The Llano Ledger

Newsletter Text V152        ©2002, 2001, 2000, 1999  All Rights Reserved
May 27, 2002
 
 

Welcome To The New Llano Ledger Website.

A Heartfelt Thanks To All For Having Followed This Publication From Maxpages To Stormpages And Finally Now, To This New Commercial Site.  Kindly Be Patient As Llanoledger.Com Is Created And This Fledgling Webmaster Not-So-Humbly Climbs The Learning Curve. ... Hopefully, Quickly.



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Index:

Memorial Day
Bush Changes Tone
"Administration" Shallowness
Iraq
Cuban Embargo
"Slick Dick" Cheney
Sixth Amendment Right To Counsel
Mistakes In Indictments
Welfare Caseload Drop
First Lady Laura Bush
Union Bashing
Farm Bill Benefits Wealthy
"Justice"
What's Wrong With This Picture?
U.S. District "Judge" D. Brooks Smith
Court Transcripts
Fraudulent Deletion Of Ledger Websites
Klee's Kaleidoscope
An Honest Business
Unbridled Fear
 



Memorial Day

This spring marks the 60th anniversary of one of the most horrific atrocities of the Second World War.  The Bataan Death March.  Although no one knows exactly, it is estimated as many as 10,000 Americans and Filipinos died on a forced 55-mile march in horrendous heat.  Many bayoneted, shot, or beheaded by their Japanese captors.  Killed when they couldn't keep up or had fallen exhausted, sick and without food and water.  Unspeakable, indescribable horror that cannot be put into words.

When you bite into that hot dog and crack open a beer this Memorial weekend, never forget what this day is truly about.  What so many paid the ultimate price for.  It isn't about food and drink.  Not about a day at the beach or lake.  Not about Indy or a cook-out in the backyard.  It is about the many who died protecting this country and what it stands for.  Liberty guaranteed by constitutional rights.

Values we have clearly forgotten.  No longer care about.  Precisely why a "President" appointed by the U.S. Supreme Court has been allowed to eviscerate the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments through enactment of the "Patriot" Act, unconstitutional Executive Orders, and the illegal imprisonment of hundreds of "detainees" on no charges for months.  Prosecution of war is no justification for suspension or bastardization of the Constitution.  The "Chief Executive" and Congress, having in effect done so since 9/11, have given terrorists the victory they so desperately sought and could not have won on the battlefield.

In a brazenly outrageous act of obscenity at an icon of freedom, the "President" of the United States allowed emplacement of facial-recognition hardware at the Statue of Liberty this holiday weekend.  In direct violation of the Fourth Amendment right to privacy.  Of course, fascists do not recognize that most precious right.  Nor do they recognize any other constitutional right.  Political expediency and their Nazi agenda take precedence.

Hypocritically, they've pointed to Orwellian principles in criticism of the former Soviet Union.  Communists, however, never had the wherewithal to develop and implement such technological innovation.  ... They weren't even capable of feeding their people.

A fascist oligarchy, however, based on a pernicious blend of big business, religion, and government has the capability of doing so, -- especially when religion is bastardized and perverted to justify it.  Precisely what is happening in this country while the people remain sound asleep.

Mr. Bush has disgraced himself and outrageously violated his oath of office.  The silence of the public is deafening, certainly not golden, and indicative of a glaringly aggressively stupid citizenry concerned only with its selfish interests.  The "President" and his equally fascist henchmen have dishonored the memory of those lost in so many wars.  What has happened since 9/11 is truly frightening and demonstrative of just how much this country has deteriorated.

Sadly, far worse in fact than the tragic loss of all those people.  With dire ramifications and consequences for freedom and this once formerly great nation.  Yet, the public remains peacefully asleep and oblivious to the hijacking of liberty by the jackass occupying the White House and his cronies.  Heartrendingly sad and pitiful.  The Founders must be spinning in their graves.



Bush Changes Tone

Fearing loss of fall congressional elections, the jackass occupying the White House recently pulled off the gloves and is growing increasingly partisan in attacks against Democrats.  The formerly "kinder and gentler" George understands the significance of November festivities.  Without the Senate, Mr. Bush cannot ram his entire fascist agenda into law.  Consequently, Senate Majority Leader Thomas A. Daschle (D-S.D.) has to go.  Republicans are desperate to retake the Senate and increase their majority in the House.  … Only way to successfully impose the entire Bush first term agenda.

The GOP has conveniently wrapped itself in the Flag.  -- "Vice President" "Slick Dick" Cheney going so far to imply anyone questioning "Administration" war policy unpatriotic and giving aid to the enemy.  … Where have we heard this before?  … Hey, Dick?   Wake up, you jackass.  Indeed, it IS pristinely patriotic to question self-serving, corrupt, and abusive government.  -- Outrageously inept bureaucrats, continuously lying to the public.  Interested only in covering their ass and maintaining a stranglehold on power.  Precisely why there is a First Amendment.

It is, however, egregiously unpatriotic to eviscerate the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments through glaringly unconstitutional measures including the "Patriot" Act, Executive Orders, and unlawful imprisonment of "detainees" for months on no charges.  You and the "President" have violated your oaths of office and should resign in disgrace.

The "Administration" repeatedly insisted it does not govern on the basis of polls.  Yet, Ole' George "The Tush" and his henchmen spent nearly $1 million on pollsters last year.  Interesting, no?  While hypocritically criticizing his predecessor for "renting" the Lincoln bedroom to donors, Mr. Bush sells 9/11 photos to raise funds and offers contributors "high level" briefings for money.

Die-hard fascists in the GOP are not happy campers.  -- Strongly criticize and deplore his flip-flops on a series of campaign promises such as signing campaign finance overhaul legislation, federalization of airport screeners, imposition of steel industry trade barriers, and signing of legislation increasing subsidies to farmers.

… Working definition of fascism for new readers? 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.

Democrats are no more enthused, accusing "The Tush" of violating promises to protect Social Security, increase higher education grants, expand spending on fuel assistance to the poor, and properly bury nuclear waste based on scientific principles rather than political expediency.   Be interesting to see public reaction as the gloves come off and the jackass occupying the White House is increasingly challenged by partisans of both parties.

Criticism is also coming from unexpected quarters.  Usually a former secretary of state never attacks a sitting administration.  Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, however, opened fire, all guns blazing, May 19 at a Tufts commencement speech.  Accusing the "Administration" of contradictory messages, she declared: "They talk about the importance of the rule of law, but seem allergic to treaties designed to strengthen the rule of law in areas such as money-laundering, biological weapons, crimes against humanity, and the environment…This split personality is also evident in Afghanistan, where one day they are ridiculing nation-building and the next proposing a new Marshall Plan.  And in the Middle East, where the signals have varied day by day."

Exactly right, Ms. Albright.  Thanks for having the courage to pointedly say so.  The "President" has had an undeserved free ride since stealing the election.  Time for all sides to finally take a close look at the "Chief Executive's" performance and substance, -- or lack thereof.



"Administration" Shallowness

Confirming the "President's" profound lack of substance, Press Secretary Ari Fleischer admitted the recent series of terror alerts were designed by the "Administration" to mute criticism of Mr. Bush's failure to act prior to 9/11.  … A dangerous game to play, George.  Cry "wolf" one time too many and no one will listen when the threat is real, Mr. "President".

The "Chief Executive" continues to articulate (May 21) the company mantra:  "The al Qaeda still exists, they still hate America and any other country which loves freedom, and they want to hurt us. They're nothing but a bunch of cold-blooded killers."  The jackass occupying the White House still will not admit terrorism has nothing to do with hatred of freedom, and everything to do with American uneven-handedness in the Middle East.  Sadly, a fascist routinely offers oversimplistic analysis and solutions to enormously difficult problems.  Worse yet, thinks he truly understands what he knows absolutely nothing about.

Mr. Bush remains strongly opposed to an independent investigation of what he and his "Administration" knew and when they knew it whining:  "I have great confidence in our FBI and CIA."  -- Despite the extraordinary intelligence failure prior to 9/11.  Clearly, Mr. Bush is covering his ass and refusing to hold his henchmen accountable.  In the United States, "personal responsibility" is reserved for the unwashed masses, -- not corrupt, abusive, inept government officials.

A chink in the "President's" armor has apparently surfaced, however.  A high level FBI agent, Coleen Rowley, employed as general counsel in Minneapolis, sent a 13-page letter to an investigative Congressional committee, detailing severe bungling in the Moussaoui case, misrepresentation by FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III of bureau handling of that case, misrepresentation by Mueller that there was no information that would have predicted or thwarted the hijackings, etc..  Be interesting to see if anything comes of it.  Of course, the "President" has once again called for no independent investigation of any of the issues surrounding 9/11, and will not release the substance of an 8-6-01 briefing warning of the possibility of the hijacking of aircraft.  … Why, George?  Something to hide?  Covering your ass?  Taking care of the Good Old Boys and Gals?


Iraq

While the "President" attempts to whip up foreign support for an invasion of Iraq, military planners and senior military officers in the Pentagon have serious reservations.  -- Concerns that have not been passed on to civilian officials until recently.  Problems that prevented Daddy Bush from marching all the way to Baghdad during Desert Storm in 1991.  Their thinking is Saddam knows his life would be directly at stake this time around and would, unlike 1991, exercise no restraint regarding the use of chemical weapons against American troops.  Fighting in Baghdad would be fierce and house to house.  -- The most dangerous warfare.  Once victory is achieved, the American military would have to be an occupying force for years.  While military officials concede they can defeat Saddam, the question remains at what cost?


Cuban Embargo

In a calculated effort to secure the vote of anti-Castro Cuban-Americans, the "President" of the United States once again made his "stand" against lifting the embargo in a speech May 20.  Disingenuously, the jackass occupying the White House haughtily crowed:  "I want you to know what trade means with a tyrant. It means we will underwrite tyranny, and we cannot let that happen…And I also want you to know I will not allow our taxpayers' money to go to enrich the Castro regime…And I'm willing to use my veto.''

Is that right, George?  Using your convoluted "logic", how do you justify billions going to the last communist superpower, -- China?  Propping up the bastards screwing their people.  Costs you nothing to make the "stand" though, right, sir?  After all, extremely difficult to anger your cronies in big business since there is no Cuban trade.  Might as well secure the immigrant vote since there is no domestic price to be paid either, right, Mr. "President"?  The hell with the suffering of the Cuban people.  After all, they don't vote, right, sir?



"Slick Dick" Cheney

In a blatant attempt to maintain the highest level of secrecy since the disastrous Administration of Richard Nixon, "Vice President" "Slick Dick" Cheney insisted the August intelligence briefing warning of terrorists interested in hijacking aircraft not be given to Congress.  Also thinks there should be no independent investigation of what the "President" knew and when he knew it.  Convenient, no?

Ole' Dick went on to disingenuously crow: "Most of what we need to talk about here should not be talked about in open hearings." Indeed, Mr. "Vice President".  Wouldn't want the public to realize they've been scammed by the jackass occupying the White House and his cronies, right, sir?  Then again, not to worry, "Slick".  The people are too stupid to know any better.


Sixth Amendment Right To Counsel

In a 5-4 decision, a normally fascist U.S. Supreme Court ruled May 20 defendants have a constitutional right to legal counsel.  … Don't agree?  Read the Sixth Amendment:  "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence."

Four Nazis on the Court strongly disagree.  Amazing, isn't it?  Antonin Scalia, arguably the most fascist member of the Court, haughtily wrote:  "Today's imposition upon the states finds justification neither in the text of the Constitution, nor in the settled practices of our people, nor in the prior jurisprudence of this court."  This outrageous extremist apparently has never read the Sixth Amendment.
Alabama v. Shelton, 01-1214.



Mistakes In Indictments

In a 9-0 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court once again reaffirmed its deeply fascist nature, ruling Maryland prosecutors do not have to automatically retry a convict simply because of mistakes in an indictment.  Why not?  Why shouldn't it be extremely difficult for government to prosecute anyone? How else is prosecutorial abuse curbed and controlled?  Why shouldn't they be forced to get it right the first time?  -- Dot all the "i's", cross all the "t's"?  The Founders wrote the Bill of Rights precisely to ensure government wouldn't abuse its authority.  For over two hundred years the courts have done all they could to weaken and eviscerate constitutional rights.  … While the aggressively stupid people cheered them on.  Pitiful.
United States v. Cotton, 01-687.


Welfare Caseload Drop

Welfare experts are surprised the number of recipients dropped 57% since August 1996.  Why?  What did they expect?  Welfare and food stamps have been made so difficult to get, the needy won't bother.  Many are intimidated by the sheer volume of paperwork required.   Others can't read and/or won't stand in lines for hours to be treated like crap.   Consequently, those most deserving are not getting help they desperately need.

Republican fascists crow they've given the poor hope and incentive.  Unadulterated BS.  -- A minimum wage with no child and healthcare is the GOP's idea of prosperity for women with children.  … As they gleefully laugh their portly asses off all the way to the bank and get down on bended knee every Sunday thanking the Creator for THEIR good fortune.

-- Made off the backs of the people at the bottom of the system.  In fact, the only true philanthropists are precisely these very same people.  … People who work for a minimum wage or slightly above, with no healthcare.  … People  who are vilified by the "Religious" Right, arrogantly admonished to take "personal responsibility", and outrageously told to cross their legs and just say no to sex.

Defying gravity, money always trickles upward to the middle class and rich, courtesy of the looted poverty-stricken at the bottom of the food chain.  Precisely why the "haves" are "haves" and "have-nots" have nothing.  -- While Republicans and their shills in the "Religious" Right justify the true obscenity in life, -- limitless greed and avarice.

Despite a severe downturn in the economy over the last year, the number of people seeking assistance has not significantly increased.  -- Also lending credence to bureaucratic hoops being the greatest factor in the drop of welfare caseloads, not the supposedly booming economy and achievement of the American dream simply by return to work and a minimum wage.  Then again to the Republican fascist, day is night, night is day, and 'sh-t don't stink."  … Right, Mr. "President"?


First Lady Laura Bush

The First Lady apparently felt compelled to come to the defense of her husband regarding 9/11 and what the "President" knew and when he knew it declaring: "It's very important right now because of all these ongoing threats, because of the war on terror, that Americans work together, that both parties work together."  No, Mrs. Bush.  It's about time hard questions be asked regarding not only the Bush "Administration", but the egregious failure of the intelligence community as well.

Your husband has refused to assess responsibility and hold all offending parties accountable.  Worse yet, he strongly opposes any independent investigation of his actions or those of his equally fascist cronies.  Contrary to your claim Ole' George "will do every single thing he can in his power to protect the American people", what exactly did he do prior to 9/11?  -- Despite intelligence indicating bin Laden intended to imminently hijack aircraft and fly them into buildings as warned in intelligence analysis two years prior to the catastrophe?

Strangely, had Mrs. Clinton made similar remarks during the Clinton Administration, she would have been soundly skewered.  Yet, the aggressively stupid public remains glaringly silent when the current First Lady puts her nose into something that is none of her business.  After all, like the former First Lady in the Clinton Administration, she is currently not an elected official.  Interestingly, Mrs. Bush has a history of not taking personal responsibility.  As reported in an earlier edition, she ran a stop sign some 40 years ago, killing a fellow student in another vehicle.  Receiving no ticket for the stop sign violation, she also was never charged in the death.  To date, has refused to discuss the issue or be held accountable.


Union Bashing

Once again, government has put its nose precisely where it doesn't belong.  The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has directed the National Education Association to cease violating religious rights of members disagreeing with NEA's political causes.  Apparently, some teachers embracing "Religious" Right principles are unhappy with where their dues are being spent.  Tough, isn't it?  Why not consider quitting the profession and the union?

After all, this is the stock answer offered by shills and apologists for Corporate America who strongly assert if you don't like a company's policies, quit and move on.  The same standard holds for union membership.  … Or should.  The Fascist Right, however, wants it both ways.  While strongly supporting the right of Big Business to shamelessly screw employees any way it pleases, they strongly oppose any union that asserts itself and employee rights.  -- Or supports any cause strongly opposed by the "Religious" Right, such as abortion, gay rights, anything interfering with absolute and unquestioned parental rights, etc..

Fascists conveniently forget if it were not for past union activity over the last hundred years, the average wage would be $1/hr. and a loaf of bread would cost ten bucks.  Also conveniently ignore the fact wages of non-union workers would be nowhere near the level they are had it not been for decades of union activity in the workplace.  Certainly don't understand unions have been the last bastion of relief from greedy, oppressive companies and unfair labor practices.  Then again, the aggressively stupid public has no ability to see or comprehend anything beyond the figurative tip of its nose.  -- Especially here in Texas, a "right to work" state.



Farm Bill Benefits Wealthy

In follow-up to last week's coverage of the $248.6 billion farm subsidy bill signed by the "President", it is now clear why the jackass occupying the White House reversed course, violated campaign promises, and hypocritically supported this outrageous example of pork.  As strongly asserted by Heritage Foundation President Edwin J. Feulner: "Why should multimillionaire hobby farmers and large, well-heeled corporations get lavish federal handouts while most family farms get nothing but a tax bill?   It's because the playing field is tilted: The top 10 percent of farm-subsidy recipients collect two-thirds of the money, and the bottom 80 percent get just one-sixth. In fact, by design, subsidies go to the biggest, most profitable farms."

Certainly, the Republican way.  The "President" is clearly ahead of some of his GOP cronies who don't yet understand how supportive of big business and the rich the farm subsidies have become.  … Do all you can for the wealthy and stick it to those on the bottom of the food chain, right, George?  Examples of who gets what?

$352,187-David Rockefeller, Chase Manhattan Bank

$188,732- DuPont

$260,223-Chevron

$171,698-Caterpillar

$211,368- John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co.

$176,077-Ted Turner, Time-Warner

$131,575- Scottie Pippen, NBA player

$268,740- Westvaco Corp.

Wake up readers.  The jackass occupying the White House and his fascist Republican friends are the party of the rich and big business.  Precisely why the "President" conveniently ignored a campaign promise to curb farm subsidies.


"Justice"

Remember the case of ex-New York police officer Joseph Gray reported in this publication last year?  This sad excuse for a law enforcement officer killed four Herrera family members driving while intoxicated after a day of drinking in a parking lot and later at a topless club.  The son of a bitch "murdered" four innocent people, yet only received 5-15 years, and will be eligible for parole in five.  Nothing quite like American "justice", no?


What's Wrong With This Picture?

While hundreds of "detainees" are unconstitutionally held here and in Guantanamo Bay by the jackass occupying the White House and the fascist heading the "Justice" Department, hundreds of Taliban and al Qaeda fighters held in Afghanistan are being released.  … Already they've promised to fight another day, doing their "duty" to kill as many Americans as possible and other infidels.  Interesting, isn't it?



U.S. District "Judge" D. Brooks Smith

Another fascist Bush judicial nominee has made it out of committee. U.S. District Judge D. Brooks Smith will be considered by the entire Senate for an appeals court position.  This sad excuse for a "jurist" has no interest or regard for constitutional rights.  Apparently, cares little for the needs of battered women, coming out strongly against the Violence Against Women Act.  Mr. Smith delayed recusing himself from a case involving a banking institution where his wife was an officer.  He's also accepted junkets paid for by groups promoting relaxed environmental regulations.  Yet, this is exactly the type of "judge" the "President" wants on the bench.  Sieg Heil.


Court Transcripts

Why do court transcripts cost thousands of dollars?  Trials are public and court-related documents should be subject to Public Information laws.  The Andrea Yates transcript cost is estimated at $40,000 to $60,000.  Her attorneys need a copy to proceed with an appeal.  Why aren't courts restricted to charging no more than ten cents per page as imposed on other government agencies?  How about even less, -- like the true cost, half a penny? Even less on CD ROM.  Her attorneys will be back in court to have her declared indigent.

Closer to home, Llano County jail-rape victim Tina Wisdom wanted a copy of her civil suit transcript against Llano County, Sheriff Nathan Garrett and others.  Outrageously, she was denied, not having the funds to pay for public documents that were truly hers.  … Another clear-cut example of kangaroo justice and a worthless judiciary.

Had this publication access to the transcript, it would have been posted in its entirety.  It proves a rape had indeed occurred in the jail and provides glaring evidence of the liability of County and jail officials.  Although the jury indeed found a rape had occurred in the facility, no cash damages were awarded due to sovereign immunity statutes that coddle and protect the bastards responsible.



Fraudulent Deletion Of Ledger Websites

As promised, the letter of complaint sent to Burnet County Judge Martin McLean, regarding fraudulent Ledger Maxpages and Stormpages site deletions originating from the Burnet County Library System and resulting in the ejection of this writer from library computers, has finally been posted.  Readers are reminded this is not the end of the matter.  Just the beginning.  For ongoing coverage of the criminal attacks as well as the letter to the Judge sent in response, click here.



Klee's Kaleidoscope

Be sure to click on Klee's Kaleidoscope for Harvey Klee's latest edition.  This publication is a forum for a diversity of viewpoints. All are encouraged to submit material.



An Honest Business

A rare commodity, honest businesses need a plug.  Although this publication receives no financial remuneration or funding of any kind from Mike's Transmission, this writer has personally known the owner of this new business quite some time and has enormous respect for his integrity.  Mike has had years of experience working on transmissions, -- foreign and domestic, standard and automatic.  This guy has heart and takes enormous pride in his work.  Give him a call at 915-423-1694.  The business is in the process of being launched.  If you like the quality of service, let me know.  Better yet, ask him to send a donation to the Ledger.



Unbridled Fear

As strongly asserted in the last 56 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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