Tuesday 5 June News Articles and Observations

Here are some news articles that caught my attention and some brief personal observations about them.


A. The Stagnant Sleepy American Economy of the Bush Years

These economic facts and statistics come as no surprise to anyone. The only ones who have seen any kind of improvement in their standard of living are corporate officials, directors, and management as well as their government hacks and muscle. Everyone else has taken it on the chin and seen a large hole grow in their wallets thanks to the disgraceful one-sided economic policies of the Bush Junta.


http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/contributors/1059


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B. Rising Food Prices Becoming More Evident


This development is a long-coming consequence of the dramatic massive fuel prices that have occurred over the last 39 months. For example, Regular gasoline in the Front Range Region has gone from under $1.30 per gallon to $3.25 per gallon on average, an increase of 150 %. Growers, Suppliers, Processors, Manufacturers, Distributors, Venders, and Retailers can only absorb painful costs that increase that enormously for only so long before they have to start passing it on to the consumers. So more macaroni & cheese, soup, and other inexpensive staples are in all our diets more so from now on.


http://www.startribune.com/745/story/1220329.html


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C. And Why are Food Price Increases Hitting So Many So Hard ?


The disgraceful greed, arrogance, and pure selfishness of corporate officials, directors, and management in gouging citizens for their own wealth and gluttony at the expense of the health and welfare of the American citizenry is so out of control and enraging that nothing short of an electoral revolution like we saw in 1932 is of paramount importance before this nation's democracy, freedom, and liberty are lost to these Un-Christian cretins and evil disciples of Satan.


http://www.thenation.com/doc/20070611/ehrenreich


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D. The Cowardice and Loss of Heart and Soul by Congressional Democrats


A sad and sorry indictment of what is supposed to be the alternative to what we are enduring and trying to tolerate now.


http://counterpunch.org/rosenthal06042007.html


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E. Why the Anti-War Movement has Failed Thus Far


Unfortunately, the citizenry protesting the war are largely voices in the wilderness and have marginalized by mainstream corporate media. Virtually no acknowledgement of these concerned thoughtful individual citizens has been made at all. Why ? Because this war is being fought by military volunteers and mercenaries, not draftees.





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G. The Endless 2008 Election Campaign


We still have 17 months of saturation media coverage of this campaign, so expect vast numbers of people to tune out and drop out, which only serves to further enrich and assist the corporacy in maintaining the status quo to the detriment of the citizenry.


http://kunstler.com/mags_diary21.html


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H. More on GOP Presidential Candidate Ron Paul


The more one reads and learns about this man, his ideas, and policy proposals, the more like he sounds as if he is the best Republican choice for the office he is campaigning for.


http://counterpunch.org/cockburn06022007.html


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I. Bill Moyers on Amok Corporate Bribery of Government


This distinguished thoughtful journalist always is able to define root problems and their causes and effects in and on our society and nation, and the problems he discusses here should be of grave and serious concern to all Americans.


http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/blog/


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J. Recommended Book to Peruse


http://www.buzzflash.com/store/items/641


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K. Poverty: A Growing Widespread Problem Nationally


Public Policy on every level must be directed towards minimizing and then eliminating this chronic social disease for which it is ridiculous to exist in this nation with all the wealth and assets that are evident and not being shared by the corporacy and the wealthy elite.


http://www.suntimes.com/news/jackson/413809,CST-EDT-jesse05.article


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L. The Middle East: 40 Years of Israel's Decisive Victory in the Six Day War


The author makes some important historical conclusions which are very reasonable and logical.
I believe the strife, instablility, and violence in this region which has been going on for decades now will continue for many more decades to come in spite of efforts by well-intentioned people everywhere.


http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/martin_woollacott/2007/06/the_price_of_victory.html


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M. Greenland Ice Melt Occurring Much Faster


This news bodes quite ill for all of us, particularly those living near coastal areas and at elevations under 10' feet above sea level. The impacts of this icecap melt could be seen noticeably within a decade at this rate. Imagine the costs, sacrifices, and hysteria that will be coming (realistically, no one probably can).


http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/06/02/MNG4VQ6A0B1.DTL&type=printable


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N. Vast Army Territorial Expansion on Tap for Arizona


Like what is already underway in Southeastern Colorado, vast amounts of largely unused land except for livestock grazing will be taken by the US Army for training and weapons testing. It is inevitable that this taking will occur despite protests and various legal actions in Arizona like anywhere else it is happening. The military will get their way and people will lose their homes, land, and heritage.


http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0605army0605.html


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O. Major Medical Technological Advance on the Near Horizon


One of the greatest things to look forward to in the 21st Century will be in the areas of medical advancements. Eliminating blindness is a significant step of progress, and I have to think that even I might be part of this exciting new idea, as my own vision is already deteriorating in tiny noticeable ways and I may be nearly blind in a literal sense within 20-25 years without advances in medical science for me and others to be able to take advantage of.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/technology/technology.html?in_article_id=460052&in_page_id=1965


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WY US Senator Craig Thomas, 1933-2007

Wyoming United States Senator Craig Thomas, a three-term conservative Republican who stayed clear of attention in Washington and largely worked hard behind the scenes for his constituents, died on Monday, June 4, 2007. He was 74.

A statement was issued stating he died Monday evening at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. He had been receiving chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia since early November 2006.

On the eve of the 2006 general national election, Thomas was hospitalized with pneumonia and had to cancel his last campaign stops in Wyoming. He was re-elected to a third term easily, but on November 9, two days after the election, Thomas surprisingly announced that he had just been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia but was determined to continue serving his Wyoming constituency in the Senate.

Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal, a Democrat, will appoint a successor from one of three finalists chosen by Republican state legislators. Thomas's successor will serve through December of 2008. The Senate seat will be up for election in November 2008 and again in November 2012. Wyoming's other Senator, Michael Enzi, will also be up for election in November 2008, meaning voters in the Equality State will be choosing both Senators in one election as was done recently in California in the 1990s.

After his first round of chemotherapy, Thomas made an earlier than anticipated return to work in the Senate in December 2006. By March 2007, he said he felt better than he had in a long time. Thomas initiated legislation to protect the sensitive Wyoming Range along the western part of the state to be protected from further oil and gas drilling. However, he returned to the hospital for a second round of chemotherapy in mid-May 2007. He remained optimistic about his medical outlook but was realistic about how it was effecting his day to day life and his future.

Thomas entered the US Congress in a special election in 1989 to replace Congressman Richard Cheney when the future vice president was appointed Secretary of Defense by the President George Bush the Elder. Thomas was re-elected to the US House of Representatives in 1990 and 1992. In 1994, Thomas was elected to a first full term of office in the US Senate after incumbent Alan Simpson opted to retire. Thomas was re-elected for a second full term in the Senate in 2000.

Thomas had previously served five years in the Wyoming Legislature. He was born in Cody, Wyoming, east of Yellowstone National Park in northwest Wyoming, and was raised on a working cattle ranch. He graduated from the University of Wyoming in Laramie with a bachelors degree in agriculture, then served four years in the United States Marines, rising to the Officers' Corps. He later served as vice president of the Wyoming Farm Bureau and general manager of the Wyoming Rural Electric Association prior to his entry into the Wyoming state legislature in 1984.

Craig Thomas is the fourth United States Senator from Wyoming to die while in office. The other thre were Francis E. Warren in 1929, John B. Kendrick in 1933, and Lester Hunt in 1954.


http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=t000162


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Thomas_(politician)


Freudenthal will choose a Republican to fill the seat from a list of three nominees submitted by the Republican-led state legislature, with Representative Cubin, former Senator Simpson, and perhaps recent former Governor Gehringer as the leading possibilities. It will be interesting to see who will else will under consideration. Maybe Dick Cheney will resign the Vice-Presidency and take the appointment for this lower profile, less stressful, and more rewarding political office. (Would not that be great and one of the biggest stunners in American History ! )




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The Fallacy of George Will and Conservatism

This article thoroughly explains why Conservatism is a doomed and failed philosophy as the guiding and steering mechanism for setting public policy for American citizens.


http://www.rockridgenation.org/blog/archive/2007/06/01/george-will-conservative-fairy-tale

My 2007 MLB All-Star Ballot

The midsummer tradition, the MLB All-Star Game, is now less than six weeks away. Voting is ongoing and is being sponsored by monster.com as the game is being played in San Francisco on Tuesday, 10 July, with first pitch around 6:25pm and the broadcast on FOX television and ESPN radio. I have been fortunate to have watched 36 of the last 38 All-Star games broadcast since 1969.

Here is my ballot:

American League

C: Victor Martinez, CLE; with Ivan Rodriguez, DET; Joe Mauer, MINN; Jason Veritek, BSN; & Jorge Posada, NY; as backup competitors: Go with Rodriguez, Veritek, & Posada.

1B: Justin Moreau, MINN; with Kevin Youkilis, BSN, Carlos Pena, TB; Travis Haffner, CLE; Jim Thome, CHI; & David Ortiz, BSN; as backup competitors; go with Ortiz, Youkilis, Ortiz, & Haffner.

2B: Placido Polanco, DET; with BJ Upton, TB; Brian Roberts, BLT; & Luis Castillo, MINN; as backup competitors; go with Upton & Roberts.

SS: Derek Jeter, NY; with Orlando Cabrera, ANAH; Carlos Guillen, DET; Johnny Peralta, CLE; & Miguel Tejada, BLT; as backup competitors; go with Cabrera & Peralta.

3B: Alex Rodriguez, NY; with Akinori Iwamura, TB; Adrian Beltre, SEA; Mike Lowell, BSN; & Troy Glaus, TOR; as backup competitors; go with Lowell & Beltre.

LF: Carl Crawford, TB; with Manny Ramirez, BSN; Craig Monroe, DET; & Shannon Stewart, OAK; as backup competitors; go with Monroe & Ramirez.

CF: Ichiro Suzuki, SEA; with Torii Hunter, MINN; Curtis Granderson, DET; Grady Sizemore, CLE; & Gary Matthews, Jr, ANAH; as backup competitors; go with Granderson, Sizemore, & Hunter.

RF: Vladimir Guerrero, ANAH; with Magglio Ordonez, DET; Alex Rios, TOR; Michael Cuddyer, MINN; & Mark Teahen, KC; as backup competitors; go with Ordonez, Rios, & Cuddyer.


National League

C: Paul LoDuca, NY: with Bengie Molina, SF; Johnny Estrada, MLW; Brian McCann, ATL; & Russell Martin, LA; as backup competitors; go with Estrada, Martin, & Molina.

1B: Prince Fielder, MLW; with Adrian Gonzalez, SD; Todd Helton, COLO; Derrek Lee, CHI; & Dmitri Young, WASH; as backup competitors; go with Gonzalez & Lee.

2B: Chase Utley, PHIL; with Orlando Hudson, ARIZ; Brandon Phillips, CINC; Dan Uggla, FLA; & Kelly Johnson, ATL; as backup competitors; go with Hudson & Uggla.

SS: Edgar Renteria, ATL; with JJ Hardy, MLW; Jose Reyes, NY; Hanley Ramirez, FLA; Troy Tulowitzki, COLO; Omar Vizquel, SF; & Jimmy Rollins, PHIL; as backup competitors; go with Reyes, Vizquel, & Hardy.

3B: Miguel Cabrera, FLA; with Chipper Jones, ATL; Aramis Ramirez, CHI; David Wright, NY; & Ryan Zimmerman, WASH; as backup competitors; go with Ramirez & Jones.

LF: Matt Holliday, COLO; with Carlos Lee, HTN; Jason Bay, Pgh; Geoff Jenkins, MLW; Eric Byrnes, ARIZ; & Barry Bonds, SF; as backup competitors; go with Bay, Jenkins, Bonds, & Byrnes.

CF: Carlos Beltran, NY; with Aaron Rowand, PHIL; Chris Young, ARIZ; & Ryan Church, WASH; as backup competitors; go with Rowand & Church.

RF: Ken Griffey, Jr, CINC; with Jeff Francoeur, ATL; Randy Winn, SF; & Xavier Nady, PGH; as backup competitors; go with Francouer & Winn.


I will list my selections for pitchers later in June, as well as any substitutes in the starting eight required due to injury or deep slumps or giant positive streaks.

Jim Williams, 1915-2007

It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of legendary Colorado State University Head Basketball Coach Jim Williams. I first started following WAC basketball almost 35 years ago and appreciated the hard work and complete preparedness that the Rams teams coached by Williams exhibited whenever I got to see them play. Most of all, sportsmanship and good fundamental play were the hallmarks of his teams. I certainly hope officials at CSU see fit to name the court at Moby Arena in Fort Collins as Jim Williams Court as New Mexico has similarly done in naming the court "Bob King Court at University Arena" at the Albuquerque college.


http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/ncaa/article/0,2777,DRMN_23932_5565146,00.html

Friday 1 June News Articles and Observations

Welcome to June. Here are some news articles that caught my attention today and some brief reactions to them.


A. Expansion Possibilities for the National Park Service ?

Widespread expansion and growth of National Parks is long overdue. Little acreage has been added in the last quarter century plus. In the Mountain Time Zone alone, 12-15 new National Parks could be added with nearly that number or more for each other time zone. I would first, however, like to see a substantial increase in funding for the existing national parks, monuments, forests, grasslands, seashores, historical sites, and other national properties so they may be in superb condition with excellent maintenance, upkeep, staffing, and visitor and user services. I would think an increase of $35 to 60 billion dollars a year would be great for this agenda. Once again though, I would firmly believe no action on any of this will occur until after the '08 elections occur and we have more intelligent, progressive, and thoughtful leadership and policy making in both the Executive and Legislative branches.


http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_6035209


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B. The Future of Mankind by Mid-Century


I would not be surprised if the great-grand children of my siblings come into life as a result of this. I am certain the practice of women carrying a fetus in utero will end on a large scale by 2075 or so as technology will allow for artificial wombs which will result in healthier, stronger, and better babies being born.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/femail/article.html?in_article_id=459075&in_page_id=1879


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C. Accurate, Concise View of Bush Destruction of the Republican Party


There are a vast number of Republicans seriously unhappy and angry with Bush and his policy team, and this does not bode well for the GOP across the board in the '08 elections.


http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pnoonan/


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D. The Greed, Arrogance, and Cost of the American Ruling Class

This article is very much an eye-opener and so very true. Corporations and the wealthy elite work very hard every day to the detriment of middle class and poor Americans all for their own greed, selfishness, and evil.


http://www.projo.com/opinion/contributors/content/CT_kirby1_06-01-07_935PDFG.1c2eb61.html


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E. Insight on the Recent History of the Growth of the Corporacy


Excellent article about a recent writing that helps explain these highly detrimental economic, political, and social developments.


http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/06/01/1594/


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F. Bush Junta Out to Wipe Out Owls in Pacific Northwest

Not a surprising development as we all know what fiends and fools these boobs are.


http://www.oregonlive.com/commentary/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/editorial/118048476135780.xml&coll=7


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G. No Child Left Behind Law Consequences


It is so very simple; repeal this law as it has had terrible and wasteful effects on public education. Get the Feds out of public education -- let it be under local control with even funding completely from state sources. NCLB has been an unmitigated disaster for students, parents, and teachers everywhere.


http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/31/1558/


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H. Well Explained and Analyzed Recent History

The author hits the nail on the head clearly, succinctly, and powerfully.


http://existentialistcowboy.blogspot.com/2007/05/good-bye-america-how-gop-subverted.html


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I. The Democrats in Congress: Soulless, Heartless, Mindless, and Hopeless


What a fine set of choices we have to look forward to in '08 as of today.


http://www.progressivedailybeacon.com/more.php?page=opinion&id=1561


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J. John Edwards' Energy Plan for America


Some of it sounds good, but increasing ethanol is a double-edged sword as it causes noteworthy increases in food prices and contributes substantially to air pollution and smog. I would strongly recommend investments and tax incentives for coal-dieselfication plants to convert coal to diesel fuel which would result in a reduction on foriegn oil and be a cleaner burning fuel as well. As for launching an investigation into oil corporations and their quite evident price gouging, it would be nice, but the real answer is to set market share limitations in every state of no more than 5 % for any and all oil corporations and their subsidiaries; producers; distributors; and retailers. This sector of the economy must see an enormous substantial increase in meaningful competion so as consumers and small entrepenuers can see and experience noticeable benefits.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070601/ap_on_el_pr/edwards_gas_prices;_ylt=Arjn3JJZBytWaN16eKz2jvzMWM0F


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K. 122 American Soldiers Die in Iraq in May 2007


The saddest and most frustrating thing though is that one can expect greater numbers of casualties in the coming months, with perhaps 200-300 or more lives lost in a one-month period alone soon.


http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/060107J.shtml


L. Bush Hatred towards Working Americans Amazing and Pathetic


Thank Goodness we now have less than 600 days left of this woeful, awful, inept, greedy, arrogant, wasteful, foolish junta that is clearly out to destroy the American worker.


http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Unions-Veto-Threats.html?_r=1&oref=slogin


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M. The Cold Hard Truth About the Iraq War


This scenario written about here is probably correct unfortunately. There will remain a lot of very long term consequences for our actions in Iraq, and future presidents may not get us out of Iraq and the Middle East completely from a military standpoint for many, many years.


http://welcome-to-pottersville.blogspot.com/2007/05/iraq-50-years-war.html


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N. Bush Becoming a Serious Out of Control Nutcase !?!

It would not be the first time an American President went insane while in office. Previous Presidents who exhibited and demonstrated signs and behaviors indicative of insanity include Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, Franklin Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, Calvin Coolidge, Warren Harding, Woodrow Wilson, William Taft, Benjamin Harrison, Ulysses Grant, and Abraham Lincoln.


http://www.capitolhillblue.com/cont/node/2618


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O. Barack Obama Campaign Gathering Major Grassroots Youthful Support


Parallels are starting to be made between this campaign and the JFK 1960, RFK and Eugene McCarthy 1968, George McGovern 1972, and Ross Perot 1992 campaigns.


http://www.capitolhillblue.com/cont/node/2617



P. Four States so Far Reject Sorry Real ID Federal Legislation


This sorry unconstitutional piece of legislation passed by a gutless Congress being intimidated by a berserk President and his inner circle of miscreants is being rejected completely by four states so far and hopefully by many more states in the next few years.


http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=212719


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Q. I Think We can All See the Future Headlines That are Coming


Once this news gets out and the stupid, naive, impressionable, desparate, and gullible men catch wind of it, one can only imagine the crazy and amazing things that are going to happen and what we will hear and read about. Comedians such as Jay Leno are going to have a lot more fodder.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18984762/wid/11915773?GT1=10109


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Nadar Dead-on about the Heart of all Mankind's Problems

As usual, Ralph Nadar clearly understands and identifies the root of all problems in our society today: the massive ever-growing corporation and the extent and domination of its tentacles in everyday life. Until this deadly beast is contained, controlled, and reduced in size, scope, and influence, the quality of life for everyone will continue to noticeably diminish.


http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/30/1518/


http://www.tamethecorporation.org/

MLB Reaches the First Quarter Pole

Traditionally, Memorial Day marks the completion of the first one-quarter of the baseball season, although nowadays most teams are past the 30 % mark having played 48-50 games.

So far there have been quite a few surprises as there is a greater parity now than perhaps ever before. There are no really bad teams and overall most teams are .070 either side of .500 with the exception of the Redsox so far.

In the AL, four teams are already positioning themselves for a postseason appearance. In the East, the Redsox have played superbly and opened a double-digit lead over all their division rivals, including the surprisingly disappointing Yankees. The Yankees pitching has been crushed by injuries and underacheivement, and their bats and defense has also underperformed. To be 13 1/2 games back at this point is shocking and unimaginable for New York. Toronto has been hit hard by injuries as well, while Baltimore is showing improvement and young Tampa Bay is taking strides forward.

Over in AL Central, a big dogfight is underway between the Tigers and Indians. Both teams have excellent lineups and pitching staffs and the close race between these two should continue for the remainder of the season. The Whitesox are a step back in every way, while the Twins have endured some tough injuries that has pushed them back out of the race a little more than what was projected. The Royals are vastly improved, but still quite a ways behind the other four clubs and that will continue this season.

Out in the AL West, after a slow start, the Angels have put it together and opened a comfortable lead over the Mariners and A's. Seattle is playing better than projected while the A's have been decimated by injuries and just hope to stay near .500 until they get healthy. Surprisingly, Texas is the worst team in the league and looks to be a cellar dweller for the entire season with their woeful pitching.

In the National League, there looks as if there will be good close races throughout the season in all three divisions. In the East, the Mets look to be the best team in the league so far with a good mix of strong hitting, good pitching, and nice defense. The Braves are a very good team and will stay in the race as will the Phillies, who are rebounding after a slow start. Florida is competitive but will not be a factor, and rebuilding Washington is already out of it.

In the Central, young Milwaukee got off to a good start and, despite some recent struggles, have a comfortable lead over the other five teams in the division. All five other teams have shortcomings and will struggle for the most part. Chicago has problems with pitching and offense, Pittsburgh is young with pitching issues, Houston has a lot of holes everywhere, St Louis is having a hangover from their title last season, and Cincinnati is not very talented for the most part.

Out in NL West, it looks much like the AL Central with four, maybe five teams, fighting it out throughout the season. The Dodgers have the best team on paper, but they have problems with their offense and their pitching is not as good as advertised. The Padres probably have the league's best pitching, but they have issues with their offense as well. Arizona is young and unproven and prone to inconsistency, while the Giants have gotten alot out of their pitching thus far which has helped make up for their offensive inadequacy. The Rockies have been inconsistent on offense and in their bullpen, but have shown signs of turning that around in the last week which may mean having them stay in the race as well for a longer period than originally believed.

My picks remain as Boston, Detroit, Cleveland, and Anaheim in the AL; and New York, Atlanta, Milwaukee, and San Diego in the NL.

2007 NHL Stanley Cup Finals Outlook

The Stanley Cup Finals began tonight, Monday, 28 May, between the Ottawa Senators and the Anaheim Ducks. I feel the series is fairly even and there very well may at least a couple of games that go into overtime. Ottawa has an edge on defense, while Anaheim has the edge offensively, in goal, and overall team speed and talent. Ottawa has the better special teams and powerplay. Like Calgary in '04 and Edmonton in '06, the recent trend of Canadian teams making it to the Finals and coming just a little short will continue so my forecast for the 2007 Stanley Cup finals is.....

......ANAHEIM 4 games to 3 games over OTTAWA

Reflections on Change as the First Half Century of My Life Starts its Final Year

In this next week or so I am going to publish some reflections and ideas on what has happened during my so brief life and what awaits and looms down the road. This will be the beginnings of the foundation for another blog which I will embark on in the comings months which will be an autobiography of my life. The internet gives us the opportunity to record personal histories of ourselves for all of time in cyberspace. As long as technology survives, these writings will survive, and I also plan to print them so they can be preserved for future generations to read. I do not pretend to be of any importance or to have any amazing revelations to make or note, but personal oral histories are the basic foundation of sharing and understanding lives and would not it be so great to have had these available for those living ordinarily in the past. I think I will name my new blog "THE_BIG_J_autobiography" or something to that effect. But before I begin to work on that, I will make a few posts here with some of my observations and insights about what I have seen, witnessed, and experienced in my life on a more macrolevel.

On another note, I had hoped to get my property out of CO this weekend or next, but I believe it is more rational and logical to do it farther into June, perhaps on Sunday the 17th or 24th. Incredibly, U-haul charges an extra $55 to rent vehicles on Fridays and Saturdays and also within 10 days of a planned date so it behooves one to look a little farther out timewise even though there is a strong likelihood gasoline prices will go up another 20 to 25 cents. I do, however, plan to get the 10-15 items that HBL has been so generously been storing for me in his garage these past six months and perhaps as soon as Monday, 28 May, and certainly before this week ends accomplish that.

Poignant Thoughts and Words for Memorial Day 2007

The true Memorial Day is this coming Wednesday, 30 May, but government treachery moved it (this year on 28 May) to be part of a three day weekend for government and upper income workers which has resulted in a steady loss in the importance and significance of this day for many, if not most, Americans. Most younger Americans under age 40 have no relevant or meaningful understanding or appreciation for this day, as well as many high level corporate and government officials who merely view it as a day to go make thoughtles purchases of consumer goods and market and hype it as such.

The words in the link below are very stirring and give cause for one to pause to think and reflect on the sacrifices by so many in the past, today, and in the near future that allows so many to live so well in a prosperous nation and not dwell on how and why we are where we are as individuals, families, neighborhoods, communities, regions, and a nation.


http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/25/1444/

Sunday 27 May News Articles and Observations

Here are some news articles from Sunday 27 May 2007 and my brief observations on them.





A. Further Information about the Consequences of Globalization on Democracy



The bottom line is that international corporate capitalism is imperiling and endangering democracy, not only in the US, but in other nations as well. This rapidly growing menace and threat must be addressed, brought under control, and moved towards elimination and extinction.





http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/25/1439/





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B. US Housing Market Continues to Tank



This development is only intensifying across the nation and will contribute to the looming recession along with several other factors. The housing market slump and collapse is only going to get worse, although here in the Central Rockies and High Plains the impact will be somewhat less.





http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article2584331.ece





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C. Democrats Capitulate and Concede to Bush Agenda





They were elected to stand up to Bush and force a change in policy, in particular Iraq, and they have waffled and failed. The voters will remember this, and anti-incumbent Democrats will take advantage of this in caucuses and primaries in Spring '08.





http://www.workingassetsblog.com/2007/05/we_gave_them_our_hearts_they_g.html





http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/editorials/137





http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/25/1440/


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D. The Legacy of Rachel Carson

Carson was one of the planet's most influential people in history. Can anyone imagine what our world would be like if environmentalism never took off in the consciousness of so many people ?
We have come so far, yet we have so, so far to go, and most of us will not be around to see if we can ever reclaim the ideal again.


http://www.oregonlive.com/commentary/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/editorial/1180146338297390.xml&coll=7


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E. Detailed Information on Impact and Future of Energy Industry in and on Wyoming

Today, Sunday, 27 May, the local Cheyenne paper ran a special 18 page section on the energy industry in Wyoming. Unless one lives in the state, one cannot fully grasp the size, scope, and impact this economic sector has across the board here. Basically, it is all this state has in terms of economic development and the economic impact has been and will continue to be enormous. It is why this state ranks number six in per capita income nationally and why state and local governments are swimming in money from tax revenues, allowing for sizeable investments in infrastructure and social services. With a population of just over 500,000, there is plenty to go around.


http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2007/05/27/featured_story/01top_05-27-07.txt


http://www.buyorsellcheyenne.com/news/projects/energy_project/introduction.html


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A Recent Record Low Temperature

Yes, it can still drop below freezing where I live. Officially it got down to 30 degrees on Thursday 24 May here but out where I live the low was 25 degrees. Cheyenne can see mornings with a freezing temperature deep into June with the latest record date for a 32 degree temperature being 18 June, set back in 1945. We had a freezing morning more recently in 1998 on 5 June. The earliest recorded morning freeze for the end of summer occured on 5 September back in 1929 with a more recent relevant record set on 11 September in 1989; thus the growing season here can be less than 90 days in many years.

It has only officially hit 100 degrees here twice: 23 June 1954 and 11 July 1939. I would not be surprised if we have a day or two this summer that joins that list and the first 101 or 102 degree day is recorded. A hot summer is in order after our recent rigorous winter.


CLIMATE REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHEYENNE WY
139 AM MDT FRI MAY 25 2007

...THE CHEYENNE CLIMATE SUMMARY FOR MAY 24 2007...

CLIMATE NORMAL PERIOD 1971 TO 2000
CLIMATE RECORD PERIOD 1871 TO 2007


TEMPERATURE
YESTERDAY
VALUE TIME RECORD YEAR NORMAL +/- LY
MAXIMUM 62 244 PM 83 1967 67 -5 79
MINIMUM 30R 459 AM 31 2002 41 -11 51 1950

Friday 25 May News Articles and Observations

Here are some recent news articles and my brief observations about them.


A. Honest Hard Facts about Costs of Globalization


The declining standard of living being experienced by most Americans with all the related familial and societal sacrifices and costs is due to an extent to the widespread economic globalization programs being established by the corporacy and the government. It is essential to be in complete opposition to all recent and pending trade agreements as they are complete sellouts and treasonous to the American citizenry.


http://reclaimdemocracy.org/global_corporatization/globalization_myths_exposed.html


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B. New Provocative Insightful Book Authored by Al Gore

I plan to read this new release in the coming weeks and I am sure it will contain alot of public policy ideas and direction he will embark upon when he is elected President next year. ( He is going to run and he will win, hopefully with a huge mandate and a near two-thirds majority in both bodies of Congress)


http://www.amazon.com/Assault-Reason-Al-Gore/dp/1594201226


http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/05/al_gores_new_book_assault_on_r.html


http://www.alternet.org/story/52179/


http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1622015,00.html


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C. GOP Divided on War & Immigration; Democrats also Divided

The '08 election is shaping to very interesting as there is a strong potential for competitive primaries because of very strong divisive issues in both parties. It is largely assumed that the Democrats elected in '06 to Congress were sent there to stop the Bush junta's foreign policy directive largely and the domestic agenda as well. The Democrats have failed and are now being seen as wimping out and selling out. The smoke from a less distant fire is growing larger by the day.


http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2007/05/25/carter/


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D. Ron Paul: The Best GOP Candidate for President


Read more about this man, his policy views, philosophy, and his '08 Presidential campaign. I am becoming increasingly more in favor of his candidacy on the GOP side: right now, the only GOP candidate I favor more is John McCain, but he has shown a propensity to put his foot in his mouth on occasion, and his views on some of the vital issues of the day do not seem to be messages that a lot of voters are buying. Yes, I am wavering in my support of McCain.
And I strongly admire what Paul said in putting that woeful pathetic sap Rudy Guiliani in his place with his views on Middle East history and policy at the recent GOP debate.


www.ronpaul2008.com


www.house.gov/paul/


http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4835055.html


http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N24342743.htm


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E. The Joke is on Us: The New Federal Minimum Wage Bill


Its completely laughable about the new federal minimun wage bill passed by Congress this week. Taking two and half years to fully impliment the increases is utterly ridiculous. The increase should be fully in place within 15 months.

By the way, there needs to be tiered minimum wages with the figure tied to the cost of living, primarily housing and rental prices, in counties, cities, metropolitan areas, and states. The minimum wage should not be the same in Los Angeles as it is in North Platte, NE, or Joplin, MO or Charlotte, NC or Minneapolis, MN.

I also favor a lower minimum wage for teenagers under age 18 ( a 15 % lower rate) and a discount for adults ages 18 to 23 ( 5 % ). Also the minimum wage for college graduates (Bachelors Degrees) should be 30 % above what it is for non-college graduates with a 10 % increase level for those with Associates Degrees since our economy is not creating enough jobs for those who have made these investments in time and money. I also favor no minimum wage for illegal immigrants to further discourage them from entering the nation.


http://www.kentucky.com/216/story/79451.html


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F. A Book with an Ominous Terrible Warning


http://www.buzzflash.com/store/items/626


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G. Another Book to Read


http://www.buzzflash.com/store/items/614


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H. John Edwards sets the Leadership Example Again with Expanded Veterans Policies


I enthusiastically and strongly support John Edwards' proposals to provide further assistance and policy programs for American veterans.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070525/ap_on_el_pr/on_the2008_trail;_ylt=ArhtKsLPjc6nmd6YrnVKHYPMWM0F


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I. Recent Book on Energy, Energy Policy, and the Future


http://www.meberhart.com/feedingthefire.html


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And on a much more lighter note:

J. That is One Big Wild Pig !

A year's worth of meat for the breakfast, lunch, and dinner tables for this Alabama family with a son thats a real good shot.


http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/ODD_MONSTER_PIG?SITE=CODER&SECTION=US&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2007-05-25-19-51-06


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More on That Sorry Bush Immigration Bill

Like three out of every four Americans, I am enraged about this disgusting copout legislation Bush and the sorry Congressional leadership is trying to push down our throats. I sure hope the ongoing besiegement of elected officials continues and we are able to scuttle and sink this bill before it further sees the light of day.

Basically, what 75 % of Americans want is no amnesty whatsoever in any way, shape, or form; no cruise path to citizenship; and voluntary then mandatory departure of these lawbreaking foreigners back to their home nation. Further, no automatic citizenship for children who are born of illegal parents; full asset seizures and forfeitures of businesses who have hired and employed illegals, much like what law enforcement has the power to do with drug dealers; tax incentives for citizen identification of illegals; and incentives for local and state law enforcement agents and officers to apprehend, incarcerate, and detain any and all illegals including children being put in protective guardian custody. Ideally, there would also be an indefinite moratorium on legal immigration as well with an annual limit of less than 10,000 people only with a lottery probably having to be employed to ensure fairness and to eliminate bribery and corruption by emigre hopefuls and public officials and bureaucrats.

The 1986 legislation was an complete disaster after the citizenry was blantantly lied to and bamboozled by Congress and Reagan. We absolutely do not want any repeat even on a small scale of that debacle in recent history. The future opportunities for American citizens, both poor and disadvantaged, and those in the middle class with families, are very much at stake.


http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0525/p01s04-uspo.html

Colorado Rockies Very Disappointing Thus Far

Forty-three games into the 2007 season, the Colorado Rockies have been a big disappointment thus far. With just 17 wins and a losing record (10-13) at home, the outlook for this season is getting more grim by the day. Colorado is already buried in last place in the NL West and is fortunate to be but 7 games back of division leading Los Angeles.

I am taking a look at the performances of the players on the club and while some are very good, others are downright woeful and changes on the roster are probably in the offing in the coming 2-3 weeks.

Batting: Helton, Holliday, and Taveras have done fine so far, but the performances of the other regular starters has been very underwhelming. Helton (5,26,..356,.466OBP), Holliday (8,32,.349,.610SP), and Taveras (0,6,.295,10SB) have respectable numbers, but face it, after all, they are playing at 5200' at Coors Field ! Carroll is deep below the Mendoza line, Tulowitzski is at only .255, Atkins is stinking it up at just .240 and three homers, Torrealba is marginal at .242 with no homers, and Hawpe is underachieving at .278 with just 4 homers. The bench is awful. Finley, Ianetta, and Mabry are all well below .200 and Baker and Quintinilla are hovering around .250. The team BA is .255, good only for ninth in the NL and far, far below historical horms and expectations. If the offense was even close to what it has been historically, the club's W-L record would be reversed and the Rockies would be in 1st place. Colorado has scored but 172 runs so far, a pathetic average of just 4 per game

Pitching: The four primary starters have modestly underachieved. Cook (4.40), Francis, (4.60), Fogg (4.91), and Hirsh (3.99) have a collective 8-14 W-L record but other than some occasional rough spots, have looked generally okay in spite of a significant lack of run support. Buchholz has held down the fifth starter spot while Lopez is on the DL and has done a less than okay job for the most part, but he is a rookie. The bullpen has had its moments but overall its been poor. On the positive side, Fuentes (2.33) has 11 saves despite a tendency to serve up the gopher ball a little too much; Affeldt and Corpus have pretty much been established as setup men with reasonable numbers; but Hawkins and the other longmen in the pen have largely stunk it up with no help anywhere in sight in the future. The team ERA is at 4.88 which is at the bottom of the NL as opponents have scored 224 runs in 43 games, an average of over 5 per game.

Defense: The lone bright spot on the club is the defense with only 18 errors thus far. Carroll and Tulowizski have made 5 of them each and no pitching errors have occurred thus far. The outfield has only 4 errors so far.

Managing: Hurdle had to believe his bench would be more productive coming out of Tucson and their poor performance has tied his hands and limited his options. The ongoing problems in the back of the bullpen have also caused him to have to constantly re-access who to use in what situations which leads to further problems of stability in the workload. But he has to be utterly stumped by the lack of offense with him having been here when such a long stretch of poor performance would be totally unimaginable. Overall, Hurdle has done a good job with what he has had to work with, but he is ultimately held responsible by fans and the press for the bottom line results.

Outlook: With an interleague slate against the improved AL East and other games against their NL West division rivals, I hold little optimism that things are going to turn around soon. I expect the team to reach the All Star break with only 40 or slightly more total wins and more than a dozen games out in the NL West. The only reason to think I would be wrong is if the bats wake up in a big way, the bench starts to really produce, and the bullpen behind Fuentes solidfies and starts doing the job more consistently and fully.

Comparing Gasoline Fuel Prices Across the West and High Plains

I just checked to see what the local gasoline fuel prices are here in Cheyenne and the price has hit $3.21 per gallon pretty much across the board. I expect another 10 to 12 cents increase this week as Memorial Day arrives which will make the price $10 for 3 gallons !!! I am now starting to think it may get to around $3.60 or more by Independence Day and then start the annual summer downward drift to where it is now by the end of September. Unless of course, the Bush Junta starts an act of war with Iran and then who knows how high it will go -- $5, $6, $7 per gallon which will utterly mangle the economy and lead to social unrest and increased crime.

I decided to see what prices are like in other areas in the region and see how they compare. There is a wide price disparity of better than 30 % from the lowest in Yuma to the highest in Los Angeles. Here is what my research shows and I would not be surprised if the prices have already gone up since the information was published.


Yuma: $2.86 to $2.96
Tucson: $2.93 to $3.03
Phoenix: $2.97 to $3.10

Rapid City: $3.04 to $3.35
Rock Springs: $3.06 to $3.16
Midland: $3.06 to $3.30
Las Vegas: $3.07 to $3.25
Great Falls: $3.08 to $3.29
Sheridan: $3.09 to $3.19
Boise: $3.09 to $3.29

Billings: $3.10 to $3.29
Helena: $3.11 to $3.29
El Paso: $3.11 to $3.31
Salt Lake: $3.12 to $3.29
Lubbock: $3.14 to $3.39
Denver: $3.14 to $3.61

Jackson: $3.15 to $3.30
Scottsbluff: $3.15 to $3.36
Colorado Spgs: $3.15 to $3.47
Fort Collins: $3.16 to $3.35
Missoula: $3.16 to $3.37
Carson City: $3.17 to $3.45
Miles City: $3.18 to $3.29
Grand Junction: $3.18 to $3.35
Arvada: $3.19 to $3.29
Amarillo: $3.19 to $3.39
Riverside: $3.19 to $3.69
Elko: $3.19 to $3.79
Sacramento: $3.19 to $4.00
Los Angeles: $3.19 to $4.10

Albuquerque: $3.20 to $3.49
Boulder: $3.21 to $3.39
Fresno: $3.21 to $3.49
Spokane: $3.22 to $3.40
Bakersfield: $3.23 to $3.43
Reno: $3.23 to $3.46
San Jose: $3.23 to $3.81
Kalispell: $3.24 to $3.34
Craig: $3.24 to $3.38
San Diego: $3.24 to $3.87

Pueblo $3.25 to $3.39
Farmington: $3.25 to $3.39
Oakland: $3.25 to $3.75
Castle Rock: $3.27 to $3.39
Portland: $3.27 to $3.49
Seattle: $3.27 to 3.59
Dickinson: $3.29 to $3.39
Red Bluff: $3.29 to $3.49
Tacoma: $3.29 to $3.55

Winnemucca: $3.30 to $3.48
Bellingham: $3.37 to $3.59
Alamosa: $3.39 to $3.49
Corvallis: $3.39 to $3.49
Medford: $3.39 to $3.49

San Francisco: $3.40 to $4.00
Durango: $3.49 to $3.65
Eureka: $3.49 to $3.69
Flagstaff: $3.49 to $3.69

I would think these general market ranges and comparative disparities between markets will continue well through the summer and probably beyond.

Projected Time Line In Place for Actions

I can now envision some dates in the near future when I can take actions and continue to move and complete my move towards having an independent life in my own residence with my own belongings fully at my reach.

I plan to empty that storage unit out in Aurora next Saturday May 26 or Sunday May 27 after having gone nearly 31 months of having it full of my possessions. The only thing that could conceivably delay this action would be the lack of availability of a large U-Haul truck which could happen since next weekend is the Memorial Day Holiday and its also the last weekend of the month. Waiting until Saturday June 2 would not be an inconvenience if that were to be the case.

I already have an apartment arranged for in North Cheyenne that I will be able to move into within the next month as well. It is an upstairs one bedroom in a small four-plex. It is very simple and will more than meet my needs. I project I will be able to stay there for at least six months to a year as there will be no long term lease to consider. I would like a ground level unit and the only additional feature I would look to add would be a bathtub instead of a shower for me to soak these perennially aching bones and muscles in a couple of times a week. Its amazing what soaking in a tub of hot water can do for the continuous soreness I am plagued with. Besides that, I do not desire really anything else -- a dishwasher is something I do not need as washing dishes by hand in very warm water is therapeutic for my hands. I could care less about a fireplace, a private balcony, and air conditioning is just something not too common in residences here. Additional storage is always nice but is something that can be worked around.


I know the finances will be tight and I will have to be extremely thrifty particularly when it comes to food but I can live on less than $25-30 per week for a food budget and being in town will cut my gasoline budget by more than 80 %. I have three small debts to family and a friend I need to take care of in the coming months but I think I will have a little money to go to the $1 movies every so often and go out and have a coke and a burger at McDonalds while I read the Sunday paper.

I really need little in my life as my 49th birthday looms in 12 days. I think about all I need to pick up for myself in the coming months is a blender, a juicer, some new tennis shoes, and a chair to sit on at the kitchen table. I can get all these items for about $100 or less at Wal-mart.

I would also like to get my desktop computer repaired so I can use it to download music as it would have over 100GB of harddrive space which would be perfect for that use. But its not pressing and I do not have to get to this until farther down the road.

I know I have to focus funds on keeping my truck running good and saving money so I can purchase outright an early to mid 90s model of a Honda, Toyota, or Nissan sedan that is very fuel efficient and in very good condition in spite of having over 100K miles. Truck maintenance is always ongoing with oil changes, alignments, tire rotations, cooling systems checks, and other proactive maintenance tasks.

After having been homeless and largely not on my own for nearly 3 years, I am greatly anticipating these events occuring in the next month and the subsequent activities in the months following.

Saturday 19 May News Articles and Observations

I have been experiencing regular internet service outages where I am staying, so I am having to go into town and make avail of wireless hot spots such as at restaurants and coffee shops. Here are some news articles for today that captured my attention and some brief reactions to them by me.


A. Bush Junta Establishes Protocol and Procedure For Grabbing Absolute Power

This alarming information about this Executive Branch Directive was completely ignored by all media. I am deeply concerned about the language in this directive and the large amount of ambiguity and vagueness in its contents and how that may result in it being initiated for reasons that most would could consider and believe to be inadequate or largely minor.


http://progressive.org/mag_wx051807


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B. Capitulation and Cowardice by Democratic Legislators in Congress


It is foolish and out-of- touch actions by Democrats in Congress that anger, infuriate, and alienate citizens including me. Out of control trade agreements that blatantly and obviously tilt the field to foriegn countries at the expense of American wages, jobs, taxes for local government, and contribute to mass social problems on the family, neighborhood, community, and societal levels are destroying the middle class and communities in this nation. A third party campaign that is aware of this and carefully and strongly gets this message out could go a long way in '08.


http://www.thenation.com/docprint.mhtml?i=20070604&s=editors


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C. The Right Wing Republican Destruction and De-Construction of Americas


Hopefully this 27 year trend is starting to draw near a close but what awaits beyond '08 is still to be determined and will include elements that will be distasteful and force compromise in some ways.


http://existentialistcowboy.blogspot.com/2007/05/how-radical-gop-divided-and-conquered.html


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D. GOP Split over Heinous Immigration Bill Now in Congress

My opinions strongly opposing this legislation have already been made known, and its somewhat comforting to see a few Republicans that can see the light, wake up, and smell the coffee.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/18/AR2007051801970.html?hpid=topnews


http://www.casperstartribune.com/articles/2007/05/19/news/wyoming/e7c108d8f031f51e872572e000013ff8.txt


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E. A Growing Uneasiness and Reaction to Monopolistic Corporate Dominance of Media


This is yet another place where corporate greed, arrogance, and immorality has caused great and, in some cases, irreversible harm to the American citizenry.


http://www.thestar.com/article/215266


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F. Unfairness in Recent Postal Rate Hikes

I want to see these unfair hikes which stifle democracy, exchange of ideas, free thought, and journalistic competition and enterprise immediately re-evaluated with fairness put into place and removal of blatant bias and favoritism towards big corporate media.


http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/19/1320/


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G. Atlantic Treasure Find Announced


Good for these explorers for hitting the jackpot. I know these efforts are very time consuming, risky, dangerous, and require enormous investments in specialized equipment and training.


http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0519Treasure-Split0519.html


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H. Snake River Headwaters Protection Bill


Having had the privilege and delight to see some of this country some years back, I am very happy to see this legislation moving forward in Congress. It is long overdue, and I hope to see more of this kind of conservation legislation introduced and signed into law in the coming years particularly in regard to river basins in the West that are under siege from growing urban corridors that are not pushing conservation and water thrift enough.


http://www.trib.com/articles/2007/05/16/news/top_story/55e4c6552b616cc1872572dc00827e08.txt


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I. As of Saturday, May 19: Only 611 days left of the Incompetent Corrupt Junta !


Unless they impliment the Executive Directive that I pointed out in my initial item in this post...


http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/17240097.htm


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J. Recommended Site to Bookmark


http://www.freepress.org/index2.php


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The Unspoken Legacy of Jerry Falwell

Falwell had a profound influence and role in shaping public policy and government activity and focus for the last 30 years ago. He basically changed the Republican Party, at least on the surface for many, as the party that would protect and increase morals; while perpertually defining the Democrats as the party responsible for the decline in morality and the growth of social problems and societal dysfunction.

But the legacy of Falwell's influence and presence that is never talked about is the significant shift that occurred in government from a focus on economic issues and the well-being of the middle class and helping the poor and misfortunate to a profound focus on moral and character issues. This shift which really started with the inauguration of Reagan in 1981 has had a deep and powerful effect and cost on the nation as a whole, in states and communities, and in families and individually.

Income inequality has skyrocketed and wages and salaries have lagged enormously behind the increases in prices and costs of consumer goods, particularly housing, energy, health care, food and household goods, and automobiles, among others. Where a working class man could support his family on his income alone has all but disappeared in the last 25 years and compelled families to become dual income with both spouses working fulltime to make ends meet. This economic inevitability has come with an unimaginable and untold cost on families and children in so many different ways as well as for communities and society at large. There has been a noticeable and discernable decline and decay in the standard of living and the quality of life in many ways in the last 25 years and most Americans recognize this today.

And for a single person like me, the decline in wages and pay has resulted in a severe loss of standard of living and forced one to have to make difficult and painful sacrifices and really miss out on some of the great opportunities that life is supposed to offer. Instead, market capitalism and corporacy has run amok and destroyed much of what America was about in the recent past and resulted in a serious decline in most elements considered to be a part of the quality of life. A single person can no longer make it on their own in America today unless they are making $40-50,000 per year and I have never made even half that ever in a year in my life.

Ironically, Falwell's pressure and influence on government and forcing them to largely abandon economic issues resulted in the growth of the problems related to the moral issues he pontificated on and hounded government about.

One can conclude that because of Falwell and others, moral decay and the related problems caused were increased in numbers and stature and in the mindsets of many people; had he stayed out of the public limelight, the nation would have been so much better off as the basic family and community foundations and structures would have been better served and fostered by government and the growth in societal and moral problems would have not increased as greatly as they have these last 25 years. Corporations would not have been allowed to be so greedy, arrogant, irresponsible, powerful, tax evading, and monopolistic; and the wealthy would have constrained more greatly through tax and other public policy.

Lets hope 2009 begins the reversal and correction for all the mistakes and shortcomings that have occurred since 1981. If not, things are going to get so much more worse in almost unimaginable ways that one would say smacks of science fiction...