Sarah Palin – More..and it is not pretty!!!

Did you watch Sarah Palin’s speech last night? The speech told us a lot about her.

It told us that she can distort the facts and deliver mean-spirited zingers with the best of them. It told us that if Rush Limbaugh or Ann Coulter ever need a stand-in, she’d be a great pick.

It told us that she can be condescending and dismissive of the real work Barack Obama did helping real people on the South Side of Chicago. It told us that she can uphold the long Republican tradition of lying about Democratic tax cuts—even though Obama’s plan would give Americans a bigger break than McCain’s.

But the speech—written by one of President Bush’s speechwriters—didn’t tell us the truth about Sarah Palin’s extremist positions. And the more that people know her far-right views, the less they support her. (There’s a partial list below.)

One of the best ways to get the word out about Palin is to write a letter to the editor of your local paper. Today’s a great day to write because this is very relevant—it just happened last night. Plus, our online tool makes it easy and has great tips. Please take a few minutes to write a quick letter to the editor now:

http://pol.moveon.org/lte?campaign_id=95&id=13709-7873991-aXfN7jx&t=3
Palin’s speech and the reaction to it also made clear why McCain picked her. It wasn’t a decision about who’s most qualified to serve a heart-beat away from the presidency—it was a political decision about pleasing the far-right base of the Republican party.

Writing a letter to your local paper is a great way to make sure voters understand that. The opinion pages are the most widely-read pages of the newspaper. Write today, and your letter’s a lot more likely to get published because it’s so topical. It’ll help sway the editorial board too.

Here are a bunch of points you might want to include in your letter:

Palin recently said that the war in Iraq is “God’s task.” She’s even admitted she hasn’t thought about the war much—just last year she was quoted saying, “I’ve been so focused on state government, I haven’t really focused much on the war in Iraq.” 1, 2
Palin has actively sought the support of the fringe Alaska Independence Party. Six months ago, Palin told members of the group—who advocate for a vote on secession from the union—to “keep up the good work” and “wished the party luck on what she called its ‘inspiring convention.’” 3
Palin wants to teach creationism in public schools. She hasn’t made clear whether she thinks evolution is a fact.4
Palin doesn’t believe that humans contribute to global warming. Speaking about climate change, she said, “I’m not one though who would attribute it to being manmade.” 5
Palin has close ties to Big Oil. Her inauguration was even sponsored by BP. 6
Palin is extremely anti-choice. She doesn’t even support abortion in the case of rape or incest. 7
Palin opposes comprehensive sex-ed in public schools. She’s said she will only support abstinence-only approaches. 8
As mayor, Palin tried to ban books from the library. Palin asked the library how she might go about banning books because some had inappropriate language in them—shocking the librarian, Mary Ellen Baker. According to Time, “news reports from the time show that Palin had threatened to fire Baker for not giving “full support” to the mayor.” 9
She DID support the Bridge to Nowhere (before she opposed it). Palin claimed that she said “thanks, but no thanks” to the infamous Bridge to Nowhere. But in 2006, Palin supported the project repeatedly, saying that Alaska should take advantage of earmarks “while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist.” 10
The plain fact of the matter is that Sarah Palin did a bang-up job delivering a Karl Rove-style political attack speech last night. That makes her a skilled politician but it doesn’t make her views any more palatable for voters. Americans don’t really want another far-right, anti-science ideologue in the White House.

Please help get the word out about where Sarah Palin really stands on the issues.

http://pol.moveon.org/lte?campaign_id=95&id=13709-7873991-aXfN7jx&t=4
Thanks for all you do.

–Nita, Ilyse, Wes, Karin and the rest of the team

P.S. If you haven’t seen it, check out the Daily Show clip on Palin. It’s worth a watch
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=24753&id=13709-7873991-aXfN7jx&t=5

Sources
1. “Palin: Iraq war ‘a task that is from God’,” Associated Press, September 3, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=24701&id=13709-7873991-aXfN7jx&t=6

2. “Palin wasn’t ‘really focused much’ on the Iraq war,” ThinkProgress, August 30, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=24702&id=13709-7873991-aXfN7jx&t=7

3. “The Sarah Palin Digest,” ThinkProgress, September 4, 2008
http://thinkprogress.org/palin-digest/

4. “McCain and Palin differ on issues,” Associated Press, September 3, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=24703&id=13709-7873991-aXfN7jx&t=8

5. Ibid

6. The Sarah Palin Digest,” ThinkProgress, September 4, 2008
http://thinkprogress.org/palin-digest/

7. Ibid

8. Ibid.

9. “Mayor Palin: A Rough Record,” Time, September 2, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=24704&id=13709-7873991-aXfN7jx&t=9

10. The Sarah Palin Digest,” ThinkProgress, September 4, 2008
http://thinkprogress.org/palin-digest/

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Sarah Palin –

Sarah Palin – John!!! What were you thinking??? Or better, were you thinking at all? Certainly Sarah Palin is a very impressive woman, quite a looker, has the resources to welcome a Down’s child without hesitation to her family. But as for possibly becoming second in command of our country..well she clearly is not qualified!! I suppose if your only interests are abortion and gay marriage well then she can do the Republican party’s bidding on that. But gee! in the larger scheme of things these issues are not even on the radar of those of us who are even minimally capable of critical thinking! Lets take the family values issue. She actively, as governor of Alaska, opposed sex education in the public schools of Alaska. She espoused abstinence as a practice or as an answer for the out of control teen sex/VD epidemic our country is experiencing. And how I hate to rail about her daughter’s out of wedlock
teen pregnancy, but gee Sarah you got your tit caught in a wringer on that one!! This entire issue is so-o-o-o disturbing to freedom loving Americans because Ms. Palin probably will not stop her authoritarian agenda of expanding this belief into laws that affects all Americans!! So where are the hallmarks of freedom in that? Where is the dimunition of big government/big brother the Republican/ social conservative/evangelicals preach on and on about?? Sounds as controling and misoginist as the Talibans drive to dehumanize muslim women. I know I have been shipped to another planet. And abortion. Again it is fortunate Ms. Palin has the resources to support a Downs child. Good for her..but she is clearly the exception and not the rule. Many women find , indeed many families find they are incapable for reasons ranging from poverty to mental and physical illness to support at any level a Down’s syndrome child … the immediately after birth care is manageable … for a while..but in time the burdon becomes far too great. Many times the child looses through benign neglect and the family looses through dispropotionate allocation of resources or parental abandonment.. at least one parent, usually the dad.
Not to be ignored.. when this offspring is an adult and if an unfortunate reversal of fortune occurs what then happens to this person?? A nursing home? An institution for the retarded, where risk is high he will be abused, mistreated, neglected..harmed in a way no person should be? So this leads to the so called “life” issue. It is a freakish twist of logic to oppose abortion for all, find sport in slaughtering moose and bears (all active killing), cheering her son off to war when he will be paid a wage to kill other humans, a form of sanctioned murder and in the same breath call yourself a pro life political candidate. Wha-a-a-a? AND this does not address the issue of the biblical conflict of Christian values stated in the commandment from God of “Thou shalt not kill!!”.. Period! God states no exceptions. (This 800 pound gorilla has been sitting on my shoulders for a life time!!!).
Ms. Palin is also the babe who rejects the clear science of global warming. Does she have a thought disorder??? Anyway she strongly supports drilling for oil in Alaskan wildlife preserves along w/ off shore drilling well within the currently enviornmentally restricted shorelines of the US. She sued the Bush administration for declaring the polar bear and endangered species caused by the loss of the animals habitat, the rapidly melting polar icecaps. She felt this act was an endorsement that the polar caps were actually melting which may just back into the reality of global warming which may then back into excessive carbon emmissions being belched from oil burning industrial plants and the millions of cars on the roads today.
And speaking of science, she rejects evolution and wants creationism ( her Christian type) to be taught in the public schools of Alaska and as governor she has strongly pushed that agenda.
This moves us to her stand on gay marriage. She opposes it of course. And why??? Well she must assume it is unchristian. Clearly she chooses to ignore the constitutional issue of equal protection..as do many of her ilk.
Now there is the issue of her using her office as governor to force the firing of a state officials for his mishandling of her sisters soon to be ex-husband. From facts garnered from a lengthy article in the Washington Post I am very aligned with her rage over her sister’s ex-husband behavior, the frustration she experienced with the commssioner who grossly mishandled the case (the one she later fired) and in my heart I am sorry this stroy is being showcased against her. BUT she should have been less bullish about it…. but I can relate on this one. Also the pregnant daughter… wow!! too bad!!! Such a nice appearing kid….but what about sex education here…… Sarah, not Bristol need to be hammered on this one. The Dems should not let this one go!!! Sex education is far reaching interms of prevention of 1. pregnancy 2. teen sexual exploitation 3. veneral diseases such as chlamydia, syphillus, gonnorhae, HIV, herpes, Hep B and C, all dreadful diseases. 4. Also not to be forgotton are the links between sex (prostitution) and drug addiction. This list can certainly be added to.
It is worth stating again Sarah Palin is no slouch. I do admire her guts. BUT the 800 lb gorilla remains firmly ensconced in the room. On the national political scene she is a scant featherweight. More later after I hear her speech tonight.!!!

Barack for President and Hillary for Chief Justice

In light of the Obama nomination I reflect on the political career of Hillary Rodham Clinton. Some think this is the end of the line for her, others predict she will try again in four years especially if Obama’s administration falters. I believe there is a silver lining in this small cloud. Another venue to serve seems obvious to me if she wishes to accept the assignment, and that is a seat on the US Supreme court with the idea that when the current chief leaves she will move forward as Chief Justice. In my opinion this is the absolute best and brightest venue for a person of her talent, range, depth and intellect. She has surely been more than adequately vetted, and is a lawyer and with unprecidented political savy as well as vast legislative experience, a substative prerequisite for such a position. And the icing on the cake is twofold…. she will 1. offset the groteque imbalance of the Thomas and Scalia justices and more than heal the hearts and minds of the millions of disappointed supporters who continue to recover from the effects of disenfranchisement of the Obama nomination. And I like Obama..he has my vote!!!
So, hail to the chief (Obama) and hail to the chief justice(Clinton)!!!!

Leadership

Q. What is the most critical asset for a leader of today to have?
A. The ability to deal with different cultures. In business, for example, with so many companies going global, with company teams being being scattered all over the planet, a firm understanding of the client culture, no matter which one, China, India, you must understand how to negotiate, operate, construct, whatever is demanded, from and within their cultural context. It is necessary for success to understand and motivate people who look at the world and function in it (successfully), very differently from you. No easy task!! But essential for success. So, a leader must be prepared to deal with teams who are multicultural and who do not think nor see the world through your eyes. A true leader must be able to see the world through the clients eyes!

Q. If you are assigned as a team leader in a foreign culture in lets say an emergency situation AND you or your company is viewed skeptically, what is the best advice going in?

A. When going in an enviornment you don’t know at all the first step is to listen, listen, listen!!!!
Listen and interact with many people and many different levels. Then analyze your impressions and findings from hard data. Make tentative diagnosis the listen, interact and analyze a second if possible. Establish a diagnosis and from that develop a tentative plan of action.

Q. Can anybody do this?

A. Yes and no. It demands someone of strong and pure character who is willing to break away from the past at all levels to motivate change. It could be a connected (one inside the organization)person or most likely someone from outside the organization…one w/ fresh eyes, untainted by the culture but also one who understands it and if understanding is lacking, one who can listen openly.

Q. Does one who is raised in a multicultural enviornment have an edge/advantage over one who has not had that experience?

A. Most definitely! In many ways it is fundamental. It’s similar to learning a language when you are a child…you develop a mastery of that language that you cannot achieve when you learn a language as an adult. Like learnign to play and instrument as a child. Mr. Suzuki used this knowledge to develope the legendary Suzuki violin teaching method for kids. Being in a multicultural enviornment as a child intuition, reflexes and instincts. You may acquire basic responsiveness later on, but it is never going to be as spontaneous as when one has existed and functioned inan enviornment during childhood.

This report was inspired and in many instances paraphrased from a print news media publication. It is from an interview with CEO of Nissan Carlos Ghosn.

Iraq Stats -7/7/2008

1. greater that 4000 US combat deaths, 16,000 or more grievously wounded, tens of thousands of Iraqi deaths.
2. Over 2M Iraqis have fled Iraq and 2M more have been displaced within Iraq.
3. And the cost to Amercica: In 5 years the nit-wit Republicans have sucked nearly $1T from our treasury to fund this grand debacle (invasion and occupation of Iraq). That amount would rebuild every bridge, school and road in America, create Universal healthcare and fund several major projects in alternative energy. Why are we not outraged????? We remain a country of lemmings!!!!

Notice to All Teenagers!!!

Teens!!
Tired of being harrassed by your stupid parents??!!!!
ACT NOW!!!!
Move out!!
Get a job!!!!
Pay your own bills!!!
DO IT NOW WHILE YOU STILL KNOW EVERYTHING!!!!

The Wisdom of Socrates

Socrates “triple filter” of true utility

Keep this in mind the next time you either hear or are about to repeat a rumor!

In ancient Greece (469 – 399 BC), Socrates was well known for his wisdom. One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance who said excitedly, “Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students ?”
Wait a moment,” Socrates replied. “Before telling me anything I’d like you to pass a little test. It’s called the Triple Filter Test.
“Triple filter ?”
“That’s right,” Socrates continued “Before you talk to me about my student, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you’re going to say.

The first filter is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true ?”
No,” the man said, “actually I just heard about it and …”
“All right,” said Socrates. “So you don’t really know if it’s true or not. Now let’s try the second filter, the filter of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good ?”
“No, on the contrary …” .
“So,” Socrates continued, “you want to tell me something bad about him, but you’re not certain it’s true. You may still pass the test though, because here’s one filter left: the filter of
Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me ?”
“No, not really.”
“Well,” concluded Socrates, “if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all ?”
This is the reason Socrates was a great philosopher and held in such high esteem.

Symptoms of Inner Peace

1. A tendency to think and act deliberately, rather than from fears based on past experience.
2. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
3. Lost of interest in judging others.
4. A loss of interest in judging self.
5. A loss of interest in conflict.
6. A loss of interest in interpreting the acts of others.
7. A loss of the ability to worry.
8. Frequent and overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
9. Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
10. Frequent attacks of smiling through the heart.
11. Increasing susceptibility to kindness offered and the uncontrollable urge to reciprocate.
12. An increasing tendency to allow things to unfold rather than resisitng and munipulating.

Author unknown

June 12, 2008

For nearly a year I have been trying  open my account and access this blog to post as usual..my password failed everytime.  At last wordrpess sent me a new one and I am back in. Thanks WordPress!!!! There are some screed-like messages waiting..I think!!!! More later!!!

 

The Bush Administration – The Assault on Truth

The list of misinformation, fradulently spun details, intentional falsehoods, and flagrant lies (and I hate that word) continues to grow as the Congressional Committe on Oversight and Government Reform continues to crankout before the American public the impeachable acts and crimes aginst humanity committed by the 43 president of the United States of America, George Walker Bush. 

Let me start a list to post here:

1. false claims that somehow Iraq and Saddam Hussein were connected to the 911 attacks.

2. Saddam Hussein was buying “yellow cake” from Niger for enrichment to make nuclear weapons.

3. The Downing Street Memo which  revealed the US administration was “fixing the  facts to fit the politics” about invading Iraq.

4. The Jessica Lynch fiasco which she is clearly embarassed about.

5. The coverup in the deaths of  soldier McCaffrey (son fo Nadia McCaffery) in Iraq, and Pat Tillman in Afghanistan.

All of which have resulted in the deaths of 3,300 combat deaths, 35,000 or more injured, $1 trillion of lost treasure and a world fiasco of epic proportion  with no end in sight. 

Now the lame brain wants to protect Paul Wolfowitz of the world bank who has taken cronieism to a new height by promoting his courtesan in rank and pay. And let us not forget the ongoing protection of another disfunctional, Alberto Gonzales.  Did you see his testimony? The ultimate ” I’ll have to get back to you on that” guy!! 

All of this (and there is so much more) and why I remain an exile in the land of my birth.  Where have all the true patriots gone??? Have they exiled just like me???  more later!!!!