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Not-So-Humbly Climbs The Learning Curve. ... Hopefully, Quickly.
As reported earlier, women have been complaining of being
fondled by airport security personnel. In a wire report out of Phoenix
dated Feb. 7, there are apparently at least 32 complaints of fondling and/or
groping during random body searches at the nation's airports. Reportedly,
the Arizona attorney general has plans of creating a database of airport
sexual abuse complaints in Arizona as well as elsewhere. Pointedly,
why aren't these sexual predators charged? Indicative, once again,
that "prosecutors" have no interest in justice, -- just another notch on
the belt.
To its credit, the American military has striven to minimize "co-lateral damage", the killing of innocent non-combatants in Afghanistan. Sadly, however, hundreds if not thousands have been killed mistakenly. While scores of credible reports involving misguided bombing resulting in enormous civilian losses have been made by aid agencies, the UN, as well as journalists, only a handful have been investigated by the military. Why? Interesting, isn't it?
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld has usually dismissed such allegations as "enemy propaganda". Apparently, he and other Bush "Administration" henchmen remain unwilling to accept responsibility for the growing loss of innocent life. Readers are reminded "responsibility" to the Fascist Right is reserved for the unwashed masses. Not those in power.
The "President" clearly has no endgame. No clue. … Think the people will continue blind support as the "Chief Executive" carries the war elsewhere, -- from country to country? When will "Die Fuhrer" declare victory? Apparently, no time soon. The "Administration" continues to warn of impending attacks, afraid the public may be lulled to sleep. Certainly does allow Ole' George to cover his ass should there be another catastrophe, doesn't it?
*****Surgeon General Satcher Leaves Bush "Administration"*****
Surgeon General David Satcher is about to leave office. Apparently to the great relief of the "President" and his cohorts. Too bad. Dr. Satcher was a beacon of light in a glaringly dull Bush "Administration". He made the unforgivable mistake of always putting science first before politics and ideology. Much to the chagrin of the Religious Right. Indeed, a breath of fresh air in a reactionary "Presidency" reminiscent of earlier ones embracing fascism. … Working definition of fascism? An abusive and dangerous oligarchy based on a pernicious blend of government, big business, and religion. ... A boot-heel cynically placed on the throat of the masses, justified in principle by perversion and bastardization of religion.
Dr. Satcher greatly irritated the "conservative" element
with his endorsement of distribution of clean needles to drug users, criticism
of abstinence-only sex education programs as ineffective, and urging of
Americans to accept gays and lesbians. … Can't have that, can we?
-- Not Right Wing and fascist enough for these intolerant "religious" bigots.
Satcher didn't go along to get along. Good for him. Think the
next Surgeon General will be quite as open-minded? … A snow ball's
chance…
*****"Conservative" Groups File FCC Complaint Against "Boston Public"*****
Would you believe it? Focus On The Family, the Christian
Coalition, and other "religious" groups have filed an indecency complaint
with the FCC against Fox for airing "Boston Public", the number three program
on the network. Apparently, these fascists have no conception of
what is going on in high schools across the nation. "Boston Public"
is tame compared to the reality of secondary school education in the United
States. Clearly, these self-proclaimed arbiters of decency wish to
remain entrenched in their own fantasy world rather than face reality.
Certainly free to do so, however. Just spare the rest of us the imposition
of your views of morality and/or propriety.
*****Senate Sticking It To Bush Judicial Nominees*****
Senate Democrats are aggressively challenging the fitness
of Bush judicial nominees. … Extremely critical if the judicial system
is to be spared further Right Wing extremists legislating their fascist
views from the bench. U.S. District Judge Charles Pickering has been
subject to a grilling unseen since Attorney General John Ashcroft had his
day in the Senate during confirmation hearings. Hopefully, Senators
will not roll over as easily this time. Not surprisingly, Pickering
has some serious problems with regard to his record in civil rights and
apparently reserves the right to tell a woman what she can and cannot do
with her uterus.
*****"Presidential" Hypocrisy*****
The "President" took an opportunity to disingenuously proclaim a "return to prayer" since September 11 asserting: "Millions of Americans have been led to prayer. They have prayed for comfort in time of grief, for understanding in a time of anger, for protection in a time of uncertainty. Many, including me, have been on bended knee." Apparently, Mr. Bush has forgotten Christ's exhortation prayer be private, deliberately wearing his "religion" pompously on his sleeve for all to witness.
… Hey, George? Why not get on "bended knee" and
beg the Creator for forgiveness? For holding hundreds of foreigners
in our jails without charging them? For the bloodless coup executed
by the signing of The "Patriot" Act? An unconstitutional law
eviscerating the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments? Sadly,
the American people were too stupid to realize what happened. Liberty
was outrageously trampled with long-term consequences that are just beginning
to be seen in their full glory and splendor. Sieg Heil, Mein Fuhrer.
The "President's" economic stimulus bill failed in the
Senate. Democrats were able to successfully shelve it. Just
as well. It did no more than offer additional corporate welfare.
… Don't despair. The GOP will find a way to resurrect it. Count
on it. Never met a corporation they wouldn't shamelessly aid and
abet.
Remember how the Right lambasted Clinton and Hillary regarding programs "for the children"? Shamelessly accused them of using kids for their own political advantage? Certainly, quite a bit of truth to it, however. … And a lot of hypocrisy. Readers will recall the jackass occupying the White House asked children to donate $1 to poor kids in Afghanistan. They sure did. To the tune of some $3.2 million, approximately four cents per child on the average.
Had Clinton done the same, the Fascist Right would have
been all over him. Yet, they have remained deafeningly silent when
Ole' George did the same. Interesting, isn't it? Now, the Right is
desperately seeking to allow churches to retain their tax-free status while
engaged in political activity. Why? They are money-making institutions.
Why shouldn't they be taxed?
What else is new? From 1995 through 1999, the number
of Americans with million dollar incomes doubled. At the same time
their taxes dropped some 11%. Interesting, isn't it? … Who
says it doesn't pay to be a white collar "thief", no? What contributed
to the reduction? A drop in capital gains tax. Think Enron
officials don't appreciate the help of their GOP lapdogs?
*****Bush Compares Resolve To Reagan*****
That's right. Ole' George thinks he's got the stuff Ole' Ronny supposedly had. Interesting, isn't it? Why is it the Fascist Right seems to think Reagan won the Cold War? The Soviet Union had been failing for decades. Precisely why they repeatedly imposed "five-year" plans that failed miserably. What the Right conveniently neglects to mention is the fact the third-rate actor who slept through eight years of his Presidency shamelessly spent this nation into enormous debt on wasteful military procurement.
Ole' George crowed on Ronny's 91st birthday: "We must seize the moment. History has called this nation into action. History has given us a chance to defend freedom, to fight tyranny, and that's exactly what this country is going to do." In the perverse world of the fascist, night is day, day is night, and manure smells sweet.
Sadly, Ole' George is not defending freedom. He shamelessly obliterated the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments signing The Patriot Act. … An attack, not defense of liberty. Fighting tyranny? … Hey, George? Want to see a tyrant? Look in the mirror.
Strutting, he further asserted: "When it is a matter
of principle and when the multilateral community does not agree with us,
we do not shrink from doing that which we think is right, which is in our
interest even if some of our friends disagree with us." Frightening,
isn't it? Although not as eloquent as Hitler, it is remarkably chilling.
"Die Fuhrer" has spoken. Will you follow in goose step?
*****"President" Wants To Overthrow Saddam*****
The jackass occupying the White House recently had his
henchmen float a trial balloon calling for overthrow of the Iraqi government.
Interesting, isn't it? Who the hell is the "President" to overthrow
any government without a congressional declaration of war?
Ole' George apparently thinks he doesn't need one. "The Tush" has
forgotten the function of a president is to preside, not dictate.
Then again, this fascist is clearly enamored with power and its abuse.
Precisely why he continues to refuse prisoner of war status to terrorist
"detainees". Sadly, this will come back to bite him or a successor
hard on the ass when some third world country decides not to confer POW
status on future captured American soldiers.
***** Closet Bigotry Exposed, A Very Controversial Klee's Kaleidoscope*****
Publisher's Note: The Ledger has been, and will
continue to be a forum for a variety of viewpoints. … Popular, politically
correct, "acceptable", -- or not. Views diametrically opposed
to those of this writer are especially wanted and appreciated. All
are encouraged to submit material. The following article by Llano
County resident and regular contributor Harvey Klee reflects the views
of the author himself and NOT those of The Llano Ledger and this writer.
Mr. Klee is entitled to the expression of his deeply and fervently-held
opinions, however. They have, and always will be welcome. Harvey
is considered a friend, despite our deep differences. The latest
material is so controversial, the decision was made to include it in the
body of this Newsletter. The article below has been posted in its
entirety without editing. Commentary will follow. Tim Chorney.
Klee's Kaleidoscope February 9, 2002
By Harvey H. Klee, Esq.
Carter G. Woodson, a historian keenly interested in education, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (later renamed the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History). It was through this organization that he began pressing for a "Negro History Week" as a mechanism for exploring the contributions of Black Americans. He choose the second week in February because two persons he felt had dramatically affected the lives of Black Americans were born during this month: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas. This was later expanded into Black History Month. The original intent for the observance was to help emphasize the accomplishments of Blacks in American history. Unfortunately, many will use the occasion to further their own political agenda e.g. reparations for descendents of slaves (as if the death of 600,000 Americans during the War Against the States weren't enough), perpetuation of affirmative action and minority preference programs (even though the Constitution prohibits discrimination on the bases of race), etc. So much the pity. Black Americans should be recognized for their significant and substantial contributions to this country (as well as any other American regardless of color). Often, however, their most important accomplishments become lost amidst the clamor of political correctness. So before the alleged Black leaders start on their hackneyed rhetoric of European and American enslavement, let's review some Black history regarding slavery.
All over western Africa, domestic slavery existed within various tribes and well before European slave buyers arrived. Actually, the lowest caste within these tribes were born and lived as slaves and performed the task as servants in households. Merchants who also owned slaves used them for carrying heavy loads through the forest and savanna. "Prisoners of War" captured during inter-tribal warfare and raids were generally sold to European slave traders. Inter-communal wars waged to procure slaves were intensely destructive of human lives. Tens of thousands of people were slaughtered in a single skirmish. In many cases, groups of African "slave catchers" were employed by middlemen to raid villages and capture the residents who became part of the growing slave collection. Many slaves were obtained very far inland where they were collected and marched to the coast. Free Africans employed by the slave catchers guarded them. The African slave dealers often demanded payment in their own currency and certain European goods.
African rulers, traders and a military aristocracy who all grew wealthy from the business sold the vast majority of slaves taken out of Africa. They protected their interest in the slave trade. They discouraged Europeans from leaving the coastal areas to venture into the interior of the continent. European trading companies realized the benefit of dealing with African suppliers and not unnecessarily antagonizing them. The companies could not have mustered the resources it would have taken to directly capture the tens of millions of people shipped out of Africa. Most slaves were acquired through wars or by kidnapping. While it is true that if there were no buyers there would be no sellers, by the same token, if there were no sellers there would be no buyers. Both sides prospered. Many Africans grew strong and fat on profits from selling their brethren, with some sending their children to England to further their education and learn more about western culture.
When Britain abolished the slave trade in 1807 it not only had to contend with opposition from white slavers but also from African rulers who had become accustomed to wealth gained from selling slaves or from taxes collected on slaves passed through their domain. African slave traders were distressed that that their source of livelihood would soon end. However, the slave trade business continued in many parts of Africa for many decades after the British abolished it. In fact, the British naval blockades made slave trading even more profitable for the Africans because the price of slaves rose. Had Europe not decided to end the slave trade and the New World ceased demanding chattel labor, the transatlantic trade might still be rolling today. It still exists in parts of Africa.
African slavers acted out of their own volition and for their self-interest. They took advantage of the opportunity provided by Europe to consume the products of their civilization. While Europe invested profits from the trade in laying the foundation of a powerful economic empire, African kings and traders were content with wearing used caps and admiring themselves in worthless mirrors while swigging adulterated brandy bought with the freedom of their kinsmen. Virtually all the items imported during the nefarious business were for consumption or weapons for waging war. Africa's contemporary history may have been different if its rulers and traders demanded capital goods for use in building the economy rather than trinkets and booze.
And remember Klee's Law Concerning Truth: " Most of the change we see in life is due to truths being in and out of favor."
©2002 All Rights Reserved
Intellectual honesty demands the readership be informed the above material is an example of a viewpoint vigorously and aggressively fought for nearly forty years by this writer. … Long before creation of The Ledger. Sadly, Mr. Klee's view is, and has been quite mainstream for many years. -- Although most would never admit it. Klee, however, has remarkably chosen to do so, and has quite enthusiastically embraced and defended it. While his position is glaringly repugnant to this writer, his honesty is compelling and refreshing.
Closet bigotry is extremely difficult to attack. When out in the open in the glaring light of day, however, can far more easily be challenged and confronted. Sadly, the above article is a clear indication race-relations have progressed far less than many would think. Klee apparently believes opposition to continuing bigotry directed against Blacks, if in fact it even exists in his view, is no more than a matter of "political correctness". -- Or "occasion to further their own political agenda".
What agenda, Harvey? Wanting to be treated like you or I by police, employers, restaurants, and other establishments? … Indeed, do you argue they are? Witnessed repeated instances for years, right up to the present, when they have not. A few glaring examples? Profiling by corrupt and abusive police "officers", discrimination of Blacks including Secret Service agents in restaurants such as Denny's and other public establishments, on the job, in housing accommodations, and in many other areas of life.
… Sadly, in denial? Apparently, you have not been out in the trenches or have conveniently ignored the injustice. Why waste time revisiting the slave trade anyway? It is common knowledge. Give the public a little more credit. Like you, they refuse to acknowledge the effects of ongoing prejudice, however. Pointedly, the shameful truth behind the slave trade has been confronted quite aggressively for years by Blacks themselves in all walks of life repeatedly, as well as in docu-dramas such as "Roots".
Disingenuously asserting "Africa's contemporary history may have been different if its rulers and traders demanded capital goods for use in building the economy rather than trinkets and booze" glaringly trivializes and minimizes outrageously immoral behavior by American slave owners. … Slave owners who shamelessly claimed to be "Christians". -- While using and abusing human chattel. Even raped their "property". But then again, it was "theirs" to do as they pleased, right, sir?
Sadly, you glaringly fail to address in your article the culpability of greedy self-serving American "nobility" that had the means to own human chattel. Of course, the "haves" are entitled to whatever they've acquired, no? Whether or not effectively "stolen". Right? … After all, they're no more than just rewards of unfettered capitalism, where the object is to line one's pockets any way one can. -- "Legally", morally, or otherwise. While capitalism is indeed the best system to live under for the greatest number of people, it is extremely cruel to those on the bottom. … Not important to those with wealth. -- No more than a "right" of the privileged, no?
The ends justify the means, don't they? Then again, only the unwashed masses are subject to personal responsibility, right? Think those "capital goods" you so highly cherish were well-used by Enron executives, other businesses that have miserably failed, and most pointedly by government itself? Such as military procurement of $30,000 toilets and $5,000 toilet seats for example? Or $2000 ladders so a pilot can climb into an F-16? -- When perfectly suitable ladders can be bought for some forty bucks at Home Depot? Then again, not the American way, no?
Interestingly, it is usually the middle-aged white Anglo Saxon male that is so threatened by minorities and sharing the wealth. While reparations to descendants of slaves indeed go too far, affirmative action is not discrimination against whites. It is no more than leveling the playing field, and partially returning to those victimized by ongoing bigotry, a little of what was taken. Then again, the Right cannot seem to understand or accept the obvious. They're too damned busy greedily lining their pockets.
The Fascist Right has persistently claimed affirmative action to be no more than imposed quotas. --Quotas supposedly mandating employment of unqualified applicants. Nonsense. Utter nonsense and distortion of reality. Affirmative action properly gives preference to minorities ONLY when the minority candidate is equally or better qualified than a white applicant. Should he or she not be, the employer has glaringly misapplied affirmative action. Instead of summarily dumping affirmative action, correct the abuses. … And they CAN be corrected.
Dumping the program would only ensure continuation of bigotry. … Despite claims to the opposite by the Fascist Right. Claims by closet bigots that affirmative action is an insult to the talents and abilities of minorities are false, disingenuous, and self-serving. Bigots are concerned only with maintaining their own privileged status. -- Certainly not about advancement of Blacks and other minorities, including women.
Whites have traditionally enjoyed privileged status for years. Now, when the tables have minimally turned, some terribly insecure middle-aged white males are pitifully whining like stuck pigs. Tough. Too bad. Minorities and women are up and coming. Get used to it.
To imply the death of some 600,000 Americans during the Civil War is somehow sufficient reparation to the descendants of slaves (if reparations are indeed necessary) betrays a lack of understanding of why the war was fought. It was not about slavery. It was about states' rights and Southern dissatisfaction with how the federal government was treating Southerners.
Tim Chorney
As strongly asserted in the last 41 editions, gut-wrenching fear generated by the Narcotics Enforcement Team is quite impressive. After all, these Nazi stormtroopers not only outrageously intimidate defendants and their gutless attorneys, but even innocent third parties who have suffered at their corrupt and abusive hands.
Recently, a source came forward with allegations regarding the death of a loved one under exceptionally curious circumstances. Sadly, the survivor got cold feet.
Most pointedly and quite publicly, how in hell do you expect these abuses to end if you don't have the guts to stand up and expose them to the light of day?
Every time a source cowardly runs the other way, the corrupt and abusive sons of bitches win. Every g-ddamned time. Worse yet, another nail is driven into the coffin of liberty.
If you don't have the courage to stand up and do the right thing, why should this writer continue to place himself in physical and legal jeopardy trying to expose the outrageous corruption and abuse?
Tim Chorney, Publisher
The Llano Ledger
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