Why Summer is so Special...

The journeys (some real, some imaginary) of summers past were mostly great experiences.

The past year was the hottest on record, while the winter of 2006-2007 was the warmest. Maybe this doesn't mean anything other than New York becoming Florida in a few years, but I suppose it's good to know what the heck is going on, and whether it's good or bad. If it's bad--as the consensus of the scientific community says--then what can humans do to to help, especially if we are responsible for causing or adding to global warming. Scientists who don't work for the energy industry (or for BushCo) tell us that we are responsible. The earth might be doing its own thing, but we're the only modern species that have had such a great impact on the global environment since the industrial revolution.

But, this post is about the past. The personal past that resides in your memory cells. What was your early summers? What was so special about them? I think everyone has fond memories of summers while growing up. So, let's hear about your stories... [comments section open]

First, summer meant time off--not just a short break from school, but a long one when a kid could actually see himself/herself grow up, through experiences and even physically. I had more scrapes & bruises in the summer; they taught me to suck it up and deal with them, and they were usually badges of a good time. I had time to do stuff, to be myself. I had time! Yet, that elusive time flew by faster than anything else. After the 4th of July, it was like counting down, from freedom to bondage.

In the summer, I didn't have to answer questions like, "how's school going?" or, "what have you learned lately?"...

Did you happen to meet new people during this season? Chances are you did, like most of us. New friends, perhaps a new amore entered the picture. Did you have to say "goodbye" to that person in September? That sucked!

We are who we are partly because of our memories. That's why I tell my friends to create memories every day if possible. I mean, create something, experience something that you'd want to take with you in the future. And, when you look back, you can remember the many good things; it's wonderfully satisfying, don't you think? For me, it's the many little goodies that make a big difference in life; usually it's not the big (and rare) events that determine personal happiness.

So, do you think summer was special for you? Care to share?....

Starving Person: I Don't Want Food if I Have to Wait in Line to Get It...

A Simple & Preventive Medical Procedure Saves Bush from Cancer. Many Americans Don't Have this Option!

It's absolutely not true that when president Bush went in for a colonoscopy the doctors found his head up there! The doctors found some polyps and removed them. Those polyps could have turned into cancerous ones if left untreated. This is the benefit of having health care coverage, including preventive care!

Thus, the president [all the people's elite representatives enjoy full health care] was able to schedule an appointment for the procedure. That was good. But, what about the estimated 48 million of Americans who don't have health insurance, and many more who are under-insured?

The question is this: should you die if you can't afford medical insurance?

Of course, medical care is expensive, though it generates huge profits for the insurance companies whose number one priority is to make money, often by denying benefits and necessary medical procedures. It's time we re-think our approach to healthcare. But, we do need our citizens to get informed, pay attention to the debate, and, hopefully, demand a resolution to this mess. The status quo won't give up without a fight, that's a given. However, if the majority wants a solution, one will be found.

We should also go beyond the simplistic labeling, like, "socialized medicine," socialize this or that... There are some institutions that should operate for the public good, outside the struggle to make a profit. Public libraries, national parks, heck, even the military, aren't seen as direct profit makers! Likewise, for our healthcare system. It should be set up to serve the public, as a non-profit entity. There's plenty of room for profits in this model too, but, for example, it won't be necessary to spend big sums of money on administrative and advertizing costs. Medicare is much more efficient on the other hand.

Prevention is another important way to reduce future costs, because, it was cheaper that Mr. Bush got a diagnosis and a simple procedure today instead of being treated for cancer later on.

All advanced countries have some kind of public medical care, only the US is left out, whereas some many of its citizens [whose number is bigger than many other ..countries!] spend the most (as a % of GDP). In all those countries, despite the problems in their systems, consistently majorities approve the public health care they enjoy. We've heard about the problems (ie. waiting times) in Canada and Britain, but, still, those citizens prefer the system they have to a private system with many uninsured. Their waiting times might be shortened too if they excluded millions of their citizens from access to healthcare as we do here!

Even in a system where some procedures require a waiting period, a person needing a procedure like Bush's could be treated. Can you image a starving person being told that there's free food available only to reply, "what? there's a line to get in? Forget it!"... Com'on now, let's be realistic and do something about insuring everyone in this country. This is what I call a progressive culture of life!

Republican Leaders Obstruct The Needed Change of Course in Iraq

The GOP is forced to stand up to the wishes of 70% of Americans.

This is the bottom line regarding the all-nighter at the US Senate: It's time to stand up and get counted. The vast majority of Americans want our troops out of Iraq, but the Republicans are filibustering. A filibuster is a delay tactic used by both sides on occasion which basically means that the obstructionist side doesn't allow the resolution of bill to come to a vote. Majority leader H. Reid (D-NV) decided to keep the Senate working without a break, forcing the Repubs to keep talking until they drop. This move is rare and of uncertain outcome. The Senate's rules require 60 votes to stop the "debate" and have a vote. Although there are several Repubs who now want an end to this war, there aren't 60 votes available.

The House can pass a bill by simple majority, and it seems that it will be able to do so if one emerges from the Senate. However, any bill before it becomes law the president has to sign it... Now, you see this ain't happening. But, it's important for our Congress to take a stand against a stubborn and incompetent president whose actions have brought so much suffering, has divided our country & our friends, while uniting our enemies and made them stronger.

UPDATE, 7/18

New Polls Confirm Americans Want Out of Iraq

A new CBS/New York Times poll shows that, even though the GOP successfully prevented a Senate bill on troop withdrawal from Iraq, there is a big majority (61%) of Americans that believe Congress should give money for the troops only if there a timetable for withdrawal. [add to this another 8% that wants no more money for this war].

Most Americans don't believe the escalation ("surge" in Bushspeak) is working, while 74% think the war is going badly. On the other hand, half of the Republicans think the war is going well...

President Bush: "AlQaeda is on the run"

At least this was what he was telling us since the invasion of Iraq and up to a few months ago. Now, he's not saying anything about this subject, probably because he's been briefed by his own intelligence agencies, which just issued a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE)--a collection of reports--most of them classified. Unfortunately, according to the latest NIE, Al Qaeda has become stronger, has set up shop in several new areas, has recruited thousands more, while its ally, the Taliban, is back in force in Afghanistan & Pakistan where it controls large areas and has increased its attacks on US forces.

The war in Iraq was the best thing that happened to Al Qaeda and all its terrorist sympathizers. Iraq has been a lab for terrorist training and recruitment, while traditional enemies have allied in an effort to harm the US. After all the money, the blood, sweat and tears we've shed in the Near/Middle East, our country [have you noticed the increased usage of the world "Homeland"?] is not safer than before. For goodness sake, what was all this expedition to far away lands for? Bad decisions upon bad decisions, coupled with cronyism, incompetence, and hallucinations.

We Have to Go Far Quickly. LIVE EARTH Events Raise Awareness For a Better Environment.

Did you watch any of the Live Earth events? Did they make you think or plan to take any action regarding the environment? It is about the environment--beyond global warming--and what kind of house we'll leave to our kids, the future generations. Sadly, the loudmouths and lowest-common-denominator agitators here in the US, have already labeled this latest effort a failure. Why is it that these conservatives don't like conservation? Why don't they like sensible acts that individually and through our governments can do to make a better place to live in?

The Earth's climate is always in flux, we know this. There's been a global warming trend, much in acceleration in the last couple decades. This is what the scientific consensus is telling us; and that humans are responsible for this warming trend. The Earth would be doing whatever it would be doing by itself, but it doesn't take a genius to see that, since the industrial revolution, humans have been dumping huge amounts of carbon into the atmosphere by burning coal, oil, etc. This does have an impact. Not a good one. We see its adverse effects in the quality of the air, in the polluted lands and waters. It's this simple. Isn't it? Now, why shouldn't we do something to help ourselves?

These Live Earth events are meant to raise awareness and prompt governments & private institutions to make more environmentally friendly policies. The good news is that everyone can do simple things without any sacrifices. Simple things, like, recycling, turning off lights & electric devices when not in use, use less gasoline, use less energy, pollute less, plant more trees, preserve forests, replace incandescent bulbs with CFLs, and so forth.

This issue shouldn't be another case of applied ignorance and indifference.

Bush Stays the Course! [Meaning: Shred the Constitution, Waste More Lives in Iraq, Take Care of the Praetorians... ] And a Scooter for Libby!

UPDATED, 7/5 [with excerpt from Libby's book, "The Apprentice"]

The Emperor May Have No Clothes, But He Wields a Mighty Pen... [until Jan. 2009]

Did you see how dainty Paris Hilton looked coming out of jail? Poor thing. Her wealthy family & the preferential treatment she had gotten in the past couldn't help her this time. She did the crime and she did the time. It's a lesson I hope she's learned--that impaired driving can kill. Revealing a covert CIA officer's identity can also kill and imperil the agent's contacts abroad--but this lesson has escaped the narrow minds that reside currently in White House!

A few days ago, the defenders of legality and the spirit of the law [I want to laugh but this is very serious stuff] got a victory when they denied amnesty to millions of trespassers who broke into our country to clean our toilets, nanny our children, trim our lawns, pick our fruits & veggies, etc.

Bush Keeps Adding to His Legacy

Yet, Bush came to help his special advisor. Lewis "Scooter" Libby didn't get a pardon, not yet. This will come after his appeals are exhausted. He still faces big fines they say. Yeah, but thanks to that Law & Order actor--now running for president--Libby has raised many millions of dollars for his defense fund. Thus, no pain there either. Damage to his reputation? Come now, what reputation? These people don't care, because they don't put the country above their own private interests. Libby will land a plush job (like Wolfie did after leaving the World Bank) and will be invited to parties and be deemed a hero by the conservatives who still support Bush & Co. He doesn't have to mingle with the common folk or talk to his critics. Maybe a book deal will bring him more money!

Bush said he respects the jury's verdict, but somehow he finds it necessary to vacate the conviction. Sure, when was the last time this so-called unitary executive had much deference to the law & the US constitution? He, and his cohorts, even tried to argue that the White House (which includes the Office of the Vice President) may not be part of the ..executive branch!!! Whatever. I think we're past the point of debating rationally about issues and we're now in the realm of absurdity.


Here are some of the responses regarding the Libby case/amnesty... Here's one editorial, and here another. No need to repeat the excellent points made elsewhere regarding this bad decision by "the decider". But, as Bill Maher asked, "Who cares?" Joe Sixpack doesn't care; it's not about sex!

The GOP obviously thinks lying about a sex affair between consenting adults is a greater sin than lying under oath while obstructing justice in covering up for treacherous behavior in the White House! I have to repeat this slogan, Clinton lied, nobody died. Bush lied, people died.

Can you imagine what the super-patriots would be yelling if someone in the Clinton WH had revealed the identity of a covert CIA agent? And, how the conservative "scholars" and other "experts" would be asking for impeaching of the president who had tried to cover up a crime in his administration? And, how the Congress (then controlled by the Republicans) would have absolute authority to investigate the cover up and enforce subpoenas?.... I'm just sayin'

UPDATE 7/5: Today, Libby paid the $250,000 fine. No sweat. Did you have any doubts that he'd be short on money? His defense fund has raised more than $5 million; his legal fees amount to $3-5 million. Unlike most of us, serious violations of the law and the public trust bear no consequences in this Bush White House. Actually, like most of the criminally incompetent before Libby, a promotion and more money come from obeying the laws of the ..cabal. It's not about law, but loyalty! Now, let's watch Libby's rehabilitation and the perks that'll follow...

PS. I do remember president Clinton's pardons too, especially the fugitive Frank Rich whose wife was a loyal fundraiser for the Clintons. The US president has unlimited power to pardon, but this, obviously, should be used judiciously, and not for those who have connections and other social privileges. During his trial, Libby said he was very optimistic about his future because he had God on his side! Um, sure....

Excerpt from The Apprentice, by Lewis Libby

"At age ten the madam put the child in a cage with a bear trained to couple with young girls so the girls would be frigid and not fall in love with their patrons. They fed her through the bars and aroused the bear with a stick when it seemed to lose interest."

OK, I know it's "art," fiction, porn, bestiality, depravity, or whatever. Who knows, maybe Libby will become a writer for Hustler mag or get another author's advance since he can now bank on his infamy! Oh, the perks available to him...

Questions: What's Next for Immigration Reform? Why Do Human Beings Come to the US when all we Need is a Low-Cost, No-rights Labor Force?

Are we running out of space? Or, do the natives feel threatened?

I've followed closely the Senate's attempts to pass a comprehensive immigration reform, that ultimately failed by a procedural vote, mainly opposed by Republicans. I admit I was conflicted about that bill. It had major flaws--and, I think that's why it didn't get the support from several Democrats who voted against it. I will not rehash the whole immigration debate today. [here's an earlier post of mine] This are some of my latest observations.

The bill was too big, and the managers tried to accommodate too many diverse interests and, more importantly, they tried to get the support of certain Senators by giving them more an more, amendment upon amendment, making the bill more cumbersome, just worse. Many Senators, much of the GOP, are nativists--not in favor of reform, of any immigration. Let me correct this. I mean, any immigration that gives rights to the workers. Exploitation is fine, because it keeps wages low and snuffs workers' demands. The previous congressional was proud for passing legislation to give immigration & labor laws exemptions to US businesses in the Marianna Islands (US territory), so they could keep their imported workers (mostly Asians) in slave-like conditions and keep putting "Made in the USA" labels on their products.

It showed that president Bush has lost one of the most important powers a US president has: the power to convince. Like the Wall Street Journal noted, the GOP is going to be the political loser out of this. The more this issue remains hot--and I assume it will, even simply from a strategic point of view--Republicans who opposed this latest bill will suffer if they come from a state with large immigrant population. In a tight Congress, Dems are expected to have electoral gains from this issue.

Further, if the Dems manage to pass piecemeal legislation [before a comprehensive one a couple years from now] favoring immigrants already in the country, there's a potential for solidifying the Latino group in the Dem column for a couple generations. This is extremely significant. In 2006, they broke 70-30 for the Dems, an increase over 2000, and the trend can continue upwards in 2008.

Comprehensive immigration reform won't happen before the next Congress & president take office, in 2009. But, smaller steps may be possible, before the next election. A practical approach would be to start with a tiered approach. Start with those who've been here the longest and have established roots in their community--not a date as it was proposed, but years continuously in the US. The proposed date, Dec. 2006 (anyone who had been in the country by then, even by 1 day), was a point of contention. It gave ammunition to those voices who oppose any reform. But, the majority of Americans--especially the ones who've closely known immigrants--are in favor for giving citizenship to their neighbors who've built a life here. The latter are already citizens, consumers, part of the culture--they're just lack an official document saying so.

The next step could be giving preference to those sectors of the economy that need workers. A skill-based immigration policy makes sense, and it's supported by much of our industry. The level of education could be another factor. There are several ways to tackle this problem of a seriously defective law/policy, but we have to approach it with honesty and with realism.

Bush Vetoes Science, Again. [A Crude Lesson in Human Sexuality & Reproduction Courtesy of Ignorance]

You may be excused if you didn't know any better, but today?... Applied ignorance is deadly!

I believe in order to make sure the sun rises, we have to open a human chest cavity and extract the heart; we have to do this every day, on some days multiple times! That's my belief. And, you have to respect that, because it's my religious belief! *

Now, if I convince enough people to go along with this, we'll ensure that stupid claims can claim human lives and worsen the lives of those left behind! Isn't what president Bush is actually doing with his latest veto of the stem cell funding bill?

"This bill would support the taking of innocent human life in the hope of finding medical benefits for others," said Bush after he vetoed the Congressional bill passed with big bi-partisan support. Yet, our Congress still has many more scientifically-illiterate people to sustain Bush's veto. Don't you see the connection between the people and those we elect? Many Republican presidential candidates openly say they don't believe in evolution--one of our strongest scientific theories we've got! These politicians appeal to their base, or, in other words, they reflect the public sentiment of their base!

Why do these people believe that a collection of a few cells constitutes human life? Well, they don't know, but it's their religious belief! Even though 2/3 of Americans favor stem cell research, this president is putting ideology (read: religion, or, how to keep the loons' support of his shrinking base) above science.

What's science? Well, in short, it's the collective body of empirical evidence, research & inquiry, the ability to amend, the theories that have given us answers about many marvels of the universe, etc.. Oh, science has also made possible the doubling of human life expectancy in the last 100 years! Not bad, heh? If a few people have no idea--nor do they care to know--how the human body works, should they be in charge of giving us moral imperatives on how to conduct science?

When, for example, was it that a fertilized human ovum became a human being? Is sperm too? Both sexes expel these naturally. Who was the headmaster of religious interpretation that decreed stem cells are humans beings? Is it written in any ancient holy book? Or, is it because the "authorities" tell us that they have a direct connection to a supreme being and, thus, divine knowledge?

At first it might sound unrelated, but this fits nicely with a religious view towards sex, whereas sex should be only for procreation and under strict rules in order to satisfy the deity... and, to a lesser extend male dominance. That's why
we condemn AIDS but condoms even more! That's why we (the US) allow the highest teenage pregnancy rate in the advanced world, because sex ed and birth control are deemed worse! That's why we allow for a system that puts obstacles to women's reproductive choices, forcing unwanted pregnancies, but promptly abandon the newborns and their mothers. Er, I meant, we do build more jails to institutionalize those who come from broken households and enter a life of crime. That's not so smart I reckon.

"These boys and girls are not spare parts," he said of the children in the audience. "They remind us of what is lost when embryos are destroyed in the name of research. They remind us that we all begin our lives as a small collection of cells." Bush, 43rd president of the USA

I wonder how the world would've been today if papa George Bush had destroyed a human life, some 62 years ago, by masturbating?... Or, that the elder Barbara Bush had her fertilized egg gone down the tubes soon after, as it naturally happens to many women... We'll never know. If we were to follow Bush's credo, those women who try in-vitro fertilization--whereas many eggs are fertilized in the process--are potential criminals, if they are not implanted with all the eggs. This incredible claim is even more absurd if you consider that Bush won't support scientific research that harvests those unused stem cells (taken from unused fertilized eggs) to try to cure dreadful diseases, like Alzheimer's....

Yes, it's true, the combination of sperm & ovum have the potential or turning into a human being--most don't however. Keep in mind that even if a bunch of cells do turn into a person, there are no guarantees that this born individual will indeed exercise his/her mind instead of preferring dogma & ignorance over enlightenment!

Please, don't tell me that elections don' have consequences and that all politicians are the same....


Editor's note: Sketch by XKCD [click on it to make it larger]

* An Aztec practice. Fortunately, as the current (and by dogma, infallible) Pope said, Christianity "purified the indigenous people."

Badges? We Don't Need No Stinking Budges! (or, how to shred the constitution)

It's only an amendment, and, at that, fourth in order...

Long time ago, someone* famous said once that those who are willing to sacrifice liberty for safety deserve neither. Our country is what we make of it. Since I'm not running for any public office, I can commit a "sin" by saying that, for this horrific mess we're in, Bush & Co are not the only ones to blame! Bush was re-elected by an absent-minded electorate. A public that allowed to be deceived and manipulated by its government, and support a bad war of choice. The information about the war was available, but most Americans didn't bother to look. In a democratic country, it was amazing to see such a propaganda coup (with the complicity of the media), when 70% or more of the public bought the lies about the necessity of war in Iraq. Usually, not even authoritarian regimes can pull off such a feat.

We are who we are, because we have a particular form of government that allows for diversity and tolerance of competing points of view. It's good that we have access to all sorts of information, that we can have the option of making up our own minds. We find it advantageous to have a cosmopolitan society--and, traditionally, such societies have produced more & better arts, science, literature, economies, and happier people! We should not forget this. In a utilitarian sense, this approach of cosmopolitanism makes for a nicer society where people are free to pursue their own dreams & aspirations; it's where persons can be individuals and try to fulfill their own potential.

But, in order to be an individual you have to have personal freedom... you know, that stuff in the Bill of Rights. In other words, we create a society that does not have a Big Brother! We are the products of our own mind and of our environment! If the environment allows a person more freedom to think, read, associate, make decisions, etc., without being constantly watched or in fear, then this condition produces a certain kind of person--a person who is not afraid to blaze new trails, not afraid to grapple with concepts and re-examine old ideas, and to participate in the affairs of the commonwealth as his civic duty.

In the hysteria of the days post 9-11, few were willing to think clearly, challenge the claims of Bush & Co. Our own Congress ["own" in relatively terms since that Republican-controlled Congress was a do-nothing congress; the Dems helped too, don't get me wrong] swiftly passed the PATRIOT ACT, almost overnight, without debate and without our representatives reading it! I'm not kidding. They didn't read it. They still don't know what's in it, as we recently found out that it gave the President the authority to fire US Attorneys without the advisement & consent of the Senate!

When Congress established the FISA court and amended the provisions to make it easier or our government to spy on people, it still required the gov. to obtain a warrant up to 72 hours after it had started the surveillance. Out of thousands of requests, literally only a handful of them have been denied by the court, so it's almost automatic that the government can get such a warrant. It makes you wonder why BushCo didn't bother to get warrants... which is an illegal under our constitution! [Fourth Amendment]

Much like PBS and NPR, even if relatively few people watch what's on, it's extremely important to create a public record! Same with getting warrants, because we can go back and examine, investigate, and correct past wrongs. But only if we know that a wrong was committed. Now, we find out that the FBI has broken the law more than a 1,000 time while spying on Americans! A couple days ago in an encouraging decision, a judge ordered the FBI to turn over thousands PATRIOT ACT abuse documents. Congress should keep the pressure on. Even if this obtuse president kicks and screams, Congress should investigate and use its subpoena power. Oh, no, I didn't forget the obligations we citizens have to keep an eye on our government... and, reward & punish them via the ballot box, and, in the court of public opinion.

In a related matter, some authorities want to curtail the abilities of terrorists by limiting their access to common lab equipment, and (do you remember this?) those chemistry sets sold off the rack so youngsters can be introduced to science. In Texas, for example, you have to register a three-neck beakers, but you don't have to register your handgun! [more on this story]

In a few days, the nation will celebrate the 4th of July in pomp & circumstance, and with fire & brim in the sky and in oration... I hope we do more than fire up the barbie, bake in the sun, sit in traffic, hit the stores for sales, and trample on thousand of products festooned with the American flag....


*Ben Franklin

The Democrats Debate: What, no Show of Hands Regarding (Dis)Belief in Evolution?!!

I watched most of the Democratic presidential debate and, unless I missed it, there was no show of hands regarding belief in evolution and the scientific method. Sure, there are differences among the candidates, but the way I look at politics is this. I have my own values, priorities, and vision for America, so whomever comes within reasonable proximity gets my support & my vote.

I also accept the scientific method, in that I try to learn as much as possible about a credible candidate and then draw my conclusions. Not the other way around. Who does the latter? Sadly, too many people, who pick a team, an ideology, a party, anything that feels good, and then stick with it often despite the available evidence. Anyway, I believe it's healthy to be skeptical and keep an open mind.
Here are some of my observations. Unless Al Gore decides to get into the race, it's between HR Clinton, Obama and Edwards. The rest of the field aren't going anywhere based on what they've shown us this far. Some 60 % of Democratic voters express satisfaction about the choices they have this, whereas 60% of Repubs don't!

The top three Dems look more and more presidential, and, if it's not happening already, soon they all will be polling ahead of their GOP counterparts. Of course, [I can't emphasize this enough], it is very early in the process, yet, it's worthwhile to pay attention to trends, and to events that will influence the actual voting 6-7 months from today.

The Iraq war features prominently in the debates and with the exception of Ron Paul (a very long shot in the GOP contest) all the Republicans want our troops to stay in Iraq--some, like Sen. McCain, for the next 50 years! The Dems, to various degrees, want to bring the troops back, though not everyone is very clear on how they'll do that. It will most likely be a Dem as the next US president who'll have the task of disengaging our country from the mess-o-potamia. Iraq is not Korea, nor post-WW2 Japan & Germany. We're not accomplishing anything by sticking around [even in the most expensive embassy complex in the world] while being attacked by all sides in Iraq.

The opportunity to bring stability in that country and hopefully to the greater region has passed. The incompetent regime we ourselves put in the White House failed to understand that a war is often judged not by what happens in the battlefield but by how the peace is handled. From the moment the US failed to establish a monopoly of violence in Iraq, the game was lost. This conflict has produced a couple winners: Iran, and the terrorists! The terrorists found a laboratory to hone their skills and promote their hateful propaganda while killing Americans. [see them here]

Health care is another issue the Dems seem to be willing to tackle. I'm in favor of a single-payer, universal health care system--like extending Medicare to all--because I can't accept if you don't have money you deserve to suffer and die in a very wealthy country. Again, it's a matter of priorities, so we should ask ourselves what constitutes a right and a privilege. In which category should health care & education be put?

I appreciate reason, and I see more reasonable discussions in the Democratic camp this year. Nowhere I see a show of hands whether evolution is a fact! As if the law of gravity doesn't exist if some people don't believe in it! Or, that we should round up all those millions of people who've been working in the US [and providing valuable services at low wages thus benefiting American business and individuals] without proper work documents and expel them!

Politics is relevant. Compare and contrast. It's about choices among candidates who either provide leadership [those who have the courage to do so] or simply express the public sentiment. I'm a progressive political animal but I also understand that I'm not in the majority when it comes to many issues. Therefore, I've learned to accept a progressive movement on an important issue instead of a stasis. My political choices reflect this thinking.

A Few Practical Things to do on Memorial Day (and in the future)

Editor's note: I wrote the following essay one year ago, but it’s still current, so I’m re-posting it again this year with a few minor changes.

Taking a Moment to Reflect and Appreciate

Be a sunflower today, turn your head towards the sun. Close your eyes and take a moment to reflect on your life. Let a sense of well-being come from within. Feel alive. Appreciate you being. And, make the world a little better by doing something nice for those around you, even if some of them are far away. Isn't appreciation part of having a national holiday? Let's not forget that we're standing on the shoulders of others, who stood on the shoulders of others, and so forth. Many of those who came before (some in our own families) us and many who came after us have made lots of sacrifice, including the ultimate one.

The extended Memorial Day weekend is here along with the unofficial start of the summer in the US. This holiday is about remembering those Americans [many of them immigrants and non-citizens, like our very first casualty in this war in Iraq] who gave their lives to keep us safe and free. But, this holiday should also be about life. Sacrifices should have an altruistic purpose, a greater meaning other than the recorded casualty number—a way to make life better for those left behind. That's why we, as a nation, must be very careful when we commit our blood, sweat and tears to a cause. And, we better make sure that our leaders understand this. It’s the least we can do to honor lives lost.

I don't like big & empty proclamations, overused superlatives and fake patriotism. Actually I'm offended by persons who show little respect and appreciation for the great sacrifices ordinary people made in order to build this beautiful country of ours. The presence and/or the size of one's flag doesn't necessarily reveal a person's commitment to this country. As a matter of fact, we all know scoundrels who wear the American flag on their lapels and fly huge flags to camouflage objectives. They may want to sell us ..used cars, or schemes whereas all the sacrifices are made by us, not them! Kind like a business arrangement to set a breakfast joint between the hen and the pig, whereas one provides the eggs and the other one the ham!

Any national holiday should serve as an opportunity for us to reflect on the things that unite us and why we choose to stick together in this commonwealth. What means to be an American and what responsibilities it carries is something we ought to ask ourselves; and we ought to ask our leaders the same question more often. We have plenty of examples in our own history when the leaders failed the people. We have the power to change things for the better, but only if we're informed and engaged in the affairs of our nation. I think this is the greatest honor and a respectful memorial to those who gave their lives for us. This is the patriotic way; to protect this United States of America and enhance the lives of its people.

And speaking of life, don't forget to create nice memories every day! Don't underestimate the little good but plentiful memories; they make life interesting and provide us with happiness. Give it a try, you'll see life becoming more exciting almost immediately! Have a great summer (and more) ahead!

Two Republican Governors Say EPA's Policy "borders on malfeasance." [ed. note: EPA implements Bush's (anti) environmental policy]

"It's bad enough that the federal government has yet to take the threat of global warming seriously, but it borders on malfeasance for it to block the efforts of states such as California and Connecticut that are trying to protect the public's health and welfare."

Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger (CA) and Jodi Rell (CT)

This article is worth reading, because it shows the current administration's views on global warming and EPA's bad policies that adversely affect our health and that of our children. It's time we elect leaders who examine the scientific evidence and act in the interest of the commonwealth, not big business or with religious fanaticism. Stem cell research, for example, holds great promise for unlocking secrets to a better life for millions of people, but it's been blocked by the ignorant and the fanatics.

Property rights should not be a greater priority than human rights. It's time we have a national debate whether education, health care, clean & safe environment are rights or privileges. It's a matter of priorities, isn't it? We've already spend more some $450 billion--with a projected total cost of over a trillion--and have lost more lives than on 9/11 in order to invade & occupy Iraq. And, we did this while our government gave tax cuts--most of them going to the wealthy.

Enough with this stupidity already. We citizens must pay closer attention to what the politicians are saying and, yes, how smart they are! Especially, when it comes to matters of science, we cannot afford to elect the ignorant and anyone with views fit for the Dark Ages. Their decisions matter because they affect our lives and change the direction of our country--and the world, since the US is a global leader.

Those who hold an anti-science & pro-ignorance mind should never hold public office. It's dangerous!

Some Lessons are Learned very Early in a Person's Life. Yet, Education Should be an Ongoing Experience.

Luck favors the prepared mind.

As another semester draws to a close, some 50% of American students, who began their studies four to six years ago, are participating in commencement ceremonies. Far too many students aren't graduating, and far too many never enter a higher education institution. The cost of tuition and student loans have become more expensive. As a country we have to re-evaluate whether access to health care and education should be a privilege or a right.

Conversely, I've seen many students squander their opportunities to attend and graduate college. There are many reasons for this--from not being able to afford the financial burden, to balancing work & school, to improper attitude. What pains me is that the latter is something within the control of the student and, thus, it's a self-imposed limitation. I've seen far too many bright kids who fail, because they are not serious enough about undertaking a long project and see it to its completion. They are often resistant to accepting direction and help from faculty. Obviously, these are young people and are entitled to making mistakes, and deserve second chances, but any young adult has to be able to be a quick learner, to adopt to the circumstances, and prevail. The so-called real world often is much harsher and doesn't offer repeated chances to success.

I attended a college of the City University of New York (CUNY) and I was very grateful that I was able to attend, learn, and earn a couple degrees. It was also a commuter college where most of the students had jobs and many did take more than four years to complete their degrees. But, the attitude was different than the attitude I've observed at two colleges [one for profit and one non profit] for several years; I've seen too many students having a rather casual attitude today that I had never seen when I was a student. High school contributes to shaping the character of many students; yet, it prepares them poorly to tackle academic subjects.

There's something else we should pay attention to besides what someone learns by reading and absorbing in the classroom. Proper habits and proper attitude are equally important. Unfortunately, too many young people who enter college lack those skills, and are not quick to revise bad habits. Every time I walk into a classroom, I know that half of my students will not graduate! I tell them so--hoping that they would do whatever they can not to fall into this category. I see it as my mission as well. I spend class time talking about the need for proper attitude: meeting deadlines, being serious, doing more than the bare minimum, being creative, demonstrating that they can work well within a group, elevate the quality of their group by being good contributors, taking a long project and complete it, being able to accept instruction, and see this experience as a good & fun event in their lives. Skills a person develops in college are great skills to take to the professional world out there.

Unfortunately, bad habits sometimes prevail, setting the tone from day one. Why a student can have an adversarial attitude toward the teacher is beyond me--and I know it is not a winning strategy. We faculty are not there to make students miserable or to make them fail. On the contrary. In places I've taught, the vast majority of faculty do take an active interest in the progress of their students. There are other higher education institutions--mostly research universities--where undergrad students rarely see their professors, and many courses are taught by TAs, grad students, or adjuncts. I think this is not right. I have certain views on what being a teacher is about that run contrary to practices in several learning institutions. I believe that contributing to knowledge and expanding the horizons of a particular field is not uni-directional. Both research and transmission of knowledge (including the excitement of learning new things) to students are necessary, and there should be a distinction between a scholar and a teacher. The problem is that many colleges confuse the two.

But, learning how to swim also requires attention, following the instructions, and practicing. I'm happy to see that many students do grab this opportunity to learn, develop the necessary skills, and to elevate themselves into the leaders of tomorrow. We need more of them. We need to re-think our strategy and the mission of what a higher education should be. Harvard University, among many, is now trying to change the way it educates its students, because a great school should not be primarily judged by the number of bright minds on its faculty (who do research but are otherwise inaccessible to the students); nor should it be judged for its ability to find jobs for the students.

It's good for America to produce smarter, truly educated people; it's good for our economy, for our politics, and for the whole world, since the US is a global leader. The earlier we begin to educate our children the better. It begins at home, with the development of proper attitude towards learning, with good study habits, and with parents being true mentors not just disciplinarians! Education--which is more than reading books--should not be an adversarial exercise but a good and desirable objective for every person.

The Republican Presidential Candidates Reaffirm their Intolerance, Ignorance, and Bad Plans for America

Updated, 5/7 (below)

I watched the Republican "debate" and I thought that Ronald Reagan won it quite handily! Everybody wants to be like Ronnie, but all ten candidates sounded very dangerous. But, what are you going to do when the crowd you're appealing to is in the Dark Ages? When 66% of GOP voters believe that victory in Iraq is still possible!

Seriously. It's not only the fault of the leaders, but the people too. How can you argue for exploring beyond the horizon when the people believe the Earth is flat? Of course, it doesn't excuse the ignorance and the failure to enlighten the people, but if you want to survive and be a leader in the Conservative circles today, then you have to reflect the public sentiment of that political base.

Would you expect that in the 21st century America (an advanced country) we'd be debating evolution v. creation or ID?! Thus, these stars of conservatism are against evolution--against the validity of one of the strongest scientific theories we've got. They're for teaching ID/creationism [yes, only a particular theistic myth] as science in our public schools; they're against stem-cell research, and anything that has to do with science and rational thinking. Well, they're not all that crazy when it comes to their own well-being, as they do go to the best doctors and get the best medical treatment science has made possible. The rest of Americans, you may ask... Not so fast. Shrink the government and the services most Americans need, and let the marketplace solve all problems, they tell us.

Even though it's sickening to see American politicians peddling to the lowest common denominator, it's important to hear what these people are saying... and get some extra motivation to work a little harder to make sure that none of them is elected.

Update 5/5. In the comments section, I have a link to Keith Olberman's editorial on Rudy Giuliani. Keith's points should be in the playbook of the Democratic nominee in case Giuliani wins the Republican nomination. One more thing; we have to remind ourselves that the conservative base does not think or behave like the progressives, and a large segment of the Democratic base. The conservatives need authoritarian figures to lead them--Giuliani's strength. So, don't assume that because Rudy's prior views (when he was mayor of NYC) on certain issues will prevent him from capturing the nomination. If he scares the conservative primary voters enough, and if he projects himself as a very strong, experienced leader, he may very well win it.

Update 5/7: Follow the money. Mr. Tenet is not talking about the millions of dollars he's made for being a consultant to companies that are profiting from the war in Iraq. He also has a fat salary from Georgetown University. And, he got a $4 million advance from his publisher. Not bad, heh?

"Mission Accomplished" has Turned into Mission Impossible.

Yeah, he accomplished something... To divide our friends, unite our enemies, and bleed our country!

Longer than our engagement in WW 2, this war of (bad) choice still lingers. Our imperial president still says we'll win, and if we don't fight them over there.....

Of course, if we had more troops, had spend more money, had more time, stay there for ever, victory will be achieved! Forever is a long time, anything is possible (though not probable).

Actually, I'm glad George Tenet is out shooting off his mouth and shooting his own foot, while reminding us of the criminally negligent administration he so loyally served.

Three months before the war, Bush was briefed by Tenet and his CIA deputy. At some point, even Bush wondered whether the evidence they're putting out was convincing enough. In this marketing & selling strategy meeting, Tenet said that he could "boost" the (fabricated) evidence to make it a "slam dunk" case! So, they did, and the ("liberal") media never challenged the assertions nor it examined the evidence presented.

Thus, this democracy allowed this Bush & Co to accomplish a feat a dictator would be very envious of: to convince 75% of the people to buy the pack of lies and support Caesar's war!

“Victory means exit strategy, and it’s important for the president to explain to us what the exit strategy is.”
George W. Bush, 4/9/99, Houston Chronicle (criticizing President Clinton's policy in Kossovo)

PS>I forgot to point out that loyalty for Tenet didn't include defending one of CIA's own, Valerie Plame, whose career was destroyed and her (and her contacts') safety jeopardised by the revelation of her secret identity. Some patriots, heh?

The Former CIA Chief George Tenet Comes out of the Closet (way too late) to Sell Books

Not all those who receive presidential medals are true patriots.

George Tenet is now speaking out adding his voice to those who have said that the Bush administration did not seriously discuss and evaluate the evidence on which it was building the case for war against Iraq. No kidding! BushCo was not interested in the evidence, because implementing neoconservative policy was more important than anything else. Mr. "slam-dunk" Tenet was a willing participant in perpetuating this huge hoax on the American people while he was CIA chief. He sat behind Secretary Powell at the UN to add his authority to the (false) claims the US Secretary of State was making to the world.

Tenet is going public today--today, when things are going very badly in Iraq. I have no doubt that he'd be claiming credit if the occupation of Iraq had been managed more competently. If he truly had any sense of responsibility left, he should have come out one year ago before the midterm elections when many Republicans still argued that the war in Iraq was a necessity! Now Tenet is out to sell his book. His credibility was destroyed by his own actions (or inaction) and by the man who gave him a presidential medal of freedom! Tenet is just one of the several incompetent but loyal Praetorians who were given medals, promotions, and plum jobs in the private sector after their tour of duty in the Bush administration.

Loyalty to Caesar is the guiding principle here--above and beyond loyalty to the country. How can a person sit there in support of a policy to commit the nation's most precious resources, to shed our blood sweat & tears, spend a stupendous amount of money, when you know there is no hard evidence to support the necessity of such action? Where's the patriotism, where's the duty to rise up and try to prevent the country from plunging into a disastrous war of (bad) choice?

Streching evidence & peddling faith-based intelligence at the UN

Today, Tenet is playing the sympathy card--that he was used by tricky Dickey and, thus, his career destroyed. That's right, blaming others because he couldn't stand up. What career is he talking about anyway? Staying a couple more years as CIA chief? That's baloney. Tenet was a very ordinary man who rose to a high position but could not rise to the occasion when the country needed him the most. He accepted his tarnished medal and he kept his mouth shut. He moved on to the lucrative private sector using his CIA credentials. Now, he wants to sell books while appealing to the incredulity of the American people. His opportunity to do good for America has passed. He's not bringing anything new to the table. We already know about the horrible deceit perpetrated on the world by the neocons. Tenet was a facilitator and a lackey.

UPDATE, 4/30.
"You were a willing participant in a poorly considered policy to start an unnecessary war and you share culpability with Dick Cheney and George Bush for the debacle in Iraq."

Former CIA officers in a letter to George Tenet.

Newt Gingrich Can Utter Absurdities, Because only a Liberal Democracy Protects Free Speech! And, the "Liberal Media" Carries it!

Conservatives Call Upon Fear, Distrust, Cynicism, and the Devil in Attempt for Power.

Another typical Republican scoundrel that blames liberalism for anything that goes bad. I bet you, in won't be long before the conservatives will blame the liberals for the global warming and adverse climate change! This disgraced former Speaker of the House, and possible presidential candidate, blamed the liberals for the tragedy at Virginia Tech, and for not allowing students to carry arms in order to defend themselves! Wow! I suppose the liberal academic elite has brainwashed most students! When I asked my college students (OK, this is New York) whether they would feel safer if most students carried guns, they emphatically replied, NO! [guess I've obtained some measure of success in making students think]

Gingrich condemns the liberal culture that questions the notion that all rights originate from God! Hmmm, I wonder which God... Probably the one that says gun owning & gun carrying is a god-given right! Maybe our legal system should be based on the 10 Commandments, though I wonder which of the three versions Gingrich prefers. Nevertheless, all three versions have something to say about adultery--and the thrice married Gingrich is an admitted adulterer. Yes, our liberal system let him get off easy! Tsk, tsk.

Wait, there's more. Gingrich condemned this culture for allowing kids to wear improper Halloween costumes! I didn't know; was this a big concern? I'm not making this up. Check the video from his appearance on ABC's This Week. These absurdities would just be funny--stemming from a pathetic attempt of a conservative politician to stir up a conservative base--if they were marginal and not given serious consideration by the so-called "liberal media."

It's a common strategy--when appealing to the ignorant and those with highly impressionable minds--to beat up a straw man, like the "liberal media." I happen to be teaching a course on politics & media this semester, so this subject was discussed in class. It's a misconception that the media has a liberal bias--unless of course we accept John Colbert's definition: the truth has a liberal bias!

I will write more on this subject in the near future, but for now, I'd like to surmise these points:

• Liberal democracy is the only free & open political system we have today.


• The conservatives of the Old Regime wanted to preserve ascribed status and religious conformity until liberalism replaced the old regime and most of them conservatives. The modern-times conservatives (most, like Reagan & Thatcher) have accepted the basic ideas about individual freedoms that liberalism advocates.


• The US has one of the most conservative cultures of a western democracy. The Church and Republicans are responsible for it, and the latter for much of the pervasive violence in this country.


• Although Gingrich and other self-appointed moralists decry all this immorality and excesses of modern culture, it is arch-conservatives like R. Murdoch who own the big media that put out this stuff.


• Mr. Gingrich deserves much ridicule because instead of advancing the dialogue with serious conversation, he peddles the ridiculous instead. It is the same "liberal media" [which hounded former president Clinton] that gave him the platform to say in 1994, people should vote Republican so no Susan Smith could drown her children; in 2006, he said that the Republicans didn't try to restrain fellow Republican Mark Folley's pedophilia because they'd be accused of "gay-bashing"!!!!!

Does Newt Gingrich's rhetoric and actions make for a better America? Or, should the "liberal media" take a hint from him and put the lunatic fringe where it belongs, in the margins of our society?...

Memo to Gonzales: The US Attorney General's Job is to Defend the People's Rights--not Political Hackery

Gonzales suffers amnesia while testifying, but otherwise he's doing a heckuvajob! [up to the usual Bush standards]

I've been reading and listening to the testimony of US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in the Senate, and I have to say that I'm seeing the same Katrina-like cronyism and political hackery. The same pattern of turning another branch of our government into another political arm to serve BushCo regardless of the harm done to our country.

To me, it's obvious that Gonzales is a shameful example of unchecked imperial (self-assumed) presidential power and a representative of a clan of people whose allegiance is not to the country but to caesar, regardless of the law of this land.

"I know nooooothing"

Accountability for illegal actions means consequences, not just a general statement of "accepting responsibility." Gonzales needs to resign. He should be prosecuted for lying to Congress, for firing US Attorneys for political reasons only, and for lying to the American people and to Congress. We should have confidence in our legal system and not think of it as an extension of the ruler's wishes--this is not how democracies operate. Yet, this A.G. infected our legal system with "Bushies" bent on a neoconservative ideology that holds the means are always justified by the ends. Those "ends" don't even have to be generally accepted either, as long as the current administration thinks of them as appropriate. A country of laws turned upside down, into a country of an arrogant power elite.

Gonzales's mean streak should have been detected much earlier and been dealt with--although under Republican leadership Congress wasn't interested in protecting our rights and our country's interests. This man argued that the "enemies of the state" should be kept outside the mainland, on GITMO in Cuba so the US Constitution--which speaks of persons, not citizens when it comes to individual rights--wouldn't apply. He changed the definition of what torture is--anything goes as long as there's no danger of death or a failure of a major body organ. Yes, pulling fingernails out, waterboarding, etc, are not torture methods.... It's the same A.G. who violated the Fourth Amendment (despite Congress making it extremenly easy for the government to obtain warrants), he did not stand up to defend the people's constitutional right to be secure in their domains against any unreasonable search & seizure.

Further, Gonzales has failed to protect our rights, because, although he's selected by the president, he should enforce the law and protect our civil liberties. He has not done the latter. He has, instead, helped create a very bad image of America to the world. Even our long-standing allies have been horrified by our practices, and the failure of our legal system to prosecute all those criminals (including white-collar ones... yes, there's such a thing as economic violence) and promote the public interest. This is the job description for a US Attorney General. But, words, even those in the Constitution, don't mean all that much to him and his boss--unless the language is turned into Newspeak, to confuse and to deceive.

Yes, it matters how we do things domestically and what image we project to the world. Democracies make mistakes, some deadly, some correctable. I don't know how much this Congress can do to control this imperial--and often unlawful--presidency (since the president has veto power), but Gonzales should be forced out. And, that Congress should use its subpoena power to shed some more light into the many abuses of this administration. Our citizens--at least those who care to know--have a right to be informed and given the choice to rectify a few things in the 2008 election.

The Camel's Back is Already Broken.... But, Bush Uses One More Club to Bash Consumers

In another political offense, president Bush nominated Michael Baroody to head the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). The revolving-door policy of this administration continues. People from a particular industry are given power to regulate that industry, and, after serving in Bush's administration [not the public interest], they go back to the industry they came from within a few years! Gale Norton, the former Secretary of the Interior, is a recent example.

Who's M. Baroody, you ask? For the past 13 years, Michael Baroody has served as Executive Vice President at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) - a K Street lobbying behemoth devoted to helping big manufacturers evade accountability for their wrongdoing. [more info and action]

The CPSC is our top government agency in charge of protecting consumers from unsafe products! Oh, yeah, don't penalize any company for spilling arsenic in our drinking water! Why, this could harm profits! "NAM claimed that negligent manufacturers would feel a pinch in their profits if forced to prevent their waste products from poisoning local communities." [source] Now, don't tell me that asbestos is conclussively harmful... There's someone somewhere who says it ain't so!; let's not rush to judgment like those tree-hugging freedom-haters who have already been trying to save our environment! Pfff

Kurt Vonnegut is up in Heaven Now

“Hello, babies. Welcome to Earth. It’s hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It’s round and wet and crowded. At the outside, babies, you’ve got about a hundred years here. There’s only one rule that I know of, babies — ‘God damn it, you’ve got to be kind.’ ” Kurt Vonnegut

We could, at least, do him this favor, as per his request:

KV: I am, incidentally, Honorary President of the American Humanist Association, having succeeded the late, great science fiction writer Isaac Asimov in that totally functionless capacity. We had a memorial service for Isaac a few years back, and I spoke and said at one point, "Isaac is up in heaven now." It was the funniest thing I could have said to an audience of humanists. I rolled them in the aisles. It was several minutes before order could be restored. And if I should ever die, God forbid, I hope you will say, "Kurt is up in heaven now." That's my favorite joke.

Public Myths & Ideology: Creating the Easter Bunny, Chocolate Eggs, and a Personal Jesus!

One of the best things in our country is the First Amendment--Freedom of Expression.

Obviously there's something that makes people all over the world devote so much time, energy, money, all sorts of resources to specific rituals that represent certain ideals. Religion provides this vehicle to having a purpose in life. People like to feel special and be part of a special group. Also, they need to have something that makes sense of it all, you know, explain the reason for all things that exist. Well, the particular activity doesn't have to make sense in itself as long as it provides a path to an ideal and reinforces the cultural norms of the group. Most people may not even know the origins of what's traditional. Myths have changed over the generations and have been exchanged among the various groups of people. It doesn't really matter when a myth appeared or where it came from [i.e., Pagan practices incorporated into Christianity] as long as it serves a purpose. I believe that myths have played and continue to play a very important and necessary role in human societies. I also believe that they're all man-made [emphasis on man].

There was--still is--a belief that the whole universe has somehow a divine order. Likewise, human societies are governed by this natural, divine order. Under the Old Regime*, there was a very hierarchical and rigid pyramid of society, and, for most of human history, people did not question their station in life.

I don't think a myth has to have a supernatural origin to be enjoyed--I'm a living proof of this. Most people enjoy rituals--formal or informal--without much thought or good knowledge of such practices. Likewise, secular rituals, like those in politics and sports, have the goal of reinforcing norms, promote certain ideals, a communal sense, and a collective purpose. And, that's OK. As long as things work out for the most part, people are content.

My choices don't have to be the choices of others, and vice-versa. I'm OK with this. Personally, I do want to know the purpose of my actions, especially when I'm told, "don't worry, do as I say, because it's best for you, trust me"! I'm not religious--in case you're haven't figured this out yet--but, in my efforts to understand the human condition and behaviour, I've studied religion and want to know more about it. Both of my parents, especially my mother, were religious persons, but they couldn't provide me with answers to my many questions. Most religious people I meet can't do that either. That's fine. What works for them and what makes them happy, it's fine by me. On the other hand, I wish more people learned more about their faiths. [PBS' Frontline is a good way to start, at least about Jesus] I still find it very intrigueging that most don't care to investigate something that governs their lives. Therefore, I've concluded that faith plays an entirely different role than I had originally expected. It gives people comfort.

So, when people wish me "Happy Easter", "Merry Christmas", "Hope you find lots eggs in your Easter basket", "Happy(?!) Halloween", "Kiss me I'm Irish"... whatever it is, I like it! If I think it's sincere. After all, everyone makes his own universe in a way. The perceived is often more important than the actual. Isn't it? I don't see a problem with Atheists For Jesus, for example. Jesus is something personal, like all gods. My personal Jesus is a liberal! I don’t see why I can’t have a personal Jesus like the faithful do. Oh, yeah! A few others agree with the Jesus is a Liberal idea. He was in favor of uplifting the poor & the underprivileged, against social injustice, against violence; he was for generosity & sharing, compassion, and he had no problem associating with prostitutes. I don’t think this Jesus would agree with the American ..fundies who recently told us that his father brought death & destruction to New York City, New Orleans because, and elsewhere, because there were too many people like his friend, Mary Magdalene--practicing hedonism and non-sanctioned love! Here, I do find a problem when the faithful that follow the likes of Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell do get up and leave those coots after such statements.

..I gather that Jesus was a very calculating guy. He didn’t do things by accident. He had a plan! A divine plan. I think he still does. That’s why I don’t pray to Jesus. I don’t want to impose. I mean, who am I to show up one day and pray for something that may not be part of the divine plan? If things are to happen, they will, regardless of my begging or the bargaining I offer. That’s simple logic to me. [George Carlin thinks along these lines].

Anyway, speaking of planning to invent Easter. Did you hear about the discovery of the Gospel of Judas**? Fascinating stuff, I tell you. It seems (just as I had suspected 30 years ago) that Jesus had a plan, so, he told Judas to betray him to the authorities. I mean, we couldn't have much of a Christian faith without the resurrection of Jesus, would we? Judas complied and the rest is history as they say.

A year ago, I wrote about this [I'm borrowing excerpts from ..myself above] and I argued that the environment we happen to be born in and the prevailing conditions around us shape our character and much of our world view. Very few people manage to see themselves and their original group from the outside. The less secure a person feels, the stronger the need for an identity that's provided by the group, and the stronger the fear & rejection of the "others". Where do you fall in this?

* The Old Regime denotes ascribed status and religious conformity--this was the order of human societies, until a new radical ideology, that of liberalism replaced it a couple centuries ago.

**There have been many Gospels. But the Church decided (sometimes by committee) which ones should be part of the official canon.