This post was originally published on the LibertyRocks.us Blog -
BREAKING NEWS: Obama’s 1995 Interview Exposes Him as a Collectivist.

First, for those of you who may not be familiar with what Collectivism is, let’s look to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary for a definition;

COLLECTIVISM:
1:a political or economic theory advocating collective control especially over production and distribution; also : a system marked by such control
2: emphasis on collective rather than individual action or identity

- Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary; Entry - Collectivism
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Collectivism
Accessed on March 31, 2008

Here is another, perhaps more complete, definition:

Collectivism holds that the individual is not an end to himself,
but is only a tool to serve the ends of the group.

What is the key principle underlying collectivism?
The theory of collectivism (in all its variants) holds that man is not an end to himself, but is only a tool to serve the ends of others. Collectivism, unlike individualism, holds the group as the primary, and the standard of moral value. Whether that group is a dictator’s gang, the nation, society, the race, (the) god(s), the majority, the community, the tribe, etc., is irrelevant — the point is that man in principle is a sacrificial victim, whose only value is his ability to sacrifice his happiness for the will of the “group”.

What is the opposite of collectivism?
The opposite of collectivism is individualism. Individualism declares that each and every man, may live his own life for his own happiness, as an end to himself. Politically, the result of such as principle is capitalism: a social system where the individual does not live by permission of others, but by inalienable right.

- Capitalism.org FAQs
http://www.capitalism.org/faq/collectivism.htm
Accessed on March 31, 2008

Now that you know what Communism, oops, I mean collectivism is, you will know what to look for as you read the interview linked below that Barack Obama gave just 10 years ago…

Here are just two of the more audacious quotes from the interview;

[One Quick Note; As I was reading this, before posting this piece on my blog, I thought to myself, "Wow, the title of Obama's book was really like a freudian slip wasn't it. Obama and his closest supporters actually had the "Audacity to Hope", that people wouldn't realize the true content of his character in a National Campaign. The Democrats really messed this one up allowing him to get this far - unless this is what they all believe! I guess we shouldn't be surprised really... A quote of Maya Angelou's came to my attention in the last few days, she said (paraphrased) Believe somebody when they show you who they are... the FIRST time.]

Anyone familiar with Star Trek will identify the first quote of Obama’s as sounding eerily familiar to the Borg! Automatons without thoughts of their own, with no desire, but that of the collective. Does Barack imagine himself some come-to-life version of the Borg Queen?

Obama on Individualism, vs. Collective thought, action and deed…
In America,” Obama says, “we have this strong bias toward individual action. You know, we idolize the John Wayne hero who comes in to correct things with both guns blazing. But individual actions, individual dreams, are not sufficient. We must unite in collective action, build collective institutions and organizations.”

- Barack Obama,
Interview with the Chicago Reader, 1995

Obama on the Million Man March, which he attended:
Historically, African-Americans have turned inward and towards black nationalism whenever they have a sense, as we do now, that the mainstream has rebuffed us, and that white Americans couldn’t care less about the profound problems African-Americans are facing“

- Barack Obama,
Interview with the Chicago Reader, 1995

Please go to Nice Deb’s Blog to read the rest of the interview…

OH, WAIT!!! I almost forgot! What about Hillary, you say?

In case you think I’m just slammin’ Obama, please consider the following - Hillary is no different than Barack. She just has a different name for describing the good Democrats that she has met along the campaign trail. She describes them as good “Communitarians“. [Communitarianism is basically the same as collectivism, denial of all forms of self, in the pursuit of the benefit of the whole, with no thought to the goodness of invidualism. In other words, denying our God-given freedom of thought even for the good of the majority.]

“I was shocked when I learned Iowa and Mississippi have never elected a woman governor, senator or member of Congress,” Clinton told the paper. “There has got to be something at work here. How can Iowa be ranked with Mississippi? That’s not the quality. That’s not the communitarianism, that’s not the openness I see in Iowa.”

- Hillary Clinton, stated to the Des Moines Register,
October 2007, while campaigning in Iowa during the Primaries

Now, you may say Communitarianism is the opposite of libertarianism, and you may be right, but it is also the enemy ideologically to the United States as a Freedom Loving Constitutional Republic! We were not set up as a Socialist/Communist government. Which is the TRUE agenda of both Collectivism, and Communitarianism. And those who say, either ignorantly, or dishonestly that it’s not would end up paving the way for those who recognize it as such, and destroy our country along the way.

Conservatism, Individualism, Capitalism, and its friends in philosophical ideology are what’s best about the United States and what has made this country the most free in the world. We cannot let Collectivists, Communitarians, Socialists, and Communists oppress us like they have millions of other poor unfortunate souls across the world (See the Former Soviet Union (USSR), Stalin, Mao Tse Tung, Fidel Castro, etc…) and are doing to this day (see China, Chavez/Venezuela, Kim Jong Il/North Korea).

Thanks to “Nice Deb“, who brings news of the interview to the blogosphere, and to “Jet Jaguar” over on FreeRepublic.com who notified me of the posting of this expose at Ace of Spades.

UPDATE - April 21, 2008:

Several have written requesting the URL of the original article at the Chicago Reader.
Please accept my apologies for not including it initially in this post:

DeZutter, Hank, “What Makes Obama Run“, The Chicago Reader, December 8, 1995, http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/archive/barackobama/, accessed on April 21, 2008

(12:00 a.m. CST - Sunday, March 16, 200

Another tornado touched down in Georgia today with the cell traveling the same path as the storm last night that injured at least 9 people - 1 critically (Click here to read this blog’s reports of last night’s violent storm.) It has been reported that at least 2 people have been killed in the tornado that went through today. Prayers for all those involved in both storms, especially the family, friends and neighbors of the people who have been killed.

See these links for more information on today’s storms:

Ch. 11 - Storms Kill Two in Northwest Georgia - http://www.11alive.com/news/article_news.aspx?storyid=112983
Reported by: Donna Lowry
Web Editor: Josh Roseman
EXCERPT:
Storms on Friday and Saturday turned deadly in northwest Georgia, where two people were killed. Authorities said one line of storms seemed to straddle the Polk/Floyd County line for about two miles.

In Polk County, one woman was found dead about 50 feet from her home. Nearby, the Polk County Fire Department found a man critically injured. Their two-story house was gone, reduced to rubble spread across a large field. The man was taken to Floyd County Medical Center.

Less than a mile away, Floyd County police found the body of a man believed killed by a fallen tree. Police in Polk and Floyd County have not identified the victims.

< snip ~ more @ http://www.11alive.com/news/article_news.aspx?storyid=112983 >

Ch. 11 - 11Alive - Atlanta Georgia - http://www.11ALIVE.com

Ch. 11 also has picture galleries available that show the extent of damage from the storms -
» Your Photos: Second Round of Storms
» Storm’s Aftermath Revealed at Daybreak
» Storm Damages World Congress Center
» Storm Rips Through Downtown Atlanta

PREVIOUS UPDATE:
Just under 10 minutes ago (11:39 a.m. CST) it was reported by a witness on FreeRepublic.com that sirens are going off in Marietta.(Thank you, FReeper higgmeister)

Updates on today’s weather in this area will be posted here as received.

Prayers for everyone in that region today, as strong to severe weather was already in the forecast before last night’s tornado in Atlanta.

For updates on the Atlanta Tornado, please see this page here at The Liberty Rocks Blog: Strong Storm (Tornado?) Hits Atlanta - between 9 and 20 injured (different reports in different places on how many were injured) - 1 in critical condition (as of last update I personally heard.)

~ Michelle K.

I’m very happy to announce a slight change of plans, but something I think you’ll appreciate! I have just finished putting together a temporary Homepage for the companion site to this blog - LibertyRocks.us. I am very excited to start working on the website, and I hope to have some new stuff going up over there during the weekend!

The Liberty Rocks Website will feature information and resources about the United States of America. As you might expect there will be a great deal of information regarding history, politics, and current events. There will be many features at the site, including, but not limited to ~

• An Online Research & Educational Resource Library - featuring a large directory of a wide variety of useful websites, Historical Documents, Downloads, and more!
• Special Article & Feature pages about Current & Historical Events with Bibliographies.
• A Forum (coming soon) where you can discuss the things featured at our site (and our blog) with other concerned citizens & students.
• and much more!

I will be updating readers at this site as appropriate. If you’d like to take a peek please visit; http://www.LibertyRocks.us.

Have a wonderful weekend!

~ Michelle K.

UPDATE (March 18, 2008 - 6:30 a.m. CST)
A visitor to our site, Nicholle who worked at the Cotton Mill buildings for several years informs me that the picture I have below is the “H” building and that although the roof was torn off that building, it is the “E” building on that property that has collapsed. Thank you Nicholle for correcting me, and providing everyone with the correct information. I appreciate it!

PREVIOUS UPDATE (Saturday, March 15, Evening):

NOTE: Unfortunately two known fatalities are being reported in Georgia as a result of this tornado earlier today in Georgia - According to a local Atlanta FReeper one of those killed was a Veterinarian that ran a kennel was killed, along with many of her dogs. 7 dogs survived the storm. Prayers for this woman’s family, friends, and neighbors. For more information about Saturday’s storms here at this blog - click here.

FRIDAY NIGHT’S TORNADO UPDATE:

A photographer caught the tornado on film Friday night as the storm came through Atlanta.

Photographer Catches Atlanta Tornado -
Reported by: Paul Ossmann
Web Editor: Josh Roseman

As an EF-2 tornado swept across downtown Atlanta, one local photographer snapped the shot of a lifetime.

Shane Durrance was on top of his condominium off Howell Mill Road when he saw the potential for a great photo of the downtown area. He took the photo just as 11Alive’s Paul Ossmann was talking about tornado warnings in Atlanta.

See the Full-Size Image at Ch.11 News 11ALIVE.com - http://www.11alive.com/news/graphics/big_MG_6751.jpg

Read the whole story at 11ALIVE.com~ Photographer Catches Atlanta Tornado

UPDATE on Closings in Atlanta today - Saturday March 15:

UPDATE (5:09 a.m. CST):

More weather moving into Atlanta now — Sirens going off in Douglas County, this is only for a Severe Thunderstorm Warning according to Ch. 11 as the NWS has not issued a Tornado warning there.

Storm Rips Through Downtown Atlanta, Injuring at Least 20 and Halting SEC Tourney
From FOXNews.com

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,338078,00.html

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Associated Press

ATLANTA — A possible tornado ripped through downtown Atlanta on Friday night, smashing skyscraper windows, sucking furniture and luggage out of hotel rooms, crumbling part of an apartment building and rattling the rafters of two major sports arenas filled with basketball fans. At least 20 people were hurt.

Streets around the Georgia Dome, the Phillips Arena, the CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park were littered with broken glass, downed power lines, crumbled bricks, insulation and even the occasional office chair. Billboards collapsed onto parked cars. Stunned fans from the arenas and hotel guests wandered through the debris in disbelief.

<snip>

Click here to see the photos available at FOXNews.com

Local News in Atlanta: Ch. 11 — 11ALIVE.com

Lots of raw video feed of the storm on this page:
http://www.11alive.com/weather/article_weather.aspx?storyid=112917

Local Damage Pictures:
http://www.11alive.com/news/gallery/gallery.aspx?gid=112919

Assistant Atlanta Fire Chief — They are pretty confident that despite the collapse of the Stacks Lofts Building/The Cotton Mill there were no people stuck inside.

MORE INFO., PREVIOUS UPDATES & PICTURES BELOW:

EARLIER UPDATE (2:00 a.m. CST)

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled. Also the Home & Garden Show that was supposed to go on tomorrow at the World Congress Center has been cancelled. The SEC Tournament will continue but in a different venue.

Authorities are asking that all people who do not absolutely need to be out and about in the city, to please stay away as it will hamper search and rescue as well as clean-up efforts at this point.

I have personally not heard of people not being able to get through to relatives by phone and such, as in past storms, so that is a good thing.

It has been reported that the “Old Mill” building has “pancake collapsed” - I have now found out that it is the “E” building that has collapsed. The building pictured below is the “H” building. This historic site was originally known as the Fulton Bag and Cotton Mills. Building began on the complex in 1881 and is located in what is known as the Cabbagetown area of Atlanta. A drawing of the original site is below. You can read more about the history of this area in this article at Wikipedia. The pool is located to the top of the photo where the square “tower” is.

(The above picture is from Wikipedia. See details on picture here.)

This part of the property pictured to the right (this particular building is not the one that collapsed - although the roof on this building was damaged). The site was previously identified on this blog as the “Old Mill Lofts”, apparently this is an old name for the site. This building had just finished another renovation and was currently called the The Stack Lofts. As you can see from the photo below (and at the Stack Lofts Website), the smokestacks were still up, and if one of them toppled it could certainly cause the building to collapse (We have since been alerted by a reader that these smokestacks did NOT collapse).

There was already extensive visible damage at least to one part of the building - and possibly two parts of the roof. The building had previously been evacuated and news crews had been moved back. No injuries had been reported as a result of the collapse itself. (Thanks to FReeper stlnative for the update and links to extra information.) — UPDATE - Mar. 18 — As stated previously, a reader of the site has given us some more information on this particular location. The building you see in the picture next to this paragraph is commonly known as building “H”. It did sustain damage to its roof. The building that was reported to have “pancake” collapse was building “E”. Thanks again to Nicholle for the update and corrected information!

A NOTE ABOUT COUNTING BLESSINGS:

Now, I’m personally a pretty Conservative Christian… And I just want to take a second to thank the Lord that more people were not injured in this storm. As was pointed out by the Ch. 11 Meteorologist (sorry don’t know his name… will look it up) blessings should be counted by everyone living, visiting, and with loved ones in the area. If the SCC Tournament game had not gone into overtime, there would have been literally thousands, if not tens of thousands of people on the street when this tornado hit. With everyone running for cover the devastation and toll of life could’ve been simply horrific. Praise the Lord indeed for his small mercies that many, many more were not injured tonight. Many are reporting a lot of close calls, and search efforts are just beginning in some of the more heavily damaged buildings as they may not be stable, but as of now there are no fatalities and only one person (out of a total of 9 taken to area hospitals) was in critical condition. (I will report the names of the victims for prayer purposes if it becomes available).

NOTE - CURRENT WEATHER: More rain and lightening is apparently headed towards Atlanta right now (Visible in the live coverage from Ch. 11) .

Severe Thunderstorm Watch up on the Northern Border - entire Northern 2/3 or so of Alabama. Most producing hail - tornado risk not that great. Golf ball size hail reported in Alabama.

WAS IT A TORNADO — MY ‘LAYMAN’S’ OPINION IS YES…
Of course, the official determination will be up to the NWS.

I am not alone in this opinion. The majority of reporters, meteorologists, City Authorities, and LEOs I have heard are all of the opinion that this was definitely a tornado based on descriptions of witnesses and a cursory survey of the damage.

This storm is still not officially considered a tornado (as of 11:55 pm CST - it probably won’t be official till the National Weather Service announces it within the next 24-48 hours after they are able to investigate the damage first hand in the light), however there were numerous witnesses in the Healy(sp?) building that reported a loud train sound lasting about one and a half minutes, that report seeing swirling debris outside their windows.

One woman interviewed on the phone, and also live - Julia Murphy - on Ch. 11-ALIVE reported seeing large and heavy debris in a circular motion outside her 12th floor window, and she and her neighbors above her both report seeing circular debris “way above the height of our wind0ws”. She stated that her apartment window overlooks Centennial Park. She also stated that she gathered in the lobby of her building afterwards with other residents and many reported seeing the same thing. Windows in that building were blown out as well.

Reporters on Channel 11 (who I think has been giving the best coverage tonight - at least available online!), have stated that the damage they are seeing is consistent with tornados. They are seeing bricks pulled out of buildings, and pushed forward. In one instance there was a light pole or a telephone pole twisted in the electrical wires.

This is pretty consistent with what one would see at night during a tornado - swirling debris. Straight-line winds on the other hand wouldn’t create this type of debris pattern.

There is a greater chance of severe weather tomorrow than there was today.

UPDATE: (11:59 p.m. CST):
INTERVIEW WITH FD CHIEF:
Widespread extensive damage across the city. APD handling traffic control. Road will perhaps be open by tomorrow. Station 4 of the Fire Department was also hit.

The storm that was headed in the direction of the city seems to have died down at this point.

2 holes ripped inside the roof of the Georgia Dome.

UPDATE ON FIREFIGHTER — Sprained ankle… Twisted on debris at the Old Cotton Mill Lofts.

Old Cotton Mill Lofts in Downtown Atlanta:
One corner of the building completely torn off, exposing a unit of the building.

Below is a picture of the Old Cotton Mill Lofts which was posted by FReeper bamahead on FreeRepublic.com.

There is flooding reported in the Georgia Dome as well as in World Congress Center. Below is a picture of the water flowing down the stairs within the Georgia Dome.

Thanks again to FReeper bamahead on FreeRepublic.com.

Mayor will make a statement soon.

UPDATE (11:26 p.m. CST):

Kirkwood, Edgewood, Cabbagetown, mentioning the Old 4th Ward, and East Metro all heavy sustained damage.
Multiple viewers reporting seeing the funnel.
9 confirmed injuries, 1 critical - no fatalities reported at this time — these are JUST those transported to Grady Hospital…

Airport - no damage, and no disruption of flights.

Another storm is headed towards Atlanta (still as of 11:06 p.m. CST). It has started in the same place as the first. Check the live link below for updated Severe Weather Alerts and Warnings.

OTHER UPDATES -
INJURIES CONFIRMED THUS FAR:
Recent update from reporter on Ch. 11:
From Grady Hospital:
8 people to grady - 1 in Critical Condition

1 to Atlanta Medical Center

Several people injured outside the Georgia Pacific Building - reports of Lacerations from broken glass.

Cotton Mill Lofts - Firefighter injured, perhaps a resident as well.

Please remember there are still reports of more injuries coming in. No known fatalities at this point.

Parents with children attending the Jr. ROTC Ball at the World Congress Center are asked to come pick up their children at this time. They will keep them inside till parents claim them due to the damage outside. The *new* part of the World Congress Center is apparently flooded. They are showing live pictures on Ch. 11 of a waterfall that has developed going down one of the escalators in the building. The reporters are not sure exactly where all the water is coming from at this point…

*****************************************************************************************************

Georgia Power - 19,000 people without power in the Atlanta Metro Area. A lot near NOK/Ashby street area.

All students and parents are UNINJURED at Georgia State.

There was a Hawks (NBA) game being played at the Phillips Arena tonight.

BREAKING NEWS:

A severe storm has hit downtown Atlanta, GA. (9:00 p.m. CST). Officials are reporting that buildings are down and there is a LOT of damage.

The Georgia Dome was damaged. The SCC Tournament was holding a game there when the storm hit. The last game scheduled there tonight (the game scheduled to be played after the one that was going on when the storm hit) will not be played tonight and people are now leaving the Georgia Dome.

Witnesses near the Omni Hotel/CNN Center stated that cars were picked up, and it sounded like an explosion. The Atlanta Fire Department Chief has told reporters that 7-10 people transported to the hospital, dozens injured (serious to critical condition, cannot confirm any fatalities at this point. Reported that there is also damage to the Omni Hotel/CNN Center, and many other buildings…

******************************************************************************
Captain Interviewed on Ch. 11 ~ News - 11ALIVE.com while I was in the middle of writing this post:

THESE ARE NOT COMPLETE REMARKS:
Here are notes scribbled “live” from the coverage you can watch the live coverage yourself at the following link: http://www.11alive.com/video/default_live.aspx?storyid=112917

We still have crews on scene throughout the city report of strucural damage - Injuries - do not know the extent. 7-10 Good esitmate just from CNN Center. Numerous transports from other areas. Reports of trees fallen on houses, and a building has collapsed across Centenniel Park - empty building. Structural damage - broken windows, roofs that have been removed.

******************************************************************************

12-15 reports of damaged residences and apartment buildings.

The Meteorologist on Ch. 11 noted that these building have survived Hurricanes and this caused more damage. He states that this had to take something unique.

MORE TO FOLLOW AS AVAILABLE…

Prayers for everyone involved, as well as all family who are not in the area,
that may be worried about their loved ones.

It has come to my attention (Credit to FReeper ConcreteBob) that an anarchist/anti-war/anti-recruiting group in Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Organizing Group (POG - OrganizePittsburgh.org) is planning to have an old-fashioned medieval “torch march” on March 19, 2008! Their announced plans are to march carrying torches to the recruitment station, and “If the station remains open, we intend to evict it and everything inside of it, occupy the location, and transform it into something useful for the community.”.  They are also planning to bring with cages to place the military recruitment officers inside of.

Now, while it’s commendable to peacefully protest and stand up for what you believe in - no matter how crazy others may think you are - to conspire to commit felony destruction of federal (taxpayer owned) property and the kidnapping of Federal (Military) Officers while in the course of duty - not to mention a host of other various felony and criminal charges they could incur - is the height of stupidity, not to mention hypocritical. My guess is that they are counting on police being there to “hold them back” as they’ve alluded to in their announcement (convenient isn’t it?).

Below is a screenshot of their announcement which was posted on their website on February 20, 2008;

Thumbnail of complete screenshot (Click on the image to see the full-size SS):

Highlighted Parts - Cropped and Full-Size:

Wouldn’t it be interesting if they were allowed to go forth with their plans instead, and then force them to deal with the realities of their stupidity? As one poster, FReeper TaxControl, suggested over on FreeRepublic.com; the Recruiters should just protest vociferously that they don’t want to go into the cages, but let themselves be put inside. Then once inside, these military officers should pull out their cell phones and call the FBI to report the kidnapping of a federal officer in progress.

Then let the Feds deal with these punks who think they are above the law. Because, as I said, peaceful protesting is one thing - a right of these citizens that I fully support even though I don’t agree with them - destruction of federal property and kidnapping is another.

As another FReeper, Captain Rhino, pointed out if this group’s plans are successful there is a whole list of felonies (state & federal) that they will be guilty of including, but obviously not limited to; Felonious Tresspassing - felony (State & possibly Federal), Destruction of Federal Government Property - felony (Federal), Assaulting an officer in the course of duty - felony (Federal), Unlawful Detention - Felony (State & Federal), Kidnapping - felony (State & Federal). I’m guessing that in today’s atmosphere there are probably a few more things they could charge these people with - even up to treason (for abducting a military officer during a time of war — and no, I’m not positive on that, but it would make sense would it not?).

What’s intriguing about their plans - besides the fact that they are conspiring at this point to commit a host of federal felonies - is that it’s in direct violation of their group’s stated policy on planning actions of this sort as well. In a page on the group’s website entitled, “Hey POG why did you DO That? A Statement on what POG does and does not organize“, they state the following;

“As a group we absolutely never organize anything involving destruction of property or physical harm to human or non-human animals.”

Hmmm… someone better mention that to the person at POG who planned this event…

I really do hope the FBI will consider sending a clear message to this group - and all like them that believe NON-peaceful protest is acceptable as long as it’s aimed at those who they have pronounced as “criminals” - interestingly without due process which I’m sure they will insist upon if they are indeed arrested.

One clue for these people — it’s not exactly going to endear you to the public (some of whom may even agree with you) if you insist on protesting in this manner. Even most liberals I know would be telling you the same exact thing.

New & Improved Content Coming Soon

UPDATE: I have purchased a domain name ~ LibertyRocks.us!
We will begin “moving in” to our new location soon.  Watch here for updates!  

Hi Everyone!

Well, our family got a new computer last week which will make doing things online much easier for me than it has in the past. (We are homeschoolers and the children and I shared our old computer.) I will now be able to work online while they are doing their schoolwork, and still be available whenever they need me! YIPPEE!

So, look for more news round-ups and commentaries appearing here soon! I can’t wait to get back to my writing and helping to keep my family, friends, and community informed — because the MSM sure doesn’t do a very good job of it anymore!

~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ PLANNED CHANGES & ADDITIONS ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~

• *OUR OWN DOMAIN* ~ We will be getting a private domain name within the next few months (Blog name subject to change dependent upon availability of desired address(es)).
• *NEW* This site deserves a makeover ~ Be on the watch for an all-new look for this blog!
• More Commentary ~ I will be writing more in-depth coverage pieces on breaking and important news stories.
• *NEW* The Saturday Evening World News Round-Ups ~ Catch up on all the news you may have missed throughout the week. (Published every Saturday evening)
• *NEW* Updated Information ~ I will be updating my “In-Depth Coverage” pages that have been previously published. Many pages will have new information added.
• *NEW* Mailing List ~ Sign up for our new mailing list for updates received in your in-box daily. (COMING SOON)
• *NEW* RSS Feeds ~ For your desktop, website, or Email program.
• *IMPROVED* News Alerts ~ Better coverage of breaking news!

Yours Truly,
Michelle K.

Yesterday, was indeed a great day to be an American, and our Republic has averted disaster for yet another day… Not only did the Senate vote down the Illegal Alien Amnesty Bill, but the Supreme Court struck a blow against racism in our schools, AND the House of Representatives voted to protect our First Amendment right to the Freedom of Speech which was under attack by Democrats.

An effort by over 100 Democrats in the House of Representatives to quell freedom of political speech by using taxpayer dollars to re-enact the so-called “Fairness Doctrine” failed miserably, the final vote barring the FCC from repromulgating it was passed 309-115 (See the Roll Call here). Please note that ALL of the votes in favor of restricting Freedom of Speech were DEMOCRATS!!!

Instead of fighting for freedom of speech, 115 House Democrats voted to allow revival of the Fairness Doctrine in an effort to reintroduce government regulation of political speech. This would be a disaster, not only for Conservatives, who were specifically targetted by this bill, but for Democrats as well, or ANYONE in this country who has a political opinion that may differ from the elite bureaucrats of this country.

As reported in an article published by The Hill and written by Alexander Bolton, Rep. Dick Durbin (D-IL) had the following to say; “It’s time to reinstitute the Fairness Doctrine… I have this old-fashioned attitude that when Americans hear both sides of the story, they’re in a better position to make a decision.“ There are some fatal flaws in Dick Durbin’s ideas in this regard.

First, in any issue we face as a nation there are often more than two viewpoints, and no issue can be completely cut down two-party lines. To pretend that simply offering two viewpoints (Rep vs. Dem) on any matter helps our country is to cut off debate that may offer solutions to problems that our two-party system hasn’t considered.

Secondly, the MORE discussion we have on an issue, the more ability we the people have to make decisions. We are not children that have to be catered to in this way. There are so many outlets for information in this day and age that virtually no citizen is without the facts, if they care to study any issue that comes up.

Another democrat whose comments were featured in this particular article were those of Representative Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). She stated that she was going to look into the constitutional and legal concerns in regards to re-establishing the same FCC rule, that in 1985 was found to be restricting journalistic freedoms. [Sen. Feinstein, go re-read the First Amendment, that's really all the research you need to do on this].

As Bolton points out in his article, according to a Congressional Research Service report, the Fairness Doctrine when it was still active “actually inhibit[ed] the presentation of controversial issues of public importance to the detriment of the public and in degradation of the editorial perogative of broadcast journalists.“

It simply boggles the mind to try and understand why Democrats would want to restrict our Constitutionally protected freedoms in this way, unless they are lying when they say they believe in Free Speech.

We live in the United States of America, not some socialist or communist dictatorship that sees fit to stifle the people’s voices in order to establish and maintain oppression. It’s time our Democratic Leadership in the House realizes that American citizens will not stand for any sort of censorship, or infringements on the First Amendment.

Thank you to Rep. Pence, and the other sponsors for bringing this amendment to the Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill forward, thereby protecting the First Amendment.

I am truly disappointed in those 115 Representatives that do not support Freedom of Speech. Any representative that fails to see that the First Amendment is an essential part of why our country works should be recalled immediately. Here are their names… [You can find contact information for each at Congress.org, or by using Google. Please let each and every one of them know that we will never give up our rights, and those who attempt to take them away will be kicked out of office…

DEMOCRATS IN FAVOR OF GOVERNMENT CENSORSHIP

(In Alphabetical Order — The complete list of Ayes and Nays can be found here.)

• Ackerman
• Allen
• Arcuri
• Baird
• Baldwin
• Becerra
• Berkley
• Berry
• Bishop (GA)
• Blumenauer
• Boswell
• Boyda (KS)
• Brady (PA)
• Braley (IA)
• Butterfield
• Capps
• Capuano
• Carney
• Clarke
• Clay
• Cleaver
• Clyburn
• Conyers
• Davis (CA)
• Davis (IL)
• DeFazio
• DeLauro
• Dingell
• Doggett
• Doyle
• Ellison
• Eshoo
• Farr
• Fattah
• Filner
• Frank (MA)
• Gonzalez
• Green, Al
• Grijalva
• Gutierrez
• Hall (NY)
• Harman
• Higgins
• Hinchey
• Hirono
• Hodes
• Holt
• Honda
• Hoyer
• Jackson (IL)
• Jefferson
• Johnson (GA)
• Johnson, E. B.
• Jones (OH)
• Kanjorski
• Kaptur
• Kennedy
• Kilpatrick
• Klein (FL)
• Kucinich
• Langevin
• Larsen (WA)
• Larson (CT)
• Lee
• Levin
• Lewis (GA)
• Loebsack
• Lofgren, Zoe
• Lowey
• Maloney (NY)
• Markey
• Matsui
• McCollum (MN)
• McDermott
• McGovern
• McNerney
• Meehan
• Miller, George
• Moore (WI)
• Moran (VA)
• Murtha
• Nadler
• Neal (MA)
• Olver
• Pallone
• Pascrell
• Pastor
• Payne
• Price (NC)
• Rangel
• Sánchez, Linda T.
• Sanchez, Loretta
• Schakowsky
• Schiff
• Scott (VA)
• Sestak
• Slaughter
• Solis
• Stark
• Sutton
• Tauscher
• Thompson (CA)
• Thompson (MS)
• Towns
• Van Hollen
• Velázquez
• Wasserman Schultz
• Waters
• Watson
• Watt
• Welch (VT)
• Wexler
• Woolsey
• Wu
• Wynn

Edited for typos & clarity - Saturday, June 30, 2007

The Supreme Court of the United States struck a blow against racism in our schools today — despite some of what you might have heard on your local news this evening. I, for one, am happy about that.

Martin Luther King, Jr. preached about judging people on the content of their character, and not the color of their skin. On Saturday, August 28, 1963, in Washington D.C. he spoke the following words;

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

- Martin Luther King, Jr., “I Have a Dream”, August 28, 2007

Affirmative action programs, and using race as the basis for ANYTHING in this country is the OPPOSITE of what MLK, Jr. preached. It is the OPPOSITE of what those who fought for civil rights were fighting for. I just saw on my local news a representative from the NAACP stating that this ruling set back Civil Rights causes. I see it as completely the opposite.

ALL schools should be of good enough quality to attend, should be safe enough to attend, and offer not only equal, but the BEST education you can offer to anyone.

We need to ‘de-federalize’ education in this country. It should be up to the states to govern whatever educational laws there are. Our forefathers designed it this way in order to prevent specific ideas and idealogy from being dictated by a federal government vs. the way education is handled in countries such as China, North Korea, Cuba, Iran, and other Socialist/Communist/Facist countries around the globe.

‘De-Federalizing Education also retains more control of the taxpayers in regards to the quality of the schools in their communities. When the taxpayers have an ability to oversee school districts more directly, they have a much easier time implementing changes that positively affect their schools — much easier than of group bureaucrats in Washington who can’t possibly know what’s best for every region/state/community. [Frankly, I think they have enough on their plates just trying to manage this country. I think we can all agree -- no matter what our political idealogy -- that our government is not doing a very good job of things right now.]

The people who have the greatest investment in our schools — in more ways than one — are the residents, the parents, and other community taxpayers, the future employers, family, friends, and neighbors who care about the education the children in our community, are receiving. Local people are also more in touch with the specific needs for the immediate future in their school disctrict.

One more benefit of localized control of our school systems and their funds, is that it frees up the money that currently goes to Washington for administrative duties. Besides freeing up a large portion of money currently devoted to education in this country, it would be much easier to coordinate information concerning good textbooks/programs that work, and other curricular needs that all children should never go without.

Best of all, we will have the children’s teachers in our local schools better equipped in and fully able to address the needs of their students. Thus, making their jobs that much easier.

Many people entrust their children to these members of our community, and we should make sure our educators all have what they need to do the job they wanted to do when they became teachers in the first place. They contribute a priceless asset to our society by educating our children… the future.

That is the way we can fix education in our country once and for all… for everyone…

AL-QAEDA DECLARES JIHAD AGAINST INDIA


The Associated Press is reporting the following:

Al-Qaida declares holy war on India
By Aijaz Hussain, Associated Press Writer | The Boston Globe | June 9, 2007

SRINAGAR, India –A group claiming to represent the al-Qaida terror network declared a holy war on India over its partial control of the divided Himalayan region of Kashmir, Indian officials said Saturday.

A statement and video was sent Friday to the Current News Service, in Srinagar, the main city of India’s Jammu-Kashmir state, in which a masked man standing next to an automatic weapon read the declaration.

“We declare righteous holy war against India on behalf of God the great in which Jammu and Kashmir will be the launch pad for holy war in India,” said the statement signed by Abu Abdul Rehman al-Ansari, purportedly the chief of al-Qaida Fil Hind or al-Qaida in India.

Al-Qaida Fil Hand had not communicated anything since July of last year when they announced their establishment. The statement released is said to be 5-pages long and is being investigated by police who will also attempt to establish its veracity. The Director General of Police Gopal Sharma is advising people not to panic.

The statement by al-Qaida Fil Hand may prove the suspicions that the Islamic Militants fighting in the Western part of Kasmir are indeed connected to the terrorist Organization Al-Qaeda. Mentioned in the letter are reports of insurgencies in many areas around the world including; Iraq, Chechnya, Somalia, Palestine & Algeria. The statement also describes Al-Qaeda as a worldwide movement whose ultimate goal is to wipe out all borders and establish a worldwide ruling Islamic Caliphate.

The statement (from Al-Qaeda Fil Hand)…describes Al-Qaeda as a global Islamic movement “aimed at wiping out borders and leading the the establishment of an Islamic Caliphate.

- “Al-Qaida declares holy war on India“, AP, The Boston Globe, June 9, 2007

In historic jihads, or holy wars, Islamic Militants (believing they are blessed by Allah, and that he is made happy killing “infidels” or anyone who is not Muslim, not the right kind of muslim, or followers of any other religion. The ‘jihadists’ target anyone who refuses to convert to Islam (the ONLY way to survive with even a small amount of so-called freedom, or if they somehow survive the upheaval one can look forward to serving a life of Dhimmitude within the Caliphate as a lesser person — subject to restrictions upon all manner of daily life, lesser standing in their “judicial” system, and a heavier tax burden.

Women, in the majority of Islamic cultures are kept as possession.  They are not allowed freedom of movement or association.  They have no real standing in a court of law, and there is no recourse for female victims — in some places rape victims are regularly killed for the crime of “adultery”, or victims of honor killings at the hands of relatives in an effort to preserve the family name against blemish. The requirement of wearing a hijab, or burka, increases the subjugation of women, and is indeed the most visible reminder of the type of life Muslim women are subject to.

If Al-Qaeda were to suceed and establish a Worldwide Islamic Caliphate, then it is likely that they would establish Sharia Law as the ‘justice method’. Under Sharia Law life becomes even more unbearable as not just women, but all minorities, gays, lesbians, Jews, & Christians (if they are left alive after the ‘change’), would be subject to the harshest of laws.  Even Muslims are not allowed some of the most basic of freedoms under these laws.  A worldwide government of this nature would be the fulfillment of a dream Hitler on crack would’ve loved.

These are the people that the U.S. and her allies are fighting against in Afghanistan. Our military, along with troops belonging to our allies, are engaged in fighting with the Taliban. It was recently found that the Country of Iran was supporting the Taliban by supplying weapons and ammunition. Officials from NATO have stated that they have caught Iranian operatives “red-handed” with arms bound for Taliban fighters. NATO officials stated that this was not a case of busting a black market arms dealer — it was a government supported military group that was moving the weapons.

“So they’ll bless and follow anyone who gives them justification for not thinking. Anyone who makes a virtue — a highly intellectual virtue — out of what they know to be their sin, their weakness, and their guilt.”

— Rand, Ayn, Atlas Shrugged

Our soldiers are also fighting against Al-Qaeda in Iraq. The U.S. has also reported proof that Iran is training and supplying these fighters with munitions as well. Contrary to the claims of the liberal anti-war activists in the U.S., the Iraqi citizens are not the ones that are perpetrating the vicious violence against the innocent in Iraq in some fight against a so-called ‘occupation’. Instead, they are the targets of these Islamic militants. The Iraqi citizens, emboldened by the U.S. presence is beginning to fight back. Something which was impossible to do under the thumb of Saddam Hussein. The people of Iraq who are trying to establish a safe and free country are the ones suffering in this war. But contrary again to Anti-War activists claims, the terrorism against these people is not the fault of the U.S. Military.

The people of Iraq have long been subject to the harsh regime of Saddam Hussein, as well as terrorists living among them supported by Hussein’s regime as can be seen in the documents faithfully translated by “JVeritas” and published at his blog: “Translating the Iraq Docs“. Indeed some of these documents show proof of not only a program to develop WMD, but also showing links between Saddam and Al-Qaeda.

Back in India and Kashmir, there has been sporadic violence perpetrated by Islamic Separatist Insurgents in the Himalayan land since 1989. The land was divided between Pakistan and India as the result of a war fought in 1948. Indian officials believe that these Islamic terrorists are responsible for a string of bombings across the country in recent years.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil
is for good men to do nothing.”

- The Right Honorable Edmund Burke ( 1729-1707)

It is a shame that in the 21st century we would be fighting such a group that targets innocent people based on their heritages and religions, specifically Jews who they have taught their children from a young age are in-human. Christians and others are regarded as what they call infidels, those who do not pray to Allah. There is no room for diversity in their wished for society, and genocide is not beyond their realm of thinking. This is also evidenced by the leader of Iran Ahmadinejad who has repeatedly called for the destruction of Israel and her people. Indeed these people are the same as those who supported Hitler in WWII. They have not stopped their wish to subject the world to their rule, they were not ‘taken out of power’ when soldiers from around the world destroyed the Nazi War Machine.

Our world may be headed for dark days as we contend with what can only be seen as evil. Those that decide stoning a woman to death for her being raped is justice, and using suicide bombings targetted at innocent civilians shopping with their children for food cannot be seen as fighting some moral war against “occupation”. We cannot allow these radical people who believe in an unbelievably warped world that harms everyone in it to take control. The people in this world who listen to sound bites, and are wrapped up in some intellectual excuse from taking the side of righteous people who are protecting their families from these terrorists will, in my opinion, be harming not only themselves but indeed all in the world.

“…I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of man fails and we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship - but it is not this day. An hour of wolves and shattered shields when the age of Men comes crashing down - but it is not this day! This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good earth I bid you; Stand, Men of the west.”

- Tolkein, J.R.R., “The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King”

I pray for those in India and all the innocent in areas around our world, and the brave soldiers of the U.S. and her allies everywhere who are at threat from Al-Qaeda and all existing terrorist groups who claim their barbaric ways are sanctioned by their belief that Allah demands submission of all on the face of the Earth. There is no invitation to sit at the Lord’s Table through love, and example. There is only threats of death for failure to heed their wishes. We must stand up against evil of every kind in our world, and these terrorists ARE a threat to peaceful people everywhere. It is not wrong to defend yourself, especially when targetted for your religious or social beliefs. Their beliefs are not noble by any standard, and they must be defeated.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Hussain, Aijaz, The Associated Press, 9 June 2007, The Boston Globe, 9 June 2007, < http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2007/06/09/al_qaida_declares_holy_war_on_india/>

Knowlton, Tom, “The Nazi Roots of Modern Radical Islam”, 17 Nobember 2006, Militant Islam Monitor.org, 9 June 2007 < http://www.militantislammonitor.org/article/id/2543 >

Ross, Brian & Isham, Christopher, “Document: Iran Caught Red-Handed Shipping Arms to Taliban”, 6 June 2007, ABCNews.com, 9 June 2007, < http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/06/document_iran_c.html >

Thanks are due to Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) for exposing yet another lie about the AMNESTY bill currently being debated in the Senate.

Today, the Senate voted against an amendment that would prevent the GRANTING OF LEGAL STATUS TO FELONS — including those who are subject to court orders calling for their deportation!

This is just the latest proof to come out that exposes the lies President Bush and backers of this Illegal Immigrant AMNESTY bill have told to the American people…

Not only does this bill indeed amount to amnesty for those who have committed the crimes of ID Theft and/or Fraud, but it also allows the granting of LEGAL STATUS TO NON-CITIZEN FELONS! This is in direct contradiction to the words of President Bush, Sen. Kennedy, Sen. McCain and others who have tried to convince the American citizens that this bill is not amnesty.

One of the other lies exposed in recent days;

“No one will be on a fast track to legalization”

As this article from the Boston Herald points out, some illegal immigrants WILL be on a fast track to legalization.

This current Amnesty Bill does indeed allow young adults who are here illegally to be on a fast track as long as they have graduated from our publicly-funded (citizen taxpayer funded) government high schools, and they agree to either go to college, or join the military. These people will also be allowed FEDERAL TUITION ASSISTANCE (again, citizen taxpayer funded), and will RECEIVE A GREEN CARD IN 3 YEARS. How many LEGAL immigrants have been waiting for a decade or more to receive a green card? How many current citizens do not qualify for assistance, but yet the money that could help them will be given to those here illegally? How is this NOT allowing ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS to cut in line in front of those who have followed the law, in more ways than one?

These are just two of the lies that have been told to the American public by our President, our Senators, and other backers of this amnesty bill.

In case you haven’t heard; John McCain has come out ‘warning’ citizens that if we don’t support this amnesty bill there will be rioting in our streets.
Isn’t this what’s called a terrorist tactic? According to our government those who threaten violence to achieve a political goal are terrorists.

Now, I don’t like calling a Veteran a terrorist, but McCain by using a threat of violence to justify not enforcing the laws of our country is using a terrorist tactic. I think McCain, should immediately withdraw from the Presidential race and go visit his local psychologist, personally.

Or, maybe it’s not McCain that is a terrorist, but rather the illegal immigrants who will be upset if they don’t get amnesty for their crimes against our nation and its citizens? Either way, I thought our policy with terrorists was not to give in?

One more question for Sen. McCain; if the illegal immigrants are going to riot in the streets are these really the type of people we should be granting amnesty to? What happens when Al Qaeda, Hamas, or Hezbollah — or any number of terrorist organizations gets wind of this? Will we bow down to them as well and allow them to enforce their political will upon the United States and her citizens as well?

These are just a few of the lies that supporters of this amnesty bill have been trying to sell to their constituents. How many more of these “tiny print” lies are included in the 800+ pages of this bill? I honestly don’t even want to know — it is bad enough at this point that many previously staunch Bush supporters are ready to impeach him, and recall any so-called Representative that supports this travesty.

Enough is enough! Please continue to contact your Senators and your Representatives and let them know that American Citizens, and Legal Immigrants do NOT agree with granting preferential treatment to those persons who have chosen to break the law and are here illegally. We must not allow them to trample on the rights of citizens, while granting illegal immigrants (even FELONS!) amnesty, and creating a permanent class of underpaid ‘guest workers’ to boot.

ADDITION:

The following article which is linked below is very interesting and points out what perhaps are the real reasons our elected officials want amnesty for illegal immigrants.  It is written by Fredo-Arias King.  Here is the biographical information about this author which is included at the end of the article:

Fredo Arias-King from March 1999 to July 2000 was an aide to presidential candidate Vicente Fox Quesada of Mexico, largely handling the foreign relations of the campaign along with Dr. Carlos Salazar, who handled the foreign relations of Fox’s party, the PAN. After the July 2000 victory, Arias-King declined government jobs but agreed to represent the PAN at both the Republican and the Democratic national conventions in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, respectively. In 14 trips to Washington and to both party conventions, he spoke extensively to U.S. public figures, including 80 members of Congress, about the bilateral relationship. His role in the Fox campaign has been recognized in several books published in Mexico. A Harvard-trained businessman and Sovietologist, his academic work focuses on the post-communist transitions, and he is the founding editor of Demokratizatsiya: The Journal of Post-Soviet Democratization, published in Washington.

Immigration and Usurpation

Elites, Power, and the People’s Will

by Fredo Arias-King — July 2006
(A .pdf version is available for download at the above link)

Just FYI:
Some have already written me accusing me of being a “bigot” and a “racist”.  It’s a real shame I have to qualify myself like this, but I’ll say it anyway…  My sister is “Half-Mexican” (meaning her father’s ancestors came from Mexico).  We are both adopted, and I have seen the effects of racism first hand.  I also lived in west Denver (in a predominantly Latino/Hispanic/Mexican community) for 2 1/2 years.  While living in this neighborhood I worked with many LEGAL immigrants.

None of the people I knew who were in this country legally agreed with amnesty for illegal immigrants — on the contrary they understood that not only do the majority of them serve as a detriment to this community, but because of their actions only served to increase the likelihood of racist sentiment against them.  Indeed, as can be seen by some of the rhetoric some against amnesty are racists and bigots.  However, not everyone who is against amnesty is a racist or a bigot, and the insistence of many to label those in opposition of the amnesty provisions of this bill is a dishonest attempt at silencing critics and preventing those who are duped by this rhetoric from examining this bill, or being critical in any way.

I try to fight against racism and bigotry, and I agree with what Martin Luther King Jr. said in his famous speech about judging people by the content of their character and not the color of their skin.  One cannot create equality with preferential treatment based on the color of one’s skin, or their ethnicity.  On the contrary, one can judge people based upon their actions, and in the case of illegal immigrants — FROM ANY COUNTRY — who commit the acts of ID Theft or Fraud among other crimes, cannot be, IMO supported based on the content of their character.

I would ask those of you who have accepted the rhetoric about racism and bigotry in relation to this bill to put aside those thoughts for a moment, and think critically about how best we can assure that our country remains a bastion of liberty for immigrants of all “races”, ethnicities and nationalities who come here legally.

I think perhaps Ayn Rand in her book Atlas Shrugged made an excellent point about those who believe rhetoric such as that put forward by supporters of this bill from both sides of the aisle;

  “So they’ll bless and follow anyone who gives them justification for not thinking. Anyone who makes a virtue — a highly intellectual virtue — out of what they know to be their sin, their weakness, and their guilt.” — Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged

Please think for yourselves…