Open Threads

Michael Collins

(Washington, DC) Former CIA analyst Ray McGovern and investigative journalist Robert Parry spoke at the National Press Club in Washington, DC last night. They were guests of The McClendon Group which holds periodic meetings at the press club featuring investigative reporters and newsmakers. Parry publishes and reports at Consortium.News.com. McGovern is on the steering committee of the Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS).

November 27, 2009
Activism and Diplomacy Yield Progress in Myanmar/Burma
by Arn Specter, Phila. (Twitter)

The following six (6) articles on Myanmar/Burma in November
help bring us up-to-date on developments there and in the region.
I believe we are seeing progress being made; fruits of our labor,
so to speak, from our activism in recent years to diplomacy by
the US to reprimands by the United Nations, slowly the military
junta is becoming more responsive to meeting and talking with
two US diplomats, Secretary of State Clinton and President Obama...
Some of the European Union 27 member states also spoke up
against the repressive measures of the junta.

Over the last few months we've seen many new developments in Burma.
Aung San Suu Kyi received a visitor, a US man who apparently swan
across a lake to visit with her. (?) She was arrested and charged with
crimes, and convicted, sentenced to another 18 months of house arrest.

"Deputies Hold Boy Who Fled Flu Shot
Student refused; was held down for vaccination

By SHELLEY HANSON Staff Writer

POSTED: November 11, 2009

WHEELING - It took the strength of two sheriff's deputies to keep a middle schooler still enough to receive a shot of the swine flu, or H1N1, vaccine at a recent clinic.

During a regular Wheeling-Ohio County Health Board meeting Tuesday, health department Administrator Howard Gamble told board members about the student's attempt to flee Wheeling Middle School during a vaccination clinic held there last Friday.

November 25 2009
Election Protests Lead to Hundreds of Murders by Iran
by Arn Specter, (Twitter), Phila.

The following is becoming a typical scanario in dictatorial nations
that repress their people; especially protesters, dissidents.
First the government is strongly supported by the military and/or
religious leaders. They hold power with a virtual iron fist yet pretend
to the world that the people are living under democratic rule or some-
thing close to it, acceptable by the Western World. Behind the scenes
though civil and human rights are suppressed, the media is controlled,
women's rights trampled upon in the name of religion, education is allowed
though dissent is forbidden and severely punished with arrests, imprisonment
and executions (murders), sometimes for minor crimes, though with
political motivations, opposition political parties stifled although allowed
to run for office, then elections are tampered with fraud giving the

For many years, I’ve given livestock to poor people in rural areas, specifically Africa. Then I came across http://www.iwantagoat.com - where I got to “pimp” out my goat with accessories (I chose the uggs and sunglasses). I am happy to help people from the Koraput region of India as I've never donated to India before. The corresponding video is just as creative [warning, explicit lyrics]: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1yinqadxuQ

November 21, 2009
Comments on Ray McGovern's Assessment on Afghan Strategy
by Arn Specter, Phila. (Twitter)

I've found the following article by Ray McGovern to be very instructive.
McChrystal to Obama: Fogh You; McChrystal Testing the Limits
McGovern takes us inside the heads of President Obama, Gen. McChrystal,
Anders Fogh Rasmussen and the people and forces concerned about the
war in Afghanistan now and in the future.

McGovern objects strongly to Gen. McChrystal's forceful asking for many
more troops to be deployed and warns against the military influence on
a President who needs to take a firm stand against increasing troop levels.
Too, McGovern criticizes Rasmussen for following the strongest forces at
work in the US, formerly siding with George Bush and now with the US military.

While agreeing with McGovern's positions for a stronger Presidential response in the current policy review I would add that the US can lead an effort for the

Posted with the permission of Senator Mike Gravel. Please donate tomorrow (11/10/09) at http://film.ni4d.us

View the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWUep1A-aYQ

This is Mike Gravel, the chairman of The Democracy Foundation. On November 10th, we are going to be organizing a money bomb to try and raise money à la Ron Paul. Were not deluding ourselves that were raising the millions, but we need to raise enough money to pay some videographers to be able to do a documentary on the National Initiative and how it will empower the American people to be able to vote on the policy issues that affect their lives, once its in place.

We would like to let you all know that The Animal Farm will be joined by Lloyd Pye tonight at 6:30pm EST. You can view his webpage here.

You can also learn more about Lloyd Pye and The Starchild Skull by texting FARM to 88500. (This will cost the same as sending out a standard text message NO ADDITIONAL FEES APPLY)

IN BRIEF

Lloyd Pye is an author, researcher, and lecturer in the field of alternative knowledge. He calls on over 30 years of experience to write and speak about the origins of life, human origins, Hominoids (bigfoot, sasquatch, yeti, and others), and the work of Zecharia Sitchin. This broad base of knowledge makes him one of the world's leading proponents of the Intervention Theory of origins, which stands in sharp contrast to Darwinism, Creationism, and Intelligent Design.

here's an idea...what do you think?

Universal, Public, Coop, & Private Options to Healthcare

October 11, 2009
The Need to Heed the Dangerous Threats from Iran, Israel and U.S.
by Arn Specter, Phila. (Twitter and Op Ed News )

The following three stories,
1) Iran threatened by U.S. buster bomb

2) Iran warns against attack, boasts nuclear talks success

3) World 'won't wait indefinitely' on Iran nuclear plans: Clinton

led me to thinking about the dangerous events taking place today
in troubled regions around the world. thus the following.

All of development of bigger and better weapons by the U.S.

More Corruption in Afghanistan As Karzai Embraces Warlords
by Arn Specter, Phila. (Twitter and www.opednews,com)
October 9, 2009

This 2 part film, Return of the Warlords, in Afghanistan, before
the elections by Pres. Karzai marks the beginning of a more corrupt
and dangerous Afghanistan. The Obama administration knows about
the return of the warlords. Just how such a corrupt government will
fit into his new plans/policies along with the military requests for more
troops remains to be seen over the next two (2) weeks.

American filmmakers Rick Rowley and Jason Motlagh, showed
great courage in going to Afghanistan and filming in the territory of the
dangerous warlord, General Rashid Dostum documenting reactions
from some of the Afghan people who support him and others who despise
him for all the violence and murders of the past 30 years of his rule.

This and other films are presented by People Power, AlJazeera.net/english.

Who Owns Your Mortgage? "Produce The Note" Movement Helps Stall Foreclosures

October 4, 2009
Two part strategy for Afghanistan War:

1) hold off on deploying any more troops

2) President Obama calls for a major conference on the War.
this could well take place at the United Nations with key 'players';
the U.S., NATO, Afghan gov't., Pakistan gov't; the Taliban, al-Qaeda,
U.S. Military, U.S.State Department, United Nations Agencies, others....

Objective: To review present war situation and negotiate peace settlement
for all concerned.

Arn Specter, Phila. (Twitter and Op Ed News )
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following article by James Traub, New York Times presents
a good summary of the many different positions and perspectives
people are taking on the war situation in Afghanistan.

October 4, 2009

Dangers in U.S. Expanding Missile Defense Program

by Arn Specter (Twitter and Op Ed News)
September 29, 2009

The following article on US Missile Defense is one of many
by the prolific and comprehensive writer/researcher
Rick Rozoff. In looking through his website or Yahoo Group,
Stop NATO one sees hundreds of well written articles on the
escalating U.S. Military efforts at home and abroad, while
showing us the many dangers we are incurring by these
expansions. The geopolitical concerns of many nations in
Europe, the Middle East and Asia are discussed as well as
the current plans for more mobile missile systems on the
waters of the Middle East and Europe by U.S. Navy ships,
some replacing the recent abandoning of missile defense in
Eastern Europe (Poland and the Czech Republic).

One very important point Mr. Rozoff makes is that Pres.Obama

Monday, September 28, 2009
G20 Protesters Footage and Repression in India; Democracy NOW!
by Arn Specter, Phila. (Twitter and Op Ed News )

Another special program featuring incredible footage of police brutality

against G20 peaceful protesters last week in Pittsburgh, with interviews and commentary; and a long informative interview with Indian writer and activist Arundhati Roy from New Delhi, India.

Ms. Roy chronicles much history of the present repressive government and the influx of multinational corporations wanted to exploit India's natural resources while forcing the people off of their lands and into the forests or the cities...

Includes what is happening in Kashmir as well. Hosted by Amy Goodman. Important news coverage for progressive activists.

Arn Specter, Phila. ( Twitter and www.opednews.com )

September 17, 2009
Protests Stop Dolphin Killings in Japan...'The Cove'
by Arn Specter, Phila. (Twitter and Op Ed News )
Protests have been successful in stopping the Dolphin Kill last week and pressuring the Japanese film festival directors to show this controverial movie to the public. See.
Japan Gets Its First Chance to See The Cove, (below)
Refer to my previous post, on this matter, for Links to continuing protests or to communicate with the Japanese government, or Ric O'Barry and the groups working on helping the Dolphins and Whales in Japanese waters - and around the world.

Thanks to your efforts as well much progress is being made on this animal welfare

situation which can expand as we outreach to others sharing this success while working to further help these mammals and other animals as well.

arn specter, phila. (Twitter and Op Ed News )

September 11, 2009
Save the Dolphins..................ACTION ALERT.................................
by Arn Specter, Phila. (Twitter and OpEd news)

We have a chance to save many Dolphins in the waters of Japan (see article below)
by Kyoko Hasegawa .
Through the vigorous efforts of activists in recent years from the Oceanic Preservation Society,
and Save Japan Dolphins Dir. Ric O'Barry, other groups,
Japan now has softened its plans for their annual kill of thousands of Dolphins. (see Statement below)
by Gina Papabeis. A vigorous effort NOW will give us a good chance to keep the Dolphins
safe from harm, at this time.
There are two courses of action suggested.
1) link onto Takepart and send letters
2) contact the Japanese Ambassador; phone, emial, or mail, fax (below)

The Mayo clinic does not accept Medicare according to a friend who has talked with the people at the facility located close to his home about specialist surgery as well as routine medical care. In addition to Medicare he has a supplemental policy that pays 20 percent.

If you have a different experience please post with suggestions for how a person with Medicare might use their services.

The story we hear is that Mayo doctors aren't at risk of doing whatever brings in the most bucks individually because they are on straight salary. Apparently, though, that doesn't stop the clinic from getting whatever the market will bear for their service.

(originally published at OpEdNews)

OK, let’s get real. There are several reasons why it’s so easy to talk people into opposing something that could be for their own good. In the case of health care reform, the biggest reason is racism. And this time around it’s a twofer.

First, you oppose health care because it’s being proposed by an American racist’s worse nightmare, a Black president. That’s right, Barack Obama has saved you from having to blame the potential beneficiaries of health care reform.

When others like President Clinton have proposed reform, you had to be a bit more open. To paraphrase something I heard with my own ears, “I don’t want to pay for health care for Leroy or José.”

Take note, Sparky. How many dead bodies have you had to drive over or step over today? None, you say. If you’d like, I can explain that to you.

The following article, Wake up to Peacemaking, Latin America,
follows the article I read today, (see below)

Latin America moves to reduce reliance on US weapons
By Michel Leclercq, September 8, 2009

September 8, 2009

Wake up to Peacemaking, Latin America,

by Arn Specter, Phila.

(Twitter and Op Ed News)

Let us put out a "Call: - loudly- to Latin America to change their policies

of arms buying to one of arms reductions and more, more, more diplomacy and the making of negotiations and agreements for cooperation and peace in the region! A new arms race in Latin America needs to be challenged!

U.S. World Militarization Continues to Escalate
by Arn Specter, Phila. September 7, 2009 (Twitter and Op Ed News)

United States Militarization continues to make the news while making the world a much more dangerous place to live in for millions of people.

September 6, 2009
Film Depicts U.S. Corrupt Policies
by Arn Specter, Phila. (Twitter and Op Ed News )

Today, while looking over some writings about the Economic Stimulus and Tax Resisters Irwin Schiff, Cynthia Neun and Lawrence Cohen (see, DOJ) two of them still incarcerated for standing up against the Internal Revenue Service, and others who are part of the anti-income tax movement...

Enough September 5, 2009, 4:12 PM

Westmoreland has now become a verb, those who are advising President Obama should read what happened to a man who thought he could win a war that was not possible to win without killing every person in Indochina. His name was General William Childs Westmoreland and he led our troops into disaster, calling for more and more troops until we had to get out. “Just give me 50,000 more troops and I will win this war.” They may not be the exact words but that was the end result. To westmoreland a war is going from 16,000 to 535,000 and still losing to a mostly guerilla force. So, you advisers who think that you can win in Afghanistan, better read about this general who thought exactly as you do today---this is the good war. There is no good war and Afghanistan is absolutely not a good war and we will have to leave today or tomorrow but we will have to leave.

Who's Up for Reelection in 2010? Full List

Retiring Senators
Ted Kaufman (D) of Delaware
Kit Bond (R) of Missouri
Sam Brownback (R) of Kansas
Mel Martinez (R) of Florida
George Voinovich (R) of Ohio

Democratic incumbents
Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas
Barbara Boxer of California
Michael Bennet of Colorado
Christopher Dodd of Connecticut
Daniel Inouye of Hawaii
Roland Burris of Illinois
Evan Bayh of Indiana
Barbara Mikulski of Maryland
Harry Reid of Nevada
Kirsten Gillibrand of New York
Chuck Schumer of New York
Byron Dorgan of North Dakota
Ron Wyden of Oregon
Patrick Leahy of Vermont
Patty Murray of Washington
Russ Feingold of Wisconsin

Republican incumbents
Richard Shelby of Alabama
Lisa Murkowski of Alaska
John McCain of Arizona
Johnny Isakson of Georgia
Mike Crapo of Idaho
Chuck Grassley of Iowa
Jim Bunning of Kentucky

An aside re the upcoming funeral of Senator Kennedy. President G.H.W. Bush says that since his son is going to attend the funeral he and his wife won't attend.

Such a telling statement as to his character. On his birthday he makes a big deal about skydiving - "Look at how macho I still am!" Yet he can't be bothered to get off his duff to TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY (something he has never, ever done) to pay respect to one of the finest legislators this country has ever known.

I'd also say that he feels guilty because of all of his past sins involved with JFK's death, multiple CIA murderous activities, including Iran-Contra, Panama, and several other South American coups and murders - but since he's obviously a sociopath I'm sure he has no awareness at all of what it feels like to be guilty.

I can't wait for all of the Bushes to slither away into obscurity.

donilo

August 27, 2009
The Tragedy of Health Care Reform in America Today,
by Arn Specter, Phila. (Twitter/www.opednews.com)

Probably all of us "progressives" are feeling disappointed and upset about the failure of the Obama administration and Congress to take seriously Health Care Reform that would enable all Americans to have health care "free" or at a reasonable cost, managed either by the government or a cooperative serving the publics' true needs and interests.

Instead of a "Public Option" plan being at the forefront, or even in the running for victory, it is disappearing, almost gone completely, these days. The powers in the "health care" industries have so influenced Congress, the Administration and the Media - with more than 900 lobbyists and the HMO sector spending nearly $35 million in the first half of 2009, lobbying Congress , the White House and federal health care officers. (see, Healthcare insurers get upper hand, by Tom Hamburger and Kim Geiger, below)

David Michael Green weighs in on the Obama debacle--a/k/a "the lesser of two evils"--in this CounterPunch article ("Guess What? He's a Terrible President"):

"if this is the level of political sophistication to be found in the Obama White House, then, no, as a matter of fact, I really don’t want this clown negotiating with Vladimir Putin."

"Think about that for a second. How absolutely, utterly, magnificently inept does one have to be to have revived the hopes of the GOP, a mere 200 days after George W. Bush and Dick Cheney left office? Not just any idiot could pull off a stunt that big, I tell ya. A job like that requires a world-class moron."

Guess What? He's a Terrible President

Send this letter or edit your own to Attorney General Eric Holder.

AskDOJ@usdoj.gov

Mr Eric Holder
Attorney General of the United
States
950 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20530

Dear Attorney General Holder

On the morning of 9-11-01 a Military Aide informs the Vice President in the White House Bunker that an unauthorized aircraft is just ten miles out from the Pentagon, and asks, sir, "do the orders (stand down orders) still stand?", and Richard B. Cheney whips his neck around and replies, "of course the orders still stand-have you heard anything to the contrary?", and then, in just moments, the Pentagon gets hit, and the World Trade Center Towers also got hit earlier that morning as well.