What Fires You Up?

8/17/2002

The Internet Med Journal had a good article and link from the UUA today - as I am a UU, especially enjoyed this. Saturday, August 17, 2002 Unitarian Church Calls For an End to the War on Drugs In a recent "Statement of Conscience", the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations called for an end to the war on drugs as a matter of conscience. Some exerpts: For United States taxpayers, the price tag on the drug offensive has soared from $66 million in 1968 to almost $20 billion in 2000, an increase of over 30,000 percent. In practice the drug war disproportionately targets people of color and people who are poverty-stricken. Coercive measures have not reduced drug use, but they have clogged our criminal justice system with non-violent offenders. It is time to explore alternative approaches and to end this costly war. The war on drugs has blurred the distinction between drug use and drug abuse...Yet many people who use both legal and illegal drugs live productive, functional lives and do no harm to society. Legal prohibition of drugs leads to inflated street value, which in turn incites violent turf wars among distributors. The whole pattern is reminiscent of the proliferation of organized crime at the time of alcohol prohibition in the early twentieth century. That policy also failed. Instead of the current war on drugs, we offer the following policies for study, debate, and implementation...Establish a legal, regulated, and taxed market for marijuana. Treat marijuana as we treat alcohol. Comment: this is a thoughtful review of the failed US led "war on drugs." It is important in that it comes from the Unitarian Universalist Association. [ article ] posted at 05:16 comment on this article http://www.medjournal.com/index.php [8/17/2002 2:53:01 PM | BJ Bolender]

BJ 8/17/2002 01:10:00 PM

Copy & paste the following address onto your browser's address box (clicking directly on the address will work for most users as well). http://www.photoisland.com/servlet/postcardGst?POSTCARDID=172841502634 Summer Dawn Wants YOU! (Yes, a shameless attempt by a grandma to share a baby photo....)

BJ 8/17/2002 01:00:00 PM

From Sumac, link to The Great Illusion: http://thegreatillusion.com

BJ 8/17/2002 12:55:00 PM

If the Gods Had Meant Us to Vote, They'd Have Given Us Candidates by Jim Hightower Amazon Information This is from Amazon.com, via a blog called All Consuming Editorial Reviews Amazon.com Liberal populist Jim Hightower has a knack for naming books; before If the Gods Had Meant Us to Vote... came There's Nothing in the Middle of the Road but Yellow Stripes and Dead Armadillos. Even the chapter titles of the current volume reveal Hightower's way with words as well as they underscore his themes: "Some Say We Need a Third Party, I Wish We Had a Second One" and "Plutocracy Is Not Government by a Far-Off Planet." Hightower speaks for angry, disaffected Americans who view both Democrats and Republicans as sleazy money-grubbers who do the bidding of wealthy multinational corporations. He is one of the sharpest voices on the Left, and also a very funny one. Even right-wingers will find themselves laughing at some of his jokes, and the Pat Buchanan set may see a few points of agreement. Ultimately, though, If the Gods Had Meant Us to Vote... isn't a book for conservatives, but for liberals who feel that not even the Democratic Party can represent them in the era of Bill Clinton and Al Gore. Hightower's enthusiasm is contagious: "Hey, let's gut it up, decamp from Washington, put our resources in the countryside, slug the corporate bastards right in the snout, and get it on with a grassroots politics that gives regular folks a reason to be excited and get involved." Readers already inclined toward these views will be eager to join Hightower's crusade by the time they finish his energetic book. --John J. Miller --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From Booklist No, populist Hightower isn't recommending we all stay home from the polls in November. But his latest screed is intended to convince readers that "2000 will be like '98, '96, '94, and '92--another money-soaked, corporate-driven, issue-avoiding, made-for-television snoozer, completely unconnected to real life," and that this will change only if those who care about democracy begin organizing and agitating to rein in the arrogant corporations that control the current system. Hightower skewers... ********** cobalt **********

BJ 8/17/2002 10:52:00 AM

Ephemeral is a blog that I look at on occasion thru http://www.blogger.com. This is a short entry for today: Saturday, August 17, 2002 The Washington Times | NASA plans to read terrorist's minds at airports Of all the creepy and intrusive things to come of 9/11, I think this is the worst. At what point in time are we going to decide that the next step is too much? When are we going to realize that all of our "homeland security" has robbed us of the liberty that once made this nation great? It's kind of funny, really, that we should be ignoring all the signs around us. I mean, it isn't as if anyone has theorized on these possibilites before. According to Benjamin Franklin: They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. The links are to the Washington Times article out today : Nasa Plans to Read Terrorist's Minds at Airports "NASA wants to use "noninvasive neuro-electric sensors," imbedded in gates, to collect tiny electric signals that all brains and hearts transmit. Computers would apply statistical algorithms to correlate physiologic patterns with computerized data on travel routines, criminal background and credit information from "hundreds to thousands of data sources," NASA documents say. The notion has raised privacy concerns. Mihir Kshirsagar of the Electronic Privacy Information Center says such technology would only add to airport-security chaos. "A lot of people's fear of flying would send those meters off the chart. Are they going to pull all those people aside?" The organization obtained documents July 31, the product of a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the Transportation Security Administration, and offered the documents to this newspaper. Mr. Kshirsagar's organization is concerned about enhancements already being added to the Computer-Aided Passenger Pre-Screening (CAPPS) system. Data from sensing machines are intended to be added to that mix." * * * * * * * cobalt * * * * * * *

BJ 8/17/2002 10:40:00 AM

mmediane: Click on Post when you want to work on something to post and perhaps check spelling or go back later and post. Click on Post & Publish to actually get it into the blog for all to read. One nice thing about a blog: the author can go back in later and edit their post! This is pretty slick! After I post, I click on the 'status' link that shows up in the black toolbar between the posting area and the bottom area of the blog - then you see "Transfer successful. View page to verify (give it a few seconds.) When you click on the orange link "View page", you will see what now is published. Nice to see you! * * * * * * * * cobalt * * * * * * * *

BJ 8/17/2002 09:50:00 AM

This is for one wh3, who says he does a good Ethel Merman..... Mermaniac - A Show Tunes Weblog Many many links! Great for Broadway, theatre, musicals, etc. And, the guy is funny, too! Amazing what some folks will devote their time to, these days. Hey, I should talk? * * * * * * * * cobalt * * * * * * * *

BJ 8/17/2002 09:42:00 AM

8/16/2002

Hi BJ, just checking in to make sure I got it right this time. Love your map of Drop, TX. Question: There are two icons for 'Post' and 'Post and Publish.' Which one do I use to enter my post? This time I'm going to click on 'Post' to see what happens. Maybe I'll answer my own question. di

Anonymous 8/16/2002 07:45:00 PM

<BJB>
<BJB> 

BJ 8/16/2002 11:45:00 AM

BJ 8/16/2002 11:11:00 AM

Personal message: Fascinating, detail map of Drop, TX Yahoo! Maps and Driving Directions http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py?Pyt=Tmap&addr=&city=Drop&state=TX&zip=&csz=Drop,+TX&country=&slt=33.131290&sln=-97.355789&mag=10&cs=&name=&desc=&ds=n&BFKey=&BFCat=&BFClient= ============================================================ Yahoo! Maps and Driving Directions - http://maps.yahoo.com/ This is a ">funny yahoo map to see. I am looking for Drop, TX as I'd like to take my son John out to look for ammonites by the roadside out that way this afternoon. The small town of "Drop" is so very small that there is no more detail view of the location than a drop / spot on a road. I looked for Stoney Creek - no dice. Krum, TX was no help, and now I am literally off to Ponder - Ponder, TX. Hope I can find the great hunting grounds the Dillo and I have been successful at previously! http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py?Pyt=Tmap&addr=&city=Drop&state=TX&zip=&csz=Drop Drop as a Drop on a road... * * * * * * * * cobalt * * * * * * * *

BJ 8/16/2002 11:01:00 AM

Note for Fired Up Folks: I've created a blog to document one of my son's journeys following his move August 1. For "Team Members" of this blog, you will now see this blog listed after you have signed in using the team username and team password. For those who are using their own names as login, write to me and I will return the link for the added blog, if interested. Been playing around with style and learning a bunch of CSS and html code. Hope everyone likes the slightly larger type and new "hover" color for links. The "byline" names are also in a color now, to help distinguish between posts. Off to work on Drew issues now - he is sleeping the day away, after a long, long night in ER following two seizures. Life is as "usual"? Ah, me! Yep - "life is rich". * * * * * * * * * * cobalt * * * * * * * * * *

BJ 8/16/2002 09:51:00 AM

8/15/2002

Recycling Photography by Jose Azel/Aurora This is a fascinating photographic gallery and compendium of current recycling news and facts from around the world. Excellent links and backing of the washingtonpost.com

BJ 8/15/2002 10:30:00 AM

Peace and Love, NOW I see your reference! "To be or not..." hehehehe Working on issues for TWO of my sons right now. A mother's work is never done. At least I now have a lawyer that is going to take care of immediate concerns for one of my sons, TODAY even! Yeah! Perhaps, but only "perhaps" a letter from a lawyer with a non-negotiable request will assist the former agency to return funds to my son in dependent care. Whew, so very glad to be getting assistance, as I had turned over every stone and was in despair. I must say that I have found some absolutely wonderful, competent and helpful advocates for my son these last three weeks in particular. Public servants, even! To those who not only DO their job, but care about doing their job well, I salute you! * * * * * * * * * cobalt * * * * * * * * *

BJ 8/15/2002 10:08:00 AM

8/14/2002

Wow! Minority Report All Science Fiction fans should see this movie! Spielberg and Cruise - what a terrific job on Phillip K. Dick movie.

BJ 8/14/2002 11:07:00 PM

Yeah, P & L! Nice to see you! My son John and I are about to leave to go see "The Minority Report". The Armadillo is remaining home, paying bills, and wondering when I will be contributing to the finances. At least I got the application right away for that U of Michigan Interviewer position. Am waiting for my second interview now. Sigh. Well, off for now and back late late late. * * * * * * * * * * * c o b a l t * * * * * * * * * * *

BJ 8/14/2002 06:35:00 PM

2B|^2B ..... ????? Hi Cobalt....... the above is from the Smiley blog site!! Thanks for the link!! Peace and Love Sandra :3-< (dog) :@) (pig) ! .................

Anonymous 8/14/2002 05:50:00 PM

:-) ... :-) ... :-) ... :-) ... :-) ... :-) Hi John (morganwood) Wood...... my last name is Wood, also!! from your cyber-sister, Peace and Love Sandra Wood :-) ... :-) ... :-) ... :-) ... :-) ... :-)

Anonymous 8/14/2002 05:39:00 PM

Heavens! I found a "Smiley's Server" online since 1994! Smileys is at: # :-O ... smileys server Good Grief! Apparently the site founder has gotten 500 to 1000 hits a day and had to change from a website to a blog to handle the traffic! This is "Opening Day" on his blog, so it will be interesting to see what shows up on that blog. Could be insipid - but could be cool. Hmmmmmmm.... * * * * * * * * * * cobalt * * * * * * * * * *

BJ 8/14/2002 04:23:00 PM

ha! whatever the method - if it woiks, dew it! This blog is "hosted" for free by blogspot which is the free hosting service. You can log into blogspot by going to that page and then finding the link to blogger on that page. Then click on the blogger link, and voila, you are ready to sign in. You can always use the http://wwwblogger.com address to log in directly to this blog, with the username we share and the password we share OR you can register with blogger and this will give you your own name listed as the poster. ****************************************************************************************************** What ehBeth was talking about, was that in lieu of posting using the team username and password, and then having to type in your name on a post, she wanted to have her post credited with her own name to begin with, like John has now done. ******************************************************************************************************* Actually I do realize that it sounds pretty confusing at first. Everyone will most likely find the best way for themselves. I like using this blog page as my current home page, so when I log on, I get this page lightning fast compared to any website home page. And, all my most frequent links used are in the column on the left, easy - easy for me! To get rid of any double posts or change spelling or change anything, even delete a post, just go to the Post to What Fires You Up? screen and you will see the posts on the part at the bottom, with the word "edit" highlighted in blue. Click on that and you can change or delete any post. Back later tonight! Hey, would love to hear some comments about any links I've put in! **************************** You all are great friends! cobalt ****************************

BJ 8/14/2002 03:53:00 PM

What else could I do on my first post but, "Double Post"?

Anonymous 8/14/2002 12:43:00 PM

OK, am I at the right place? I signed in and used morganwood as a username and entered a password. This is completely different from the firedup.blogspot.com site I first went to.

Anonymous 8/14/2002 12:42:00 PM

OK, am I at the right place? I signed in and used morganwood as a username and entered a password. This is completely different from the firedup.blogspot.com site I first went to.

Anonymous 8/14/2002 12:41:00 PM

re: lightwizard's forward about the Budweiser Frogs hoax. See the snopes Urban Legends Page: Snopes

BJ 8/14/2002 10:45:00 AM

Check out Clothespins for the Revolution, an anti-consumerist and social action blog! I have added it in the permanent links on the lefthand column of this page. Here is a quote from the subtitle: exhibit the unadorned and embrace the uncarved block... (tao te ching XIX) I've swiped their list of links, as follows: we need bloggers! We at Clothespins for the Revolution are looking for a few good bloggers who can make a commitment to scouring the web for anti-consumerist, anti-exploitation information and action alerts to post to our site on a regular basis. If you would like to join us in our effort to create an online collective united against consumer culture, please send us a note. we need features! Clothespins For The Revolution is seeking feature article submissions on the topic of "small things" for our premiere issue. Send your essay, editorial, image, or review to us. We accept submissions via email or via post at PO box 4333 / Austin, TX 78765. About Us Clothespins for the Revolution is a collaborative webzine that features works of writing and art that focus on simplicity and mindfulness. Our name is derived from the concept of a simple object that effectively does the work of a more complex, more wasteful machine. We seek to publish works that have been underexposed as well as create an online community centered on shedding consumerist values and promoting a non-exploitive society. Recent Entries Banned Books Project UN-Natural Selection - ACK! the body image war Ad Buster's tv--Launch! anti- animal rights on the web religion sells? coffee, is there anything it can't do? (DIY gardening tip) 25 years of outdoor advertising improvement body image and the beauty industry Culture Jammer's Encyclopedia They're from Austin, TX! I've got to make a connection with these folks! Jim is talking of going to Austin for a weekend, soon. ************************ cobalt ************************

BJ 8/14/2002 09:06:00 AM

See the site for the Architects of Air, in environmental art setting and show called a "Luminarium" in which people enter and move around. This link goes to the Photo Gallery of the site. I'd recommend viewing the different short films from the home page, browsing the other pages and ending up in the Gallery. So very beautiful! Nice link to start your day, Be Well, cobalt *************************************************************

BJ 8/14/2002 06:48:00 AM

8/13/2002

[http://yugop.com/ver3/stuff/03/fla.html] You'll just have to learn to trust me, heheheheheh! ********************************** cobalt **********************************

BJ 8/13/2002 04:05:00 PM

Experiment #25: If you have a Quicktime player installed, here is a bizarro link to an overweight man jumping around in a forest. In case that doesn't link for you, try this: [http://ooze.com/oozetv/BirdsnBeesDSL.mov] *********************** cobalt ***********************

BJ 8/13/2002 03:47:00 PM

[http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/020801/170/1yjgk.html&e=3] From Reuters: funny table tennis photo today (stolen from another blog....) Remember: To see this, open an additional window. Then delete the URL address so the addressline is blank Then, paste the new URL into your addressline. Go to it, by clicking on Enter - voila! hehehe ****************** Be Well, cobalt ******************

BJ 8/13/2002 01:34:00 PM

[http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/moihehe123/vwp?.dir=/August2002&.src=ph&.dnm=John20.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/bc/moihehe123/lst%3f%26.dir=/August2002%26.src=ph%26.view=t] Son John and I at Uncle John's home in Normal, IL, celebrating John's 20th birthday! He will be 20 on August 28. ************** cobalt the proud mom **************

BJ 8/13/2002 01:20:00 PM

[http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/moihehe123/vwp?.dir=/August2002&.src=ph&.dnm=Mom+Drew+Bday+8502.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/bc/moihehe123/lst%3f%26.dir=/August2002%26.src=ph%26.view=t] Awesome! Just learned the method to post a photo link here in the blog! If you have any photo in an online album (my sample above is in the yahoo album, August 2002): in a new window, go to the photo on the page you display it, right-click on the address at the very end character, select 'copy' and then come back to this blog. Now, type this: [ and paste the long url address next and then type this: ] Voila! To view the photo, copy the URL in the brackets, then paste into the address window. Now, you will be able to "go to" that photo! Neato! ********* cobalt *********

BJ 8/13/2002 01:06:00 PM

MAN'S RULES We always hear "the rules" from the feminine side. OK we are now going to hear the rules from the man's side. These are the Man's rules! Please note ... these are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE. 1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. 1. Sometimes, we are not thinking about you. Live with it. 1. Shopping is NOT a sport, and no, we are never going to think of it that way. 1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine. Really. 1. Crying is blackmail. 1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work. Strong hints do not work. Obvious hints do not work. Just say it! 1. We don't remember dates. Mark birthdays and anniversaries on a calendar. Remind us frequently beforehand. 1. Yes, and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question. 1. Come to us with a problem only if you wanthelp solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for. 1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor. 1. Check your oil! Please!!! 1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days. 1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys. 1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways, and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one. 1. Let us ogle. We are going to look anyway; it's genetic. 1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done, not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself. 1. The relationship is never going to be like it was the first two months we were going out. Get over it. 1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is. 1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that. 1. We are not mind readers and we never will be. Our lack of mind reading ability is not proof of how little we care about you. 1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle. 1. I'm in shape. ROUND is a shape.

BJ 8/13/2002 01:00:00 PM

Yeah! Lots of good links are added to the left side of this home page, most are very common shortcuts many of us use. Since the blog loads faster than websites, I have this as my current home page so that logging online brings this site up, and with it come my main links. If any of you have links you use frequently, let me know and I will add them to the permanent links column. Other occasional links we go to are within posts, and you can go back in the "archives" to those over a week old. Yeah, this is fun stuff! ***************************************** Peace, Love, and Hugs, cobalt *****************************************

BJ 8/13/2002 11:15:00 AM

~ * ~ * ~ * & & * ~ * ~ * ~ Hi Cobalt, and all....... This blogger website is very fast. I have to remember my user name and password, because Gator doesn't pop up at the sign-in page. I've been looking at some of the other blogger sites...... when you find one that is interesting, it usually contains links to similar blogger sites. I bought Jack (my Border Collie) a "chuck-it", which is a long plastic handle with a cup at the end to hold a tennis ball. It saves my hands from getting slimey and I can throw the ball twice as far with the "chuck-it". Jack is tireless! He can chase a tennis ball all day without stopping! Peace and Love Sandra ~ * ~ * ~ * & & * ~ * ~ * ~

Anonymous 8/13/2002 08:17:00 AM

8/12/2002

****************************** OK FOLKS! ****************************** Glad to see wh3, edgarblythe, Semiotterly, Peace and Love and ehBeth here! Thanks for popping in. Just a note - to get your note published in the blog, be sure to click on Post & Publish, not just the Post icon! ****************************** cobalt the getting less bored

BJ 8/12/2002 08:14:00 PM

Yoohoo it's me My name is edgarblythe Fired up you see Nothing good rhymes with blythe (This from Edgarblythe at 6:19 pm, 8/12/02)

BJ 8/12/2002 04:19:00 PM

ok - so here's the deal - if you want your own membership, and be able to post here as well - you need to sign up for blogger and then use a fresh invite from bj to join this particular blog. and p.s. bj - it's worth it. ; D

Anonymous 8/12/2002 11:00:00 AM

hooray harry!

Anonymous 8/12/2002 10:59:00 AM

phew - i think we've got it now - let's post and see if it posts with my name, without me typing my name in

Anonymous 8/12/2002 10:58:00 AM

it appears i can only post as bj here, even though i'd registered as myself. i'm using the address you sent the invite to, bj. ehBeth

BJ 8/12/2002 10:18:00 AM

Hiya Folks! I am all excited this am for I received a phone interview with the survey project of the U of Michigan that I was telling you about! And I will get the snail mail forms in a few days, and be interviewed in my home by a few present interviewers, male and female. If I get the job, I'd fly to Michigan for training in Ann Arbor Sept. 4 to 14. Whoopee! I am sooooooooooooo interested in this position. It lasts now to the end of March, and you are eligible for another position. I could choose to do all work here in the Ft. Worth/Dallas area or agree to work two weeks each month straight and be flown around the state or even go to other states. Now, is this a copacetic job for me, or what! * * * * cobalt

BJ 8/12/2002 09:41:00 AM

Hi ehBeth! I posted & published your entry, so you can see that it made it here. When you post only, the post will stay in the edit field below the text field until you go back to work on it again and then click on Post & Publish. Wow, nice to see you! I am not sure how to go about sign up under your own name if you use a different email address then I sent the invite out to. When I sent invites, you can go to the Team icon in the toolbar above the Post to What Fires You Up? toolbar and see the people who are members of the Team and those invited. I believe you can make any name you wish for posts once you are a member here. Since we are all using firedup and abuzz for username and password, it doesn't matter what name you are known by ih this blog. I recommend using the abuzz nicknames for convenience. Well, back in a few to post a new tale of excitement here! cobalt

BJ 8/12/2002 09:34:00 AM

ok - so i can get a note in - how to sign up under my own name and get back to this blog? hmmmm ehBeth

BJ 8/12/2002 07:11:00 AM

ok let's give this a little test. ehBeth

BJ 8/12/2002 07:11:00 AM

8/11/2002

Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe. -- H. G. Wells {Category: Wisdom and Ignorance} Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. -- Robert Collier {Category: Success and Failure} Daily Aphorisms link

BJ 8/11/2002 11:36:00 PM

Great, great political blog! This one is called The War in Context The subtitle: Alternative Perspectives on "The War on Terrorism" and the Middle East Conflict Outstanding links section on the lefthand side of the blog! Especially good links in the section called War and Peace.... Here is the statement called "Not In Our Name" *************************************** Not in our name A statement of conscience Let it not be said that people in the United States did nothing when their government declared a war without limit and instituted stark new measures of repression. The signers of this statement call on the people of the U.S. to resist the policies and overall political direction that have emerged since September 11, 2001, and which pose grave dangers to the people of the world. We believe that peoples and nations have the right to determine their own destiny, free from military coercion by great powers. We believe that all persons detained or prosecuted by the United States government should have the same rights of due process. We believe that questioning, criticism, and dissent must be valued and protected. We understand that such rights and values are always contested and must be fought for. We believe that people of conscience must take responsibility for what their own governments do -- we must first of all oppose the injustice that is done in our own name. Thus we call on all Americans to RESIST the war and repression that has been loosed on the world by the Bush administration. It is unjust, immoral, and illegitimate. We choose to make common cause with the people of the world. We too watched with shock the horrific events of September 11, 2001. We too mourned the thousands of innocent dead and shook our heads at the terrible scenes of carnage -- even as we recalled similar scenes in Baghdad, Panama City, and, a generation ago, Vietnam. We too joined the anguished questioning of millions of Americans who asked why such a thing could happen. But the mourning had barely begun, when the highest leaders of the land unleashed a spirit of revenge. They put out a simplistic script of "good vs. evil" that was taken up by a pliant and intimidated media. They told us that asking why these terrible events had happened verged on treason. There was to be no debate. There were by definition no valid political or moral questions. The only possible answer was to be war abroad and repression at home. In our name, the Bush administration, with near unanimity from Congress, not only attacked Afghanistan but arrogated to itself and its allies the right to rain down military force anywhere and anytime. The brutal repercussions have been felt from the Philippines to Palestine, where Israeli tanks and bulldozers have left a terrible trail of death and destruction. The government now openly prepares to wage all-out war on Iraq -- a country which has no connection to the horror of September 11. What kind of world will this become if the U.S. government has a blank check to drop commandos, assassins, and bombs wherever it wants? In our name, within the U.S., the government has created two classes of people: those to whom the basic rights of the U.S. legal system are at least promised, and those who now seem to have no rights at all. The government rounded up over 1,000 immigrants and detained them in secret and indefinitely. Hundreds have been deported and hundreds of others still languish today in prison. This smacks of the infamous concentration camps for Japanese-Americans in World War 2. For the first time in decades, immigration procedures single out certain nationalities for unequal treatment. In our name, the government has brought down a pall of repression over society. The President's spokesperson warns people to "watch what they say." Dissident artists, intellectuals, and professors find their views distorted, attacked, and suppressed. The so-called Patriot Act -- along with a host of similar measures on the state level -- gives police sweeping new powers of search and seizure, supervised if at all by secret proceedings before secret courts. In our name, the executive has steadily usurped the roles and functions of the other branches of government. Military tribunals with lax rules of evidence and no right to appeal to the regular courts are put in place by executive order. Groups are declared "terrorist" at the stroke of a presidential pen. We must take the highest officers of the land seriously when they talk of a war that will last a generation and when they speak of a new domestic order. We are confronting a new openly imperial policy towards the world and a domestic policy that manufactures and manipulates fear to curtail rights. There is a deadly trajectory to the events of the past months that must be seen for what it is and resisted. Too many times in history people have waited until it was too late to resist. President Bush has declared: "you're either with us or against us." Here is our answer: We refuse to allow you to speak for all the American people. We will not give up our right to question. We will not hand over our consciences in return for a hollow promise of safety. We say NOT IN OUR NAME. We refuse to be party to these wars and we repudiate any inference that they are being waged in our name or for our welfare. We extend a hand to those around the world suffering from these policies; we will show our solidarity in word and deed. We who sign this statement call on all Americans to join together to rise to this challenge. We applaud and support the questioning and protest now going on, even as we recognize the need for much, much more to actually stop this juggernaut. We draw inspiration from the Israeli reservists who, at great personal risk, declare "there IS a limit" and refuse to serve in the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. We also draw on the many examples of resistance and conscience from the past of the United States: from those who fought slavery with rebellions and the underground railroad, to those who defied the Vietnam war by refusing orders, resisting the draft, and standing in solidarity with resisters. Let us not allow the watching world today to despair of our silence and our failure to act. Instead, let the world hear our pledge: we will resist the machinery of war and repression and rally others to do everything possible to stop it. Michael Albert Laurie Anderson Edward Asner, actor Rosalyn Baxandall, historian Russell Banks, writer Jessica Blank, actor/playwright Medea Benjamin, Global Exchange William Blum, author Theresa Bonpane, executive director, Office of the Americas Blase Bonpane, director, Office of the Americas Fr. Bob Bossie, SCJ Leslie Cagan Henry Chalfant, author/filmmaker Bell Chevigny, writer Paul Chevigny, professor of law, NYU Noam Chomsky Robbie Conal, visual artist Stephanie Coontz, historian, Evergreen State College Kimberly Crenshaw, Professor of Law, Columbia, UCLA Kia Corthron, playwright Kevin Danaher, Global Exchange Ossie Davis Mos Def Carol Downer, board of directors, Chico (CA) Feminist Women's Health Center Eve Ensler Leo Estrada, UCLA professor, Urban Planning John Gillis, writer, professor of history, Rutgers Jeremy Matthew Glick, editor of Another World Is Possible Suheir Hammad, writer Rakaa Iriscience, hip hop artist David Harvey, distinguished professor of anthropology, CUNY Graduate Center Erik Jensen, actor/playwright Casey Kasem Robin D.G. Kelly Martin Luther King III, president, Southern Christian Leadership Conference Barbara Kingsolver C. Clark Kissinger, Refuse & Resist! Jodie Kliman, psychologist Yuri Kochiyama, activist Annisette & Thomas Koppel, singers/composers. Savage Rose Dave Korten, author Tony Kushner James Lafferty, executive director, National Lawyers Guild/L.A. Rabbi Michael Lerner, editor, TIKKUN Magazine Barbara Lubin, Middle East Childrens Alliance Staughton Lynd Anuradha Mittal, co-director, Institute for Food and Development Policy/Food First Malaquias Montoya, visual artist Robert Nichols, writer Rev. E. Randall Osburn, exec. v.p., Southern Christian Leadership Conference Grace Paley Jeremy Pikser, screenwriter Juan Gomez Quinones, historian, UCLA Michael Ratner, president, Center for Constitutional Rights Adrienne Rich, poet Boots Riley, hip hop artist, The Coup David Riker, filmmaker Edward Said Starhawk Michael Steven Smith, National Lawyers Guild Bob Stein, publisher Gloria Steinem Alice Walker Naomi Wallace, playwright Rev. George Webber, president emeritus, NY Theological Seminary Leonard Weinglass, attorney John Edgar Wideman Saul Williams, spoken word artist Howard Zinn, historian Organizations for identification only (signers as of 6/1/02) Contact the Not In Our Name statement at: nionstatement@hotmail.com Find out more at Not In Our Name ****************************************************

BJ 8/11/2002 10:22:00 PM

This found today in a blog (where else? teehee) Amnesty International: Death Penalty information See the part about the cost of the Death Penalty in Texas, vs a life in Maximum Security prison - **************************************************** http://www.amnesty-usa.org/abolish/cost.html **************************************************** In Texas, a death penalty case costs an average of $2.3 million, about 3 times the cost of imprisoning someone in a single cell at the highest security level for 40 years. This figure does not include the cost of the federal appeals process where 50 % to 70% of the death sentences are overturned. The greatest costs of the death penalty are incurred prior to and at trial, not in post-conviction proceedings. Even if all post-conviction proceedings were abolished, the death penalty system would still be more expensive than the alternative. Within the death penalty system, trials have two separate phases (conviction and sentencing); they are typically preceded by special motions and extra jury selection questioning. More investigative costs are generally incurred in capital cases, particularly by the prosecution. These costs are incurred even though the outcome of most death penalty trials is a sentence other than death, and even though a high percentage of death verdicts are reversed in the constitutionally required first appeal. When death penalty trials result in a verdict less than death or are reversed, the taxpayer incurs all the extra costs of capital pretrial and trial proceeding and must then also pay either for the cost of incarcerating the prisoner for life or the costs of a retrial (which often leads to a life sentence). The death penalty diverts resources from genuine crime control measures. Spending money on the death penalty system means: Taking it away from existing components of the criminal justice system, such as investigating drug crimes, domestic violence, and child abuse. Reducing the resources states have for education, rehabilitation, and care and follow-up of people with mental health problems who have been released into the community. Putting money into crime prevention, investigative resources, and drug treatment programs rather than wasting it on the death penalty could have a significant impact on crime reduction.

BJ 8/11/2002 10:07:00 PM

washingtonpost.com Attacking Squirrel Captured in Ill. The Associated Press Saturday, August 10, 2002; 11:32 AM ITASCA, Ill. –– Authorities believe they have put an end to a squirrel's reign of terror. They think a squirrel they killed last night is the one responsible for at least four attacks on people. It was captured during a final attack. A man pulled it off his wife's shoulder as it was biting her. He threw it into a trap and called police. Animal control officers killed the squirrel and are sending it to a state lab for testing. The squirrel had a bald spot on its tail – just like the one described by the previous victims. © 2002 The Associated Press

BJ 8/11/2002 06:23:00 PM

Ah! SemiSusan! Nice to see you today! Just finished sending invites out to some other Crones. Off to the Ft. Worth stockyards today to show my son John the town. Back later, cobalt

BJ 8/11/2002 10:22:00 AM

Hi cobalt, Neat layout. Thanks for the site. User name :nextone (semiotterly in other rooms).

Anonymous 8/11/2002 09:35:00 AM

Here are some good links to alternative news and commentary sources in the "strangest state in the Union" The Texas Observer There are stories linked to Dubya's statement from July 9, 2002 "In the long run, there is capitalism without conscience; there is no wealth without character." The Dallas Observer had an intriguing classified ad this week for an interviewer position for the University of MICHIGAN! I have applied for a position as interviewer in a federally=funded project that has gone on since 1968, something about family dynamics and demographic shifts. The department information is interesting. The Survey Research Center has many on-going projects of interest. This is part of the Institute for Social Research. Were I to get this position, it would require a week and a half in Michigan (yes! I could meet up with Dr. Feelgood and jesusgirl!) and expenses paid. It would be 26 hours to 30 hours weekly, and be from home (translate: phone calls, I think) OR I could choose to travel in the area with a higher pay differential and work two weeks straight each month. This would be so very fascinating. Gosh, I'd love a job (at most basic) and I need money (dire straits, you know) and to have an interesting one would be frosting on the cake. Well, I'm sure all await with baited breath. LOL cobalt

BJ 8/11/2002 09:03:00 AM

Not to be lost in space, here again is the link to This Modern World, by Tom Tomorrow, titled "Are You a Real American?". Daily I think of this concept, and as I read the news each weekend, I continue to despair that so much is buried so deeply in our papers that so many Americans just do not "get it". Sigh.... cobalt

BJ 8/11/2002 08:25:00 AM

ah wh3! You have made it here! How very delightful to see you again dear Sir! Now there are three of *us* here. Well, at least two are connected cyberly daily and then there is Peace and Love, who is connected by the workday computer. Wondering where ETU has been lately. No word from her by email, in topica (where the Crones hang out together), or in abuzz (duh!). She's been in California with her daughter and SIL (son-in-law) helping to deal with various family issues. We sure hope they are doing well. Gary is quite in demand as his Undercover Brother movie and Malcolm in the Middle shows are going great guns and offering much for the future. Val is our own Dr. Feelgood of the Feel Good Really Good Chorus. She's somewhere in Michigan, but this time of year may have been traveling out East. We shall see. Anyone who peruses the What Fires You Up? threads may invite other Fired Up Folks here - I don't have email addresses for edgarblythe, James Savage, Tim King, Matrix500, danon5, and some others who would be most welcome. I encourage use of the same abuzz nickname, of course, to make it easy for us ADD folks, LOL! Squeedleboink is also known as HCE or HereComesEverybody, so I wonder what he will be, herein. John Morgan/morganwood as well will be quite at home here. Well, william henry 3, so very glad to see you today, and we night owls in particular shall truly enjoy a chance to post and read without wondering if abuzz is up or down or in or out! Peace, love and hugs, cobalt

BJ 8/11/2002 08:19:00 AM