jenny called me to tell me her car had broken down and she still needed to get a dress.  I dashed back up to Ross and found another gown which was marked down to twenty-two bucks.  What luck!  I bought those and some hose.  I got ready and as I watched myself transform from an average looking working woman into a beautiful woman, my eyes watered.  I couldn’t remember the last time I ever looked so stunning.  I felt utterly and completely feminine.  My mind wandered to Jenny hoping she would arrive on time so we could replace her dress if she didn’t like it.  I had chosen a pink for her.  I’d never seen her in pink but when I saw the cut of the dress, the way the fabric caressed and moved, I thought, “She will be spectacular in this.”

 

Much to my disappointment, Jenny arrived two hours late!  She was disheveled and her hair looked terrible.  I’ve got no words to describe my dearest friend.  I ordered her to the shampoo bowl, dressed in formal attire mind you.  I shampooed her twice with a colorizing shampoo and a companion conditioner.  Her hair was so dried out with grays jutting out everywhere.  From there I blew her dry and coiffed her quickly.  I tossed my makeup bag at her and she began her makeup process.  We joked and I admired her transformation.  As she began to warm up to the idea that we were going someplace dressed up beyond what we are used to, I began to relax.  We laughed and were like little girls with butterflies in our tummy.  I brought out the dress and she was awestruck.  She put it on and it was my turn to be shocked.  I turned her to the mirror.  The salon was hushed as everyone had departed.  The sound of her breath at the site of her own beauty brought tears to both our eyes.  It had been such a long time since our truly feminine side had been viewed.  I told her, “This dress is my twenty-two dollar gift to you.”  I said now that I’ve proved dressing with style doesn’t have to cost a lot, we should make sure that we do something like this no less than three times yearly.

 

“But Lana, we don’t have anywhere to go that requires we do this.”

“Nonsense, Jen.  I want you to remember this empowering feeling you have at this very moment.”

She looked at me with her dazzling blue eyes as though she were expecting me to hit her with my fairy god mother wand. 

“We will find somewhere to go.  Besides,” I said, “since when do we have to have an excuse to dress our best?  I’d go to a Giant’s game like this if I wantedto feel like I do at this moment.”  She laughed of course because she knows me so well and she knows I’d do something like that.

We discovered that dressing beautifully can bring a real elegance to our being, an elegance I now find myself thirsting for.  I’m telling you ladies; please find time to do something, anything that allows you to look your best.  The ritual was precious in itself but the reward was all the attention we grabbed selling her cousins T-shirts.  Everyone and I mean all of them were complimentary. They too were smashing.  This one simple reunion transported me into the movies back in the 40s.  Such glamour I’ve not seen in a long long time.  I was inspired by the elegance that stared me down in the mirror and I’ll remember to make time for myself like this again—soon. 

Celebrate in elegance as often as possible; come to appreciate yourself for the transition you are able to make from work into the world of glamour.  You are worth it.  Go all out. Have fun!

 

Fox Hunting begins now:Cheney Movie Unathorized biography

If you are 56k, it will take a while to connect and even longer to buffer.  It stops often but then continues.  Its worth the watching.  If you have high speed you are ahead of the game.  This is interesting stuff folks.   Also, scroll down on this link for more interesting information.  Happy hunting.

 Video: The Unauthorized Biography of Dick Cheney. Watch it online.  

  http://207.44.245.159/video1018.htm

Also:

White House plans delay of major assaults in Iraq :

The Bush administration will delay major assaults on rebel-held cities in Iraq until after U.S. elections next month, say administration officials, mindful that large-scale military offensives could affect the U.S. presidential race.
http://www.dailyreviewonline.com/Stories/0,1413,88~10973~2460141,00.html#

http://snipurl.com/9owt

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Terrorist groups offer rewards for kidnapping soldiers, residents:

The terrorist groups, including the Unification and Jihad led by Jordanian-born militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, offered up to 10 kilograms of gold and $8,000 in cash to anyone who hands over Korean soldiers or citizens.
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/html_dir/2004/10/11/200410110033.asp

http://snipurl.com/9oww

===

Iraq's Green Zone Turns Redder by the Day:

It was supposed to be the safest patch of land in Iraq, but instead is slowly succumbing to the creeping dangers stalking the rest of the country.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=reutersEdge&storyID=6460419

http://snipurl.com/9owx

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Robert Fisk: Future generations will struggle to escape the legacy of the disaster in Iraq:

Our betrayals and broken promises have created a kind of irreversible disease that cannot be forgiven
http://207.44.245.159/article7052.htm

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Former UN arms inspectors slam Bush, Blair after weapons report:

Two former senior UN weapons inspectors in Iraq on Sunday criticized US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair for clinging to ever-weaker arguments to justify their war on Iraq.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/10/content_381064.htm

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Scott Ritter : If You Had Seen What I Have Seen:

This blatant disregard for international law on the part of the world’s two greatest democracies serves as the foundation of any analysis of the question: would the world be better off with or without Saddam in power?
http://207.44.245.159/article7038.htm

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In case you missed it:

Video: Iraq No Threat :

Both Colin Powell, US Secretary of State, and Condoleezza Rice, President Bush's closest adviser, made clear before September 11 2001 that Saddam Hussein was no threat - to America, Europe or the Middle East.
http://207.44.245.159/article6456.htm

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Hans Blix: If you had seen what I have seen:

Will President Bush apply the lessons from Iraq to Iran, Libya and North Korea?
http://207.44.245.159/article7049.htm

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Ageism

The World of Youth

By Chelle Stockman

 

The workforce appears to get younger as you go from business to business, whether you go to a bank or to a department store.  Perhaps it is just that many of us are getting older.  None the less, people age fifty and over are not as prominent in the everyday workplace as they once were.  It used to be that when I walked into the library, the librarians were older people with younger interns working under them.  When I make my weekly trips to the libraries all over the bay area, I see younger faces.  Locally, that isn’t the case which is to their branch’s credit. 

 I have found that people over age fifty have more patience when I present my needs to them.  They tend to be more interested in helping me with my needs rather than anxious to get on to the next person, while the more youthful are quick at what they do and probably efficient by company standards; but in their efficiency, I often have to get back in line a few times.  I tend to get caught up in their hurried ways and feel some guilt that I’m taking up their time with issues that are only important to me.  So when I go in for special attention, I find myself searching for people a little older than I am to help me.  I suppose I do this because by virtue of their age, I believe they have more experience.  I also believe they have lived long enough to knowthat just because life transports us along at breakneck speeds, they are more focused on each situation as it arises.  They don’t seem to be multitasking when it’s my turn and they give me all their attention. I appreciate this about those approaching the title of “senior” citizen.

 

 Does this make me out to be someone who buys into ageism?  Yes, I suppose it does, but in my defense, I’ve been hurried through lines and out the door by our youth and made to feel like one of the many numbers that are served. More, more, more—hurry, hurry; time is money and all that. I don’t blame the youth for as I’ve said, they can be quite efficient and are kind to me in those 45 seconds as time allows. I do blame the companies they work for.  There ought to be some kind of balance.  I’m willing to stand in longer lines for those who can take the time to focus on my needs.  Those who are in a hurry can go to the faster lines.  I’ve got no problem with that.

 

The problem as I see it is that many of the companies I patronize don’t offer me that option.  In their fast paced quest for profits, they are guilty of ageist practices. Maturity Works reports that by 2010 forty percent of the work force will be age forty five or older and that eighty three percent of that age group will have their jobs compromised due to ageism in the work force. I was surprised to learn from NatCen’s Department Work and Pension report some of the trends which are responsible for the decline of people fifty or older in the work force.  Early pensions are offered to those not quite ready to retire and themessage seems to be “Fresh thinkers are more valuable than those with ‘outdated’ experience. Times they are a changing and we must be a step ahead of the rest.”  Another reason cited is that the companies who offer health care benefits are concerned about the rising cost admitting that as we age we are more likely to require more health care.  So their quest for profits short changes the faithful employees that were once highly valued.

This has had a devastating affect on my choices to be served by those with the experience I have come to respect and depend on.  In matters of problem solving which is what pulls me into a public realm, I require specialized assistance.  But what I’m offered are perky people in a hurry competing for their promotions; or in contrast, the young and lazy who act as though they  are bothered that I dare require more of them than ringing me up and sending me on my way. 

 

In my youth there was a standard held that required experience, something most youth does not yet possess.  We counted ourselves lucky to get hired on for training purposes.  It gave us a sense of pride when we exceeded the expectations and were granted full-time status including benefits.  We had to earn that right and it drove us to improve.  I don’t see evidence of that in today’s market and the meeting of my needs as a consumer is eroding.  The message that sends to me is that there is a higher value placed on the youthful consumer.  Ageist practices not only affect the work force but those who subscribe to them as well.

 

It is my hope that businesses will see this and consider the value of experience.  By doing so, they could serve a much broader base, guaranteeing them a higher consumer satisfaction.

Reason and Being Right-human genocide

The morning came upon me without the sun's rising.  The heaviness of my heart was leftover from whatever I had been dreaming and is still, as I sit here, an unwelcome companion.  Perhaps, it is neccessary for me to keep company with this for awhile as I grapple to understand, why we are fighting this war, what we can do to bring freedom to people who don't seem to want it, and how we shall preserve our country, or even if it is possible. 

 I found a few answers to this in Osama's August 2002 letter to us which went unacknowleged by American leaders and also in the many speeches our President made in the following months.  I first blogged Osama bin Laden's letter and hope you will read it and just think about it as objectively as you can at first.  Go back and let it piss you off.   Then I urge you to do the same with our Presidential speeches which I blogged next.  The blogs begin at the bottom not at the top so when they pop up they do appear out of order in when they were posted. 

I woke today, a child--a child with many childlike questions.  What do we do about the oppressed voice of this world?  Can anything be done to liberate their voice?  Will anyone listen to their voice?  Is anyone hearing now?  I think about America as they fought to free themselves from British rule--the America of our forefathers.  I think about America today as the new world liberator and the new world oppresser and I wonder what we are fighting for really.  Are we fighting to bring liberation?  Yes.  Are we fighting to save the world from tyrants? Yes.  Are we fighting so we can have O I L to fuel our own levels of consumption?  Yes.  Are we figthing against people who have different viewpoints of ours only to bring us to a level of tolerance for each other? Yes.  Are we fighting against terrorism?  Yes.  Are they fighting us back to be free from our occupation? Yes.  Are there other reasons we are all fighting each other?  Yes.  Are we all right?  Yes and No.  Will there ever be winners in this war? I don't see a winner here, folks.  Keep in mind, I'm thinking as a child-my inner child, the one that grapples for a simple understanding.

Osama bin Laden is terribly angry with Americans for siding with Jewish occupation in  Islamic Palenstine.  He is angry with us for funding Israel, and occupying Islamic regions with our military.  He is angry at our children for fighting our wars which he says are based on lies. He calls us a world threat, a force of terror against the poor and oppressed.  He fights anyone who sides with us because to take up with us is to be unfaithful to Allah as he interprets it.  We say, he isn't the voice of Islam and that he will soon meet his death.  He says he is teaching the people to fight for their freedoms from the rich and powerful. He has shunned his own family, heavy investors in the Carlylse Group which he maintains is a product of Satan.  But what troubles this child in me is that he sanctions hits on innocent people.  His is a call for revenge.  His lists and citings against us are vast.  His assertions are correct in most cases but his methods are another kind of evil designed to divide rather than unite the poorer people he says must unite to preserve life.

We say we are the hand that freedom comes from.  We say we have a right to the oil of other countries.  We say we have the right to shop wherever we wish and to sell whatever is marketable wherever we will.  We say not all Islamic people are bad, unless you are Ann Coulter, the elite clientele I serve who wish to protect their holdings, and Pat Robertson.  We say the terrorists must stop but we don't acknowlege their message.  Franklin Roosevelt, as Art reminded me, felt we had become a weak link in the eyes of the world as we had become more isolationist (supplying our own needs without relying on other countries).  He used this to incite Russia into influencing Japan to attack us.  This is fact.  Franklin led us with a Get them before they get us policy.  We dropped the Atom bomb and up till now, we are the only country to ever use a weapon of mass destruction of this magnitude.

Now the tables have turned.  We see other world powers with nuclear energy, worry about the uranium clusters still strewn across Russia in open and unprotected zones, and the fact that we have become so present (occupiers in the name of oil) all over the world makes us more vunerable to attacks from terrorists.  Bush says we will not negotiate, we don't have to listen to the world; "either you are with us or you are with the terrorists." 

As a child, I'm stirred and I ask, "Lord, what ever shall we do now?  How are we to respond?"  Osama claims that Islamics are the only true believers of God, that the Jews refuse the original truths and that the Christians just cater to the Jews.  That is how he sees it.  I see the Islamic faith a binding faith built on slavery not real freedom.  I see them holding on to the idea that freedom comes at their death and is only for a select group.  I see Jewish faith as one that honors the laws and lives in the now.  I see them as a group protecting their home.  I see them as a group trying to find their way back home, though they would disagree with me whole-heartedly.  I see Christians as being very blessed because we are neither Jewish nor Islamic and have had the arm of grace and mercy extended to us in spite of the fact that we are neither.  So, as I try to understand the Islamic/Jewish struggles, I come from an entirely different understanding.  I love God.  I can't understand why some say to "kill them all."  Those thoughts exist in the Islamic preachings, the Jewish political responses, and the Christian paranoia that is prevelant and coming to a head in our days.  So what is the answer?  How do we avoid war with each other?  How do we come to a point of understanding that not one of us will change the other's mind.  Could this be why Bush says we will not negotiate; because he knows that no one involved will change? I don't give Bush that much credit because his thirsts lean more towards affluency than to noble causes.  Still, in word, it looks correct to me and no one has the answer.  This appears to be something only God can ultimately change.  We as humans have utterly failed.  That's all for now.

Please look down to Osama's and Bush's words.    Thank you for taking the time to cruise through the mud with me.

 

 

Bush's promise to end Terrorism

 

Here is a link to our President, George W. Bush's speeches.  Some are brilliant, some quite sad, some filled with lies.  He is human.  I think everyone will find them interesting no matter where you stand on the issues.

http://www.brookings.edu/dybdocroot/fp/projects/terrorism/speeches.htm

 

Bush's reponse to terrorism. He never acknowleged Osama's words to us but stuck to the original plan he had for Saddam and Putin back in 1999 while he was still govenor of Texas. 

On September the 11th, enemies of freedom committed an act of war against our country.  Americans have known wars -- but for the past 136 years, they have been wars on foreign soil, except for one Sunday in 1941.  Americans have known the casualties of war -- but not at the center of a great city on a peaceful morning.  Americans have known surprise attacks -- but never before on thousands of civilians.  All of this was brought upon us in a single day -- and night fell on a different world, a world where freedom itself is under attack.

Americans have many questions tonight.  Americans are asking:  Who attacked our country?  The evidence we have gathered all points to a collection of loosely affiliated terrorist organizations known as al Qaeda.  They are the same murderers indicted for bombing American embassies in Tanzania and Kenya, and responsible for bombing the USS Cole.

Al Qaeda is to terror what the mafia is to crime.  But its goal is not making money; its goal is remaking the world -- and imposing its radical beliefs on people everywhere.

The terrorists practice a fringe form of Islamic extremism that has been rejected by Muslim scholars and the vast majority of Muslim clerics -- a fringe movement that perverts the peaceful teachings of Islam.  The terrorists' directive commands them to kill Christians and Jews, to kill all Americans, and make no distinction among military and civilians, including women and children.

This group and its leader -- a person named Osama bin Laden -- are linked to many other organizations in different countries, including the Egyptian Islamic Jihad and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.  There are thousands of these terrorists in more than 60 countries.  They are recruited from their own nations and neighborhoods and brought to camps in places like Afghanistan, where they are trained in the tactics of terror.  They are sent back to their homes or sent to hide in countries around the world to plot evil and destruction.

The leadership of al Qaeda has great influence in Afghanistan and supports the Taliban regime in controlling most of that country.  In Afghanistan, we see al Qaeda's vision for the world.

Afghanistan's people have been brutalized -- many are starving and many have fled.  Women are not allowed to attend school.  You can be jailed for owning a television.  Religion can be practiced only as their leaders dictate.  A man can be jailed in Afghanistan if his beard is not long enough.  

The United States respects the people of Afghanistan -- after all, we are currently its largest source of humanitarian aid -- but we condemn the Taliban regime.  (Applause.)  It is not only repressing its own people, it is threatening people everywhere by sponsoring and sheltering and supplying terrorists.  By aiding and abetting murder, the Taliban regime is committing murder.  

And tonight, the United States of America makes the following demands on the Taliban:  Deliver to United States authorities all the leaders of al Qaeda who hide in your land. (Applause.)  Release all foreign nationals, including American citizens, you have unjustly imprisoned.  Protect foreign journalists, diplomats and aid workers in your country.  Close immediately and permanently every terrorist training camp in Afghanistan, and hand over every terrorist, and every person in their support structure, to appropriate authorities.  (Applause.)  Give the United States full access to terrorist training camps, so we can make sure they are no longer operating.  

These demands are not open to negotiation or discussion.  (Applause.)  The Taliban must act, and act immediately.  They will hand over the terrorists, or they will share in their fate.  

I also want to speak tonight directly to Muslims throughout the world.  We respect your faith.  It's practiced freely by many millions of Americans, and by millions more incountries that America counts as friends.  Its teachings are good and peaceful, and those who commit evil in the name of Allah blaspheme the name of Allah.  (Applause.)  The terrorists are traitors to their own faith, trying, in effect, to hijack Islam itself.  The enemy of America is not our many Muslim friends; it is not our many Arab friends.  Our enemy is a radical network of terrorists, and every government that supports them.  (Applause.)

Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there.  It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found,stopped and defeated.  (Applause.)

Americans are asking, why do they hate us?  They hate what we see right here in this chamber -- a democratically elected government.  Their leaders are self-appointed.  They hate our freedoms -- our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other.

They want to overthrow existing governments in many Muslim countries, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.  They want to drive Israel out of the Middle East.  They want to drive Christians and Jews out of vast regions of Asia and Africa.

These terrorists kill not merely to end lives, but to disrupt and end a way of life.  With every atrocity, they hope that America grows fearful, retreating from the world and forsaking our friends.  They stand against us, because we stand in their way.

We are not deceived by their pretenses to piety.  We have seen their kind before.  They are the heirs of all the murderous ideologies of the 20th century.  By sacrificing human life to serve their radical visions -- by abandoning every value except the will to power -- they follow in the path of fascism, and Nazism, and totalitarianism.  And they will follow that path all the way, to where it ends:  in history's unmarked grave of discarded lies. (Applause.)  

Americans are asking:  How will we fight and win this war?   We will direct every resource at our command -- every means of diplomacy, every tool of intelligence, every instrument of law enforcement, every financial influence, and every necessary weapon of war -- to the disruption and to the defeat of the global terror network.

This war will not be like the war against Iraq a decade ago, with a decisive liberation of territory and a swift conclusion.  It will not look like the air war above Kosovo two years ago, where no ground troops were used and not a single American was lost in combat.

Our response involves far more than instant retaliation and isolated strikes.  Americans should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign, unlike any other we have ever seen.  It may include dramatic strikes, visible on TV, and covert operations, secret even in success.  We will starve terrorists of funding, turn them one against another, drive them from place to place, until there is no refuge or no rest.  And we will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to terrorism.  Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.  (Applause.)  From this day forward, any nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime.

Our nation has been put on notice:  We are not immune from attack.  We will take defensive measures against terrorism to protect Americans.  Today, dozens of federal departments and agencies, as well as state and local governments, have responsibilities affecting homeland security.  These efforts must be coordinated at the highest level.  So tonight I announce the creation of a Cabinet-level position reporting directly to me -- the Office of Homeland Security.  

And tonight I also announce a distinguished American to lead this effort, to strengthen American security: a military veteran, an effective governor, a true patriot, a trusted friend -- Pennsylvania's Tom Ridge.  (Applause.)  He will lead, oversee and coordinate a comprehensive national strategy to safeguard our country against terrorism, and respond to any attacks that may come.  

These measures are essential.  But the only way to defeat terrorism as a threat to our way of life is to stop it, eliminate it, and destroy it where it grows.  (Applause.)

Many will be involved in this effort, from FBI agents to intelligence operatives to the reservists we have called to active duty.  All deserve our thanks, and all have our prayers.  And tonight, a few miles from the damaged Pentagon, I have amessage for our military:  Be ready.  I've called the Armed Forces to alert, and there is a reason.  The hour is coming when America will act, and you will make us proud.  (Applause.)

This is not, however, just America's fight.  And what is at stake is not just America's freedom.  This is the world's fight.  This is civilization's fight.  This is the fight of all who believe in progress and pluralism, tolerance and freedom.

We ask every nation to join us.  We will ask, and we will need, the help of police forces, intelligence services, and banking systems around the world.  The United States is grateful that many nations and many international organizations have already responded -- with sympathy and with support.  Nations from Latin America, to Asia, to Africa, to Europe, to the Islamic world.  Perhaps the NATO Charter reflects best the attitude of the world:  An attack on one is an attack on all.

The civilized world is rallying to America's side.  They understand that if this terror goes unpunished, their own cities, their own citizens may be next.  Terror, unanswered, can not only bring down buildings, it can threaten the stability of legitimate governments.  And you know what -- we're not going to allow it.  (Applause.)

Americans are asking:  What is expected of us?  I ask you to live your lives, and hug your children.  I know many citizens have fears tonight, and I ask you to be calm and resolute, even in the face of a continuing threat.

I ask you to uphold the values of America, and remember why so many have come here.  We are in a fight for our principles, and our first responsibility is to live by them.  No one should be singled out for unfair treatment or unkind words because of their ethnic background or religious faith.  (Applause.)

I ask you to continue to support the victims of this tragedy with your contributions.  Those who want to give can go to a central source of information, libertyunites.org, to find the names of groups providing direct help in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

The thousands of FBI agents who are now at work in this investigation may need your cooperation, and I ask you to give it.

I ask for your patience, with the delays and inconveniences that may accompany tighter security; and for your patience in what will be a long struggle.

I ask your continued participation and confidence in the American economy.  Terrorists attacked a symbol of American prosperity.  They did not touch its source.  America is successful because of the hard work, and creativity, and enterprise of our people.  These were the true strengths of our economy before September 11th, and they are our strengths today. (Applause.)

And, finally, please continue praying for the victims of terror and their families, for those in uniform, and for our great country.  Prayer has comforted us in sorrow, and will help strengthen us for the journey ahead.

Tonight I thank my fellow Americans for what you have already done and for what you will do.  And ladies and gentlemen of the Congress, I thank you, their representatives, for what you have already done and for what we will do together.

Tonight, we face new and sudden national challenges.  We will come together to improve air safety, to dramatically expand the number of air marshals on domestic flights, and take new measures to prevent hijacking.  We will come together to promote stability and keep our airlines flying, with direct assistance during this emergency.  (Applause.)

We will come together to give law enforcement the additional tools it needs to track down terror here at home.  (Applause.)  We will come together to strengthen our intelligence capabilities to know the plans of terrorists before they act, and find them before they strike.  (Applause.)

We will come together to take active steps that strengthen America's economy, and put our people back to work.

Tonight we welcome two leaders who embody the extraordinary spirit of all New Yorkers:  Governor George Pataki, and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.  (Applause.)  As a symbol of America's resolve, my administration will work with Congress, and these two leaders, to show the world that we will rebuild New York City.  (Applause.)   

After all that has just passed -- all the lives taken, and all the possibilities and hopes that died with them -- it is natural to wonder if America's future is one of fear.  Some speak of an age of terror.  I know there are struggles ahead, and dangers to face.  But this country will define our times, not be defined by them.  As long as the United States of America is determined and strong, this will not be an age of terror; this will be an age of liberty, here and across the world.  (Applause.)

Great harm has been done to us.  We have suffered great loss.  And in our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment.  Freedom and fear are at war.  The advance of human freedom -- the great achievement of our time, and the great hope of every time -- now depends on us.  Our nation -- this generation -- will lift a dark threat of violence from our people and our future.  We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage.  We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.  (Applause.)

It is my hope that in the months and years ahead, life will return almost to normal.  We'll go back to our lives and routines, and that is good.  Even grief recedes with time and grace.  But our resolve must not pass.  Each of us will remember what happened that day, and to whom it happened.  We'll remember the moment the news came -- where we were and what we were doing.  Some will remember an image of a fire, or a story of rescue.  Some will carry memories of a face and a voice gone forever.

And I will carry this:  It is the police shield of a man named George Howard, who died at the World Trade Center trying to save others.  It was given to me by his mom, Arlene, as a proud memorial to her son.  This is my reminder of lives that ended, and a task that does not end.  (Applause.)

I will not forget this wound to our country or those who inflicted it.  I will not yield; I will not rest; I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people.

The course of this conflict is not known, yet its outcome is certain.  Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that God is not neutral between them.  (Applause.)

Fellow citizens, we'll meet violence with patient justice -- assured of the rightness of our cause, and confident of the victories to come.  In all that lies before us, may God grant us wisdom, and may He watch over the United States of America.

Thank you.  (Applause.)

                            END          9:41 P.M. EDT

 

Osama bin Laden's letter to the world in 2002

Observer Worldview Extra
Full text: bin Laden's 'letter to America'

Online document: the full text of Osama bin Laden's "letter to the American people", reported in today's Observer. The letter first appeared on the internet in Arabic and has since been translated and circulated by Islamists in Britain.

Observer Worldview

Sunday November 24, 2002

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

"Permission to fight (against disbelievers) is given to those (believers) who are fought against, because they have been wronged and surely, Allah is Able to give them (believers) victory" [Quran 22:39]

"Those who believe, fight in the Cause of Allah, and those who disbelieve, fight in the cause of Taghut (anything worshipped other than Allah e.g. Satan). So fight you against the friends of Satan; ever feeble is indeed the plot of Satan."[Quran 4:76]

Some American writers have published articles under the title 'On what basis are we fighting?' These articles have generated a number of responses, some of which adhered to the truth and were based on Islamic Law, and others which have not. Here we wanted to outline the truth - as an explanation and warning - hoping for Allah's reward, seeking success and support from Him.

While seeking Allah's help, we form our reply based on two questions directed at the Americans:

(Q1) Why are we fighting and opposing you?
Q2)What are we calling you to, and what do we want from you?

As for the first question: Why are we fighting and opposing you? The answer is very simple:

(1) Because you attacked us and continue to attack us.

a) You attacked us in Palestine:

(i) Palestine, which has sunk under military occupation for more than 80 years. The British handed over Palestine, with your help and your support, to the Jews, who have occupied it for more than 50 years; years overflowing with oppression, tyranny, crimes, killing, expulsion, destruction and devastation. The creation and continuation of Israel is one of the greatest crimes, and you are the leaders of its criminals. And of course there is no need to explain and prove the degree of American support for Israel. The creation of Israel is a crime which must be erased. Each and every person whose hands have become polluted in the contribution towards this crime must pay its*price, and pay for it heavily.

(ii) It brings us both laughter and tears to see that you have not yet tired of repeating your fabricated lies that the Jews have a historical right to Palestine, as it was promised to them in the Torah. Anyone who disputes with them on this alleged fact is accused of anti-semitism. This is one of the most fallacious, widely-circulated fabrications in history. The people of Palestine are pure Arabs and original Semites. It is the Muslims who are the inheritors of Moses (peace be upon him) and the inheritors of the real Torah that has not been changed. Muslims believe in all of the Prophets, including Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all. If the followers of Moses have been promised a right to Palestine in the Torah, then the Muslims are the most worthy nation of this.

When the Muslims conquered Palestine and drove out the Romans, Palestine and Jerusalem returned to Islaam, the religion of all the Prophets peace be upon them. Therefore, the call to a historical right to Palestine cannot be raised against the Islamic Ummah that believes in all the Prophets of Allah (peace and blessings be upon them) - and we make no distinction between them.

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(iii) The blood pouring out of Palestine must be equally revenged. You must know that the Palestinians do not cry alone; their women are not widowed alone; their sons are not orphaned alone.

(b) You attacked us in Somalia; you supported the Russian atrocities against us in Chechnya, the Indian oppression against us in Kashmir, and the Jewish aggression against us in Lebanon.

(c) Under your supervision, consent and orders, the governments of our countries which act as your agents, attack us on a daily basis;

(i) These governments prevent our people from establishing the Islamic Shariah, using violence and lies to do so.

(ii) These governments give us a taste of humiliation, and places us in a large prison of fear and subdual.

(iii) These governments steal our Ummah's wealth and sell them to you at a paltry price.

(iv) These governments have surrendered to the Jews, and handed them most of Palestine, acknowledging the existence of their state over the dismembered limbs of their own people.

(v) The removal of these governments is an obligation upon us, and a necessary step to free the Ummah, to make the Shariah the supreme law and to regain Palestine. And our fight against these governments is not separate from out fight against you.

(d) You steal our wealth and oil at paltry prices because of you international influence and military threats. This theft is indeed the biggest theft ever witnessed by mankind in the history of the world.

(e) Your forces occupy our countries; you spread your military bases throughout them; you corrupt our lands, and you besiege our sanctities, to protect the security of the Jews and to ensure the continuity of your pillage of our treasures.

(f) You have starved the Muslims of Iraq, where children die every day. It is a wonder that more than 1.5 million Iraqi children have died as a result of your sanctions, and you did not show concern. Yet when 3000 of your people died, the entire world rises and has not yet sat down.

(g) You have supported the Jews in their idea that Jerusalem is their eternal capital, and agreed to move your embassy there. With your help and under your protection, the Israelis are planning to destroy the Al-Aqsa mosque. Under the protection of your weapons, Sharon entered the Al-Aqsa mosque, to pollute it as a preparation to capture and destroy it.

(2) These tragedies and calamities are only a few examples of your oppression and aggression against us. It is commanded by our religion and intellect that the oppressed have a right to return the aggression. Do not await anything from us but Jihad, resistance and revenge. Is it in any way rational to expect that after America has attacked us for more than half a century, that we will then leave her to live in security and peace?!!

(3) You may then dispute that all the above does not justify aggression against civilians, for crimes they did not commit and offenses in which they did not partake:

(a) This argument contradicts your continuous repetition that America is the land of freedom, and its leaders in this world. Therefore, the American people are the ones who choose their government by way of their own free will; a choice which stems from their agreement to its policies. Thus the American people have chosen, consented to, and affirmed their support for the Israeli oppression of the Palestinians, the occupation and usurpation of their land, and its continuous killing, torture, punishment and expulsion of the Palestinians. The American people have the ability and choice to refuse the policies of their Government and even to change it if they want.

(b) The American people are the ones who pay the taxes which fund the planes that bomb us in Afghanistan, the tanks that strike and destroy our homes in Palestine, the armies which occupy our lands in the Arabian Gulf, and the fleets which ensure the blockade of Iraq. These tax dollars are given to Israel for it to continue to attack us and penetrate our lands. So the American people are the ones who fund the attacks against us, and they are the ones who oversee the expenditure of these monies in the way they wish, through their elected candidates.

(c) Also the American army is part of the American people. It is this very same people who are shamelessly helping the Jews fight against us.

(d) The American people are the ones who employ both their men and their women in the American Forces which attack us.

(e) This is why the American people cannot be not innocent of all the crimes committed by the Americans and Jews against us.

(f) Allah, the Almighty, legislated the permission and the option to take revenge. Thus, if we are attacked, then we have the right to attack back. Whoever has destroyed our villages and towns, then we have the right to destroy their villages and towns. Whoever has stolen our wealth, then we have the right to destroy their economy. And whoever has killed our civilians, then we have the right to kill theirs.

The American Government and press still refuses to answer the question:

Why did they attack us in New York and Washington?

If Sharon is a man of peace in the eyes of Bush, then we are also men of peace!!! America does not understand the language of manners and principles, so we are addressing it using the language it understands.

(Q2) As for the second question that we want to answer: What are we calling you to, and what do we want from you?

(1) The first thing that we are calling you to is Islam.

(a) The religion of the Unification of God; of freedom from associating partners with Him, and rejection of this; of complete love of Him, the Exalted; of complete submission to His Laws; and of the discarding of all the opinions, orders, theories and religions which contradict with the religion He sent down to His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Islam is the religion of all the prophets, and makes no distinction between them - peace be upon them all.

It is to this religion that we call you; the seal of all the previous religions. It is the religion of Unification of God, sincerity, the best of manners, righteousness, mercy, honour, purity, and piety. It is the religion of showing kindness to others, establishing justice between them, granting them their rights, and defending the oppressed and the persecuted. It is the religion of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil with the hand, tongue and heart. It is the religion of Jihad in the way of Allah so that Allah's Word and religion reign Supreme. And it is the religion of unity and agreement on the obedience to Allah, and total equality between all people, without regarding their colour, sex, or language.

(b) It is the religion whose book - the Quran - will remained preserved and unchanged, after the other Divine books and messages have been changed. The Quran is the miracle until the Day of Judgment. Allah has challenged anyone to bring a book like the Quran or even ten verses like it.

(2) The second thing we call you to, is to stop your oppression, lies, immorality and debauchery that has spread among you.

(a) We call you to be a people of manners, principles, honour, and purity; to reject the immoral acts of fornication, homosexuality, intoxicants, gambling's, and trading with interest.

We call you to all of this that you may be freed from that which you have become caught up in; that you may be freed from the deceptive lies that you are a great nation, that your leaders spread amongst you to conceal from you the despicable state to which you have reached.

(b) It is saddening to tell you that you are the worst civilization witnessed by the history of mankind:

(i) You are the nation who, rather than ruling by the Shariah of Allah in its Constitution and Laws, choose to invent your own laws as you will and desire. You separate religion from your policies, contradicting the pure nature which affirms Absolute Authority to the Lord and your Creator. You flee from the embarrassing question posed to you: How is it possible for Allah the Almighty to create His creation, grant them power over all the creatures and land, grant them all the amenities of life, and then deny them that which they are most in need of: knowledge of the laws which govern their lives?

(ii) You are the nation that permits Usury, which has been forbidden by all the religions. Yet you build your economy and investments on Usury. As a result of this, in all its different forms and guises, the Jews have taken control of your economy, through which they have then taken control of your media, and now control all aspects of your life making you their servants and achieving their aims at your expense; precisely what Benjamin Franklin warned you against.

(iii) You are a nation that permits the production, trading and usage of intoxicants. You also permit drugs, and only forbid the trade of them, even though your nation is the largest consumer of them.

(iv) You are a nation that permits acts of immorality, and you consider them to be pillars of personal freedom. You have continued to sink down this abyss from level to level until incest has spread amongst you, in the face of which neither your sense of honour nor your laws object.

Who can forget your President Clinton's immoral acts committed in the official Oval office? After that you did not even bring him to account, other than that he 'made a mistake', after which everything passed with no punishment. Is there a worse kind of event for which your name will go down in history and remembered by nations?

(v) You are a nation that permits gambling in its all forms. The companies practice this as well, resulting in the investments becoming active and the criminals becoming rich.

(vi) You are a nation that exploits women like consumer products or advertising tools calling upon customers to purchase them. You use women to serve passengers, visitors, and strangers to increase your profit margins. You then rant that you support the liberation of women.

(vii) You are a nation that practices the trade of sex in all its forms, directly and indirectly. Giant corporations and establishments are established on this, under the name of art, entertainment, tourism and freedom, and other deceptive names you attribute to it.

(viii) And because of all this, you have been described in history as a nation that spreads diseases that were unknown to man in the past. Go ahead and boast to the nations of man, that you brought them AIDS as a Satanic American Invention.

(xi) You have destroyed nature with your industrial waste and gases more than any other nation in history. Despite this, you refuse to sign the Kyoto agreement so that you can secure the profit of your greedy companies and*industries.

(x) Your law is the law of the rich and wealthy people, who hold sway in their political parties, and fund their election campaigns with their gifts. Behind them stand the Jews, who control your policies, media and economy.

(xi) That which you are singled out for in the history of mankind, is that you have used your force to destroy mankind more than any other nation in history; not to defend principles and values, but to hasten to secure your interests and profits. You who dropped a nuclear bomb on Japan, even though Japan was ready to negotiate an end to the war. How many acts of oppression, tyranny and injustice have you carried out, O callers to freedom?

(xii) Let us not forget one of your major characteristics: your duality in both manners and values; your hypocrisy in manners and principles. All*manners, principles and values have two scales: one for you and one for the others.

(a)The freedom and democracy that you call to is for yourselves and for white race only; as for the rest of the world, you impose upon them your monstrous, destructive policies and Governments, which you call the 'American friends'. Yet you prevent them from establishing democracies. When the Islamic party in Algeria wanted to practice democracy and they won the election, you unleashed your agents in the Algerian army onto them, and to attack them with tanks and guns, to imprison them and torture them - a new lesson from the 'American book of democracy'!!!

(b)Your policy on prohibiting and forcibly removing weapons of mass destruction to ensure world peace: it only applies to those countries which you do not permit to possess such weapons. As for the countries you consent to, such as Israel, then they are allowed to keep and use such weapons to defend their security. Anyone else who you suspect might be manufacturing or keeping these kinds of weapons, you call them criminals and you take military action against them.

(c)You are the last ones to respect the resolutions and policies of International Law, yet you claim to want to selectively punish anyone else who does the same. Israel has for more than 50 years been pushing UN resolutions and rules against the wall with the full support of America.

(d)As for the war criminals which you censure and form criminal courts for - you shamelessly ask that your own are granted immunity!! However, history will not forget the war crimes that you committed against the Muslims and the rest of the world; those you have killed in Japan, Afghanistan, Somalia, Lebanon and Iraq will remain a shame that you will never be able to escape. It will suffice to remind you of your latest war crimes in Afghanistan, in which densely populated innocent civilian villages were destroyed, bombs were dropped on mosques causing the roof of the mosque to come crashing down on the heads of the Muslims praying inside. You are the ones who broke the agreement with the Mujahideen when they left Qunduz, bombing them in Jangi fort, and killing more than 1,000 of your prisoners through suffocation and thirst. Allah alone knows how many people have died by torture at the hands of you and your agents. Your planes remain in the Afghan skies, looking for anyone remotely suspicious.

(e)You have claimed to be the vanguards of Human Rights, and your Ministry of Foreign affairs issues annual reports containing statistics of those countries that violate any Human Rights. However, all these things vanished when the Mujahideen hit you, and you then implemented the methods of the same documented governments that you used to curse. In America, you captured thousands the Muslims and Arabs, took them into custody with neither reason, court trial, nor even disclosing their names. You issued newer, harsher laws.

What happens in Guatanamo is a historical embarrassment to America andits values, and it screams into your faces - you hypocrites, "What is the value of your signature on any agreement or treaty?"

(3) What we call you to thirdly is to take an honest stance with yourselves - and I doubt you will do so - to discover that you are a nation without principles or manners, and that the values and principles to you are something which you merely demand from others, not that which you yourself must adhere to.

(4) We also advise you to stop supporting Israel, and to end your support of the Indians in Kashmir, the Russians against the Chechens and to also cease supporting the Manila Government against the Muslims in Southern Philippines.

(5) We also advise you to pack your luggage and get out of our lands. We desire for your goodness, guidance, and righteousness, so do not force us to send you back as cargo in coffins.

(6) Sixthly, we call upon you to end your support of the corrupt leaders in our countries. Do not interfere in our politics and method of education. Leave us alone, or else expect us in New York and Washington.

(7) We also call you to deal with us and interact with us on the basis of mutual interests and benefits, rather than the policies of sub dual, theft and occupation, and not to continue your policy of supporting the Jews because this will result in more disasters for you.

If you fail to respond to all these conditions, then prepare for fight with the Islamic Nation. The Nation of Monotheism, that puts complete trust on Allah and fears none other than Him. The Nation which is addressed by its Quran with the words: "Do you fear them? Allah has more right that you should fear Him if you are believers. Fight against them so that Allah will punish them by your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them and heal the breasts of believing people. And remove the anger of their (believers') hearts. Allah accepts the repentance of whom He wills. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise." [Quran9:13-1]

The Nation of honour and respect:

"But honour, power and glory belong to Allah, and to His Messenger (Muhammad- peace be upon him) and to the believers." [Quran 63:8]

"So do not become weak (against your enemy), nor be sad, and you will be*superior ( in victory )if you are indeed (true) believers" [Quran 3:139]

The Nation of Martyrdom; the Nation that desires death more than you desire life:

"Think not of those who are killed in the way of Allah as dead. Nay, they are alive with their Lord, and they are being provided for. They rejoice in what Allah has bestowed upon them from His bounty and rejoice for the sake of those who have not yet joined them, but are left behind (not yet martyred) that on them no fear shall come, nor shall they grieve. They rejoice in a grace and a bounty from Allah, and that Allah will not waste the reward of the believers." [Quran 3:169-171]

The Nation of victory and success that Allah has promised:

"It is He Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad peace be upon him) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islam), to make it victorious over all other religions even though the Polytheists hate it." [Quran 61:9]

"Allah has decreed that 'Verily it is I and My Messengers who shall be victorious.' Verily Allah is All-Powerful, All-Mighty." [Quran 58:21]

The Islamic Nation that was able to dismiss and destroy the previous evil Empires like yourself; the Nation that rejects your attacks, wishes to remove your evils, and is prepared to fight you. You are well aware that the Islamic Nation, from the very core of its soul, despises your haughtiness and arrogance.

If the Americans refuse to listen to our advice and the goodness, guidance and righteousness that we call them to, then be aware that you will lose this Crusade Bush began, just like the other previous Crusades in which you were humiliated by the hands of the Mujahideen, fleeing to your home in great silence and disgrace. If the Americans do not respond, then their fate will be that of the Soviets who fled from Afghanistan to deal with their military defeat, political breakup, ideological downfall, and economic bankruptcy.

This is our message to the Americans, as an answer to theirs. Do they now know why we fight them and over which form of ignorance, by the permission of Allah, we shall be victorious?

John Kerry's Military Record

John Forbes Kerry enlisted and was accepted 2-18-66 and then was released and reported to Naval training school on November of 1966.  You can find the facts in the Bupers orders to Gridley.  He then reported for duty.  His education began in Dec. of 1966.  He came in speaking English and German and it was recommended he go for the swift boat training with his goals for languages and law upon discharge.
In July of 1967 he received the National Defense Service Medal.

He received a Citation in March of 1969 while serving on the Coastal Division 11 against the Viet Cong Aggressors in the Am(sp) Vuyen Province Republic of Viet Nam against the communist aggressors during the Sea Lords Operation.  For this citation Kerry received his recognition buy pulling out a stranded soldier who was knocked out into the water during two simultaneous mine explosions.  His right arm was injured in that event.  This citation was awarded to him by the Commander of the Navy, E.R. Zumwalt.
Also he received another citation for bravery and clear thinking while the above event occurred in that he insisted that his boat fire on the enemy snipers, etc., who were shooting at the same soldier Kerry rescued, engaging them in order to save his life.  That citation was also awarded on March 13th 1969 by John Luch(sp), the Secretary of the Navy.  Both of these above citations earned him two bronze star medals.
In 1970 his record was amended by Dena M. Martin to having a Viet Nam medal with 4 bronze, not 2 bronze stars.
On 2-20-68 he received a purple medal citation, 12-02-68 another, and on 3-13-1969 for his wounds and injuries while on mission in Viet Nam.
Until his discharge, Kerry had taken a total of 38 days leave with a balance of 39 days left which he never took.
He was honorably discharged on 2-27-72 with one day leave before entering the Naval Reserves.  He was educated and served in the Naval Reserves where he was discharged 7-13 of 1978.

The man never wounded himself, not that was ever reported in his naval records, nor did he receive any award he didn't deserve. 
He had a terrible time getting his records released up to this point and for the longest time, his discharge records could not be released.  He desired to defend himself but it was damn near impossible due to the nature of some of his "noncommissioned" missions which were common in the Viet Nam War.  These missions were not approved by the commander in chief or congress and the body of his missing documents are highly classified with a 50 year archive no military faction or governmental faction can access.  To do so would jeopardize our civilian informants in the countries they visited as well as some of our intelligence.  It has been suggested that much of Kerry's leave was taken to cross into illegal war zones we were instructed to keep out of.  This was common practice according to my source, a source who has more medals than Kerry, a source who is personally close to me, and a source who is highly classified but lesser so than Kerry. 

This man told me of such missions and what they accomplished to get back some of our POWs etc.  In addition to that, we gathered important information that kept our fellows alive. More returned home because of such covert operations.  It is for that reason portions of both my source's records and Mr. Kerry's records have been archived.  That limit will expire for Kerry in 2028 in which case, the Navy will decide if the releasing of said information would be prudent.  Until then, we must wait.

Bush has always had a record of slandering the service records of war heroes, not only in Kerry's case but also in John McCain's case.  I find it odd, that we cannot find any record of Bush's war service. He does protest way too much.
USA Today pulled the records of the Swiftboaters, not one of them archived, none received accomodations; and  this is what they found:
“None of the 13 men in the TV ads served on either of the two swift boats ... Kerry commanded.... Of the group’s 254 members--out of 3,500 swift boat sailors who served in Vietnam--only one served under Kerry. The rest who served on Kerry’s boats back his record.”
Add this to what my source said and Kerry's record says, our Senator is truly a hero.

My source had this to say about the current war.  We should never have brought Saddam down without the backing of a majority.  This will be a longer war with more casualties, but he agreed Saddam had to be removed someday.  He dislikes Bush immensely and wonders if Kerry will be able to achieve solid alliances in the world as our diplomatic measures haven't got us very far in the past administrations.  He has a keen way of looking at things and hopes for the best for our troops. 

By Chelle Stockman