One Torso with A Side of Emotional Detachment

At a loss as to what to give a loved one for the holidays? How 'bout a torso pillow?
That's right a styrofoam torso mock up of a bed buddy is all the rage in Japan and quickly sweeping neighboring nations. The manufactureres, Kameo Corporation, can't seem to keep their signature Girlfriend's Lap pillows and Boyfriend's Arm pillows in stock.

If you or your gift recipients can acknowledge and not take offense to this product's not-so-subtle misogynistic, objectifying themes, this just might fill the holiday lonelies void that some may be feeling at this particular time of the year.

After the holiday season blows over you can force them to critically examine the implications of how this product is a model example of how technologically advanced cultures increasingly seeks to replace real human contact with technological gadgets. Consequently, it promotes growing detachments to human emotions, self-identity (as it is constantly defined by consumer products) and increases cultural insensitivity, inactivity, attention deficit, and obesity.

Happy Holidays!

Uh...Keep the Faith Troops

As civilian resentment grows exponentially with the mass destruction and death brought to Palestinians by US-led forces, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld tries to give US troops a pep talk.

At Camp Buehring, Kuwait yesterday (12/7/04), disgruntled soldiers gave Rumsfeld an ear-full as they openly voiced complaints about inadequate armor and lengthy deployments.
Rumsfeld retorted with an unsettling "win the test of wills"-themed speech aiming to butch-up the troops.

It's no surprise that US troops would be frustrated with the constant fear of losing their lives to hostile occupants in a war zone--especially during the holiday season.
While I am sympathetic to troops longing to return to their families, or even quit altogether, their plight should in no be given greater importance than those of the civilians that occupy
war-torn areas. They did not choose to be entangled in combat zones, or to see their families, friends and homes destroyed.

Voluntarily enlisting in the armed forces (no matter how limited one's options might be) is ultimately a choice with inherent risks.

And let's not kid ourselves about Rumsfeld's empathy for the plight of US troops in war zones.
It's very easy for him to dole out cursory remedy monologues to troops with the comfort of knowing that he's got a guaranteed private plane ride back home in time for the holidays.
None of his children have been deployed and sentenced to unpredictable life-threatening combat zones.

Seeing Is Believing

This is a typical scene at a Baghdad refugee camp populated by Fallujans. Not surprisingly, the very selective "embedded" war-time journalists, particularly Americans, who report on this war and war casualities often omit daily accounts of civilian suffering. If you're at all familiar with mainstream Western journalism norms, you know that credible reporting is often defined by a fusion of (or confused) with obligatory patriotic subtexts that conforms to corporate reporting, or administration-approved, standards. Opposing takes on current events, that radically steers away from and challenge such norms, are often dismissed as liberal babble, i.e., the downfall of Dan Rather.

What struck me the most this past week was the story of how Palestinian violinist, Wissam Tayem, was stopped by Israeli officers at a checkpoint near Nablus, and ordered to "play something sad." According to the Guardian, the dehumanizing incident was videotaped by Jewish women peace activists and struck a chord with the Israeli community.
The incident was reminiscent of when Jewish musicians were forced to play background music to the mass murders that took place at concentration camps.

Of course, now that this, among other documented accounts of "insensitivity" towards the Palestinians, have gained international attention, the Israeli officers deny that the Tayem was forced to play for them, and that he did it voluntarily.

Drawing such parallels that challenge the ideologies of the US-led war against the "axis of evil," the increasing popularity of animilizating Muslims in the media, and projected images of US soldiers coming back in coffins, are topical underlying war-time themes that typically will not be given a national platform in US airwaves, or be given the same importance as topics that are less critical of the right wing agendas.
I don't expect that the FOX network (know for its pro-Bush sentiments) would have reported on how Palestinians are degraded by Israeli or US soldiers for that matter.

Holiday Shopping:Civilian Deaths

While many Americans took their annual dose of social anesthesia called Black Friday--the post-Thanksgiving day shopping frenzy that US retailers capitalize on to launch their Christmas sales--week three of the US-led assault on Fallujah commenced.

Shopping and waiting out long lines at shoppping malls were not focal points of contention for civilians in war-torn Iraq.

Samir Hijazi, a 38-year-old physician, and 18-year-old Abd Allah al-Rahawi died from wounds sustained when Israeli tanks stormed the Rafah refugee camp in the southern Gaza strip, firing volleys of shells and automatic gunfire.

According to Palestinian medical sources, as of Sunday (11/29/04), the death tolls since the start of the al-Aqsa Intifada, stand at 3555 Palestinians and 961 Israelis.

While the accuracy of these figures are subject to debate, the point should not be overlooked that the consistency of bystander deaths are constant and any false sense of US economic growth projected by the American news sources to mask the obvious cannot alter war casualties.

Say Goodbye Dan

It was only a matter of time until Dan Rather called it quits after going up against the Bush administration by interrogating the checkered history of George W. Bush's service as a National Guard.

The 73 year-old veteran CBS anchor announced that he will be stepping down from the league of the noteables on March 9--the 24th anniversary of his starting as the CBS Evening News anchor.

I think this story is huge because of its implications for journalist and the limitations of free speech. Yes, Rather was lacking when it came to checking his resources and is accountable for his credibility as a journalist. But we should also, consider how Rather's resignation will influence future watchdog reporting in the mainstream media--especially stories that oppose the conservation right-wing agenda.

It's already a pandemic that is being taken way to lightly be captive audiences who too often swallow the bitter pill of pre-digested current events.

Back From The War and Buying A Ford!

At the risk of promoting NBC on this forum, I must mention the shameless war-time propaganda campaign skillfully executed in NBC's prime time slot last Sunday night (11/21/04).

Ford motor company poured millions of advertising dollars to peddle their vehicles to--yes, our American war heros. The thickness with which they poured their syrupy advertising, you'd think they were giving away the damn cars or offering them at a reduced price to "our troops."

Last night's special commercial-free episode of American Dreams was sponsored by Ford.
In it, JJ Pryor, a US Marine fighting in Vietnam had been missing in action and finally comes home for Christmas.

The timely episode strategically conforms to current events and the predominant American social discourse where the war protestors in that episode were criminalized as they set fire to a military recruiting center, critically injuring an unsuspecting maintanence worker in the process.
Just as the Pryor family (a white middle-class family living in a picturesque suburb in Philadelpha, PA) gets out of midnight Christmas mass, they get word of JJ's miraculous return.
Upon his injured son's arrival, JJ's proud father rewards him with a brand new Ford.

Of course the cost of the viewers' commercial-free, special Christmas miracle episode geared for the upright Christian right citizens brigade, was a three-minute Ford commerical following the same theme of Sunday night's family episode. A white middle-class serviceman comes back from the service to his picturesque suburban American home, to be greeted by his dad with brand new Ford.

While this is all very gripping stuff, I appeal to critical thinkers out there to pluck this television propaganda event apart and recognize it for what it is--not an altruistic effort by the Ford motor company to "honor our American troops," but a calculated marketing strategy to get viewers to associate nationalism with a Ford motor vehicle purchase.
As if somehow by purchasing a Ford motor, the viewer would be fulfilling their patriotic duty.

I'll venture to submit that a more substantial way to honor our troops is to see to it that our current administration has sufficient healthcare in place for surviving US troops who will be needing costly physical and psychological therapy from this war.

Here's A Reality Show

In a bold statement contrary to the predominently infectious US propaganda, France's president Jacques Chirac continues to paint a realistic outlook of Bush's war for the world.

In a statement to the BBC last night (Wed., 11/17/04), he said, "I'm not at all sure that one can say the world is safer. There is no doubt there has been an increase in terrorism. To a certain extent Saddam Hussein's departure was a positive thing but it also provoked reaction such as the mobilisation in a number of countries of men and women of Islam which has made the world more dangerous."

It's no stretch for a free-thinking individual to piece together the likelihood of violent acts resulting in retaliatory violence. Yes, more insurgents or vigilant opposers of a hostile occupation by foreigners.

Chirac also told the BBC that he urged Britain, before the invasion, to press George Bush to revive the Middle East peace process before offering their support. Chirac stated, "Well, Britain gave its support but I did not see much in return. I am not sure that it is in the nature of our American friends at the moment to return favours systematically."

Historically, arrogance and a hunger for power was hardly a key ingredient for successful progressive movements.

Meanwhile, the death toll for US troops from assaults in Fallujah and surrounding regions is 91, while there is no indication that Fallujah resistence fighters are backing down.

I'm Not Only The Spokeman for Moral Superiority, I'm Also The President

Well, I stand corrected in thinking that the creme de la creme of the conservative reich ended with the Bush administration and the devil's whore, Lynne Cheney.

The latest figure head for extreme fundamentalism, under the guise of 'legitimate' Christianity, is Dr. Bob Jones III, president of Bob Jones University in Greensville, SC.
His November 4th congratulatory letter to George Bush made recent headlines for its extremely conservative comments. The highly moralistic (which assumes his flawless character, if he can appoint himself a position of moral judgement) university president deifies the US president with the claim, "God has graciously granted America, though she doesn't deserve it, a reprieve from the agenda of paganism. You have been given a mandate. We the people expect your voice to be like the clear and certain sound of a trumpet. Because you seek the Lord daily, we who know the Lord will follow that kind of voice eagerly."

While elevating the status of his version of Christian conservativism to an undisputable position of mainstream authority, he also bludgeons the the character of any individuals with opposing views or values. Although Bush has neither publicly endorsed nor discredited the letter, Jones has already successfully capitalized on his wealth, media access and faith-based support to circulate his manifesto to the masses and, to some extent, perpetrated instutionalized racism and religious intolerace on a wide public scale.

Factoid Aside: Bush spoke at Bob Jones University in February of 2000 during his 2000 campaign run. At the time, the private Christian college instituted a ban on interracial dating.
The school has since dropped the ban on interracial dating (I'm sure Jones' personal views have dramatically turned towards racial sensitivity).

In the tradition of the priviledged access of individuals like the Cheneys and the Bush family, much of Jones's success can be attributed to his massive wealth, media access and the successful fusing of public policy, faith-based value systems and self-imposed and unchallenged entitlement, which authorizes him to eradicate the diversified interests and value systems of lower-class Americans.

Jones's ideological American is a simplified white-washed Christian conservative who subscribes to his value system, and those outside of that cultural framework be damned.
Who else had a similar vision for his people? Ah yes, Hitler!

A successful mainstream extreme conservative right media blitz desensitizes the public to the fact that diverse cultures with oppossing inherent value systems, are further alienated and demonized towards the goal of extinction.
Baby steps towards normalizing the fusion of fundamentalist views and state policy should not go unnoticed by the masses.

Fascism = Fascism despite its subtle brush strokes.

As a Media Ecology graduate, it would behoove me not to recommend reading the writings of French theologist and sociologist Jacques Ellul (1912-1994).
His literature of the topics of Christianity, propaganda, technology and power are prophetic, timeless and appropriate for our Western technological society (I hesitate to call it a civilization).

Other Ellul Works:
Propaganda: The Formation of Men's Attitudes, 1961
The Politics of God and the Politics of Man, 1972

Your Childrens' Allegiance To The Conservative Right

VP first-lady Lynne Cheney is no novice to the coercive arts. Her calculated methodology of inculcating conservative Protestant values into America's school children is one of Cheney's many strengths. Regardless of the many diverse cultural ideologies and traditions that America's school children are reared with, Mrs. Cheney had, has and will continue to a have a say in what they should incorporate into their belief systems.

Her history as an outspoken conservative who uses her wealth and media connections to further her right-wing agenda, rivals that of her husband Dick Cheney.

In her interview with Matt Lauer on yesterday's (11/9/04) Today Show, she capitalized on her national broadcast opportunity to promote her new children's book, America: A Patriotic Primer, for "young patriots."
She then proceeded to tie her book with the war in Iraq and how the US military presence in Iraq is akin to the great American battles led by our first president George Washington.

Assuming the authoritarian position of self-appointed interpreter for the masses and embattled factions in Iraq, she continued with claims distinguishing "our" troops' fight being a righteous one--as if there are ever jusitifiable wars--and the other side (civilians included) be damned because we're the freedom fighters.

One of the reasons why Mrs. Cheney's warped sentiments of nationalism or die has such staying power is her massive influence on media outlets and her target (although not exclusively) faith-based, conservative audience's passivity about it.

If you recall, Mrs. Cheney is the former head of The National Endowment for the Humanities, where she helped fund the National History Standards (with the Dept. of Education).
This was considered a progressive step towards improving the way American public schools teach history to an increasingly diversified student body; until Cheney denounced the finished product back in 1994, with her publication, The End of History, causing a huge media blitz and uproar among education reformers.

Why? Mrs. Cheney had a problem with the Standard's " 'grim and gloomy' monument to political correctness. She pronounced the standards project a disaster for giving insufficient attention to Robert E. Lee and the Wright brothers and far too much to obscure figures (such as Harriet Tubman) or patriotically embarrassing episodes (such as the Ku Klux Klan and McCarthyism)."--G.B. Nash.
You can read the details in Gary B. Nash's article in The History News Network.

"Beware the historian," applies to anyone who chooses to recall any event that could potentially be interpreted as legacy depending on its circulation and its impact on the masses.
The cautionary quote implies that all historical claims and its sources should be up for scrutiny before it's institutionalized.
This includes myself, anchorpersons, educators, etc.
Selective historical documentation can be enticing that way. It's really up to the historian's discretion what portions of events he/she will emphasize or gloss over.

For instance, Lynne Cheney chooses to highlight her childrens book and conservative values to the masses whenever she wishes. She probably won't use her platform on The Today Show to talk about her very racey (at least by most conservative standards) and not-so-Christian conservative historical romance novel Sisters (1981, Penguin Group), which included topics such as brothels, attempted rapes, and a lesbian love affair. It's not the kind of book that would strengthen her standing with the conservative right.

I, however, have no problem using this public forum to put forth this information as it serves my purpose, which is to highlight Mrs. Cheney's selective usage of her self-portrayed moral superiority image to further her conservative agenda.

Collective amnesia should not deprive the masses of more balanced perspectives on subjects simply because mainstream media coverage is lacking.

Too often people unconsciously give up their critical thinking capacities for spoon-fed information that's widely held as factual simply because the source is "the news," or devicive media moguls like Cheney.

The newest victims--our children.

More War for the People

Here's an Iraqi girl trying to block out the piercing sounds of explosions and death in Fallujah, where US troops have launched an all-out "offensive" strike to purge insurgents.

So how do we know that the psychological and physical damages inflicted on thousands of Iraqi children like this little girl, isn't creating future generations of insurgents?
I don't see how weekly assaults around horrified civilians is acceptable for any society.
How would New Yorkers or civilians in Ohio handle their counties being transformed into war zones?

I'm inclined to believe that their would be vigiliant backlashes from residents also and that the distinction between resistent civilians who have been violated and terrorists would also be blurred.

It appears that we are a long ways off from seeing an end to the havoc that Bush and his extremist Republican right regime will advocate over the next four years, which will have long-term global effects far beyond the commander and chief's final term.

BTW: Since the beginning of the Palestinian uprising in September 2000, the estimated number of deaths is approximately 4,563, including 3,259 Palestinians and 960 Isrealis--with the advantage of US governmant backing of course. Not to mention the deaths tolls of US soldiers, allied military troops and prisoners of war.

Democracy Later...

So what's next for Amerika as we know it under the strong arm of the Bush Reicht?
I could submit dozens of speculative scenerios--none of which subscribe to my vision of a democratic society.

What I can say for certain is that the popular and the electoral votes have secured a future (at least the next four years) rife with policies, both domestic and foreign, that will reflect ultra-conservative views with little tolerance for new citizens of diverse ethnic profiles and faiths.
Thus, reversing the initiatives of the Constitution as we know it.

I don't think it's a stretch for me to envision a future where truly free-thinking Americans will have to flee to other countries in order to reap the benefits of a progressive social consciousness where it's okay to differ in ideology with the establishment.

This reminds me of a time in America when free-thinking Americans had to leave the United States in order to escape persecution because of their unpopular views, like Langston Hughes and Josephine Baker. The reality of this sweeping ideological regression frightens me to the core, but I totally advocate the survival of free thought and expression without certain backlashes. If the United States can no longer live up to its claims as the model for freedom, then it should gracefully step down and give up the pretenses it portrays to neighboring countries.

There were some great points made in today's New York Times Op-Ed columns that's great food for thought--namely Maureen Dowd (The Red Zone) and Thomas L. Friedman (Two Nations Under God).

"The Ruler Thanks The Non-Thinking Man"

"The ruler is thankful for the non-thinking man." --Adolf Hitler.

It's an awful shame that complacency and in-action will set the tone for the next four years of Bush's imperialist movement, but I will at least take comfort in the knowledge that I am not one of those complainers who didn't get out my vote. I wish to congratulate all the New Yorkers who made their voices heard and overwhelmingly rejected George W. Bush.

If you're feeling anything like I'm feeling, you're probably repulsed incensed by the irrational logic that Bush supporters used to rationalize his re-election. Of course, most likely, these are the folks who have no personal attachment (like loved ones actually fighting the war in Iraq) to Bush's 'axis of evil' war.

Some good news: California has voted to put $3 billion into stem-cell research.

Day of Reckoning

This was the scene around 7:45a/et this morning when I went to vote @ Election District 66 in Brooklyn, NY. There were a good number of people handling their business at the polls before they hustled back to work.

For the most part, the demographics were black, latino, and asian. The average age appeared to be around 45, which is encouraging. The line was moderate and the volunteers were orderly, organized and moved things right along so as to not discourage the voters so that they don't right around and go to work instead of voting.

The results of this election will either prove to demonstrate the power of proactivity in favor of the working class, or that this country truly belongs to the wealthiest 1-2 percent of the population.

You can follow the election process with other media watchdogs @:
WBAI or Pacifica Radio.

I welcome fellow bloggers to post any relevant Election Day comments or anomolies you may have noticed at your local voting district.

October Surprise--Scared Yet?

Surprise! Well, not really. Much like I anticipated the latest re-surfacing of Osama bin Laden (this time a videotaped appearance) indeed fits into the convenient scenerio of the possible October Surprise. This is where enough people's (hopefully undecided voters) would again be striken with 9/11 flashbacks at the sight of Osama posing another apparent threat to Americans, give in to their irrational fears and vote for George Bush so that he can continue to secure our great nation.

None of us, including top Homeland Security agents, can ever prove that this latest threat is authentic or if this is a preamble to the theory that the Bush regime has choreographed an elaborate Bin Laden capture just before the elections on Tuesday.

What (at least to me) is clear is that the timing of this latest threat could not be a better window of opportunity for the Bush camp to capitalize on his 'keeping our homeland safe' rhetoric and revamp the same anger Americans experiences when they were first violated by the 9/11 attacked and were pumped up about the justifications for war--which again, has no relation to Sadam.

Voters should remember to stay focused on this election so that fear does not get the best of them again and lose site of what's really happening hear.

9/11-fear allowed NYC Mayor Bloomberg AND George W. Bush slither into power and effect many lives in New York City and the world quite negatively.

Please do not let it happen again--no matter what turns up in the news over the next few days.
It only takes one televised instance of 'shock and awe,' resulting in in-action, to put Bush back in the White House for another 4 years.

We are not the first nation who have had to get to voting booths under duress and the threat of violence (i.e., Haiti and most politically hot third world nations), but people manage to handle their business and vote for who they want anyway--even if it means risking their lives.

Are we going to allow CNN or FOX News keep us glued in front of our televisions behind locked doors while we watch the top 1 percent of America's wealthiest and entitled votes (Bush friends) re-select this bumbling idiot? Let's not.

Still Into Dick and Bush?

Researchers from Johns Hopkins' Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland, said in a report published online by The Lancet medical journal on Thursday (10/28/04) that the conservative death toll of Iraqis since Bush launched his war against 'evil,' has surpassed 100,000.
Iraqi civilian death tolls are at 16,053 and military fatalities at 6,370-not including the massive amounts of casuality victims who will spend the rest of their lives maimed and psychologically traumatized by this war. But I'm sure the Bush regime and the interim goverment it's placed in Iraq has a solid physical and mental health care foundation lined up to remedy the now irreversible damages imposed on these war victims--much like the sufficient national healthcare plan that we have now.

Imagine the public outcry if bombs were falling out of the sky in Manhattan and civilians and civilian property were being ravaged on a daily basis by foreigners in the absence of a balanced institution that holds them accountable for their actions.
Would Americans greet their foreign invaders as liberators? Doubtful.
Direct exposure to death and violence tend to restructure one's political and social outlook (i.e., 9/11 and US soldiers who actually go to battle and come back home alive, but horribly disfigured).

It's regretful that some Americans need that kind of extreme confrontation in order to fully grasp the reality of certain priviledges that the Bush regime exercise sans checks and balances of that power.

In other Bush regime news:

Former New York Mayor and Bush regime supporter Rudolph Giuliani has stated that our current commander and chief is not to blame for the tons of explosives that walked away from the Al-Qaqaa installation that was 'secured' under US military supervision. He has placed the blame solely on the failure of U.S. troops. That will surely boost their morale while their live and limbs are being lost in record numbers.
In other words we should all push the collective amnesia button now and forget George Bush campaign rhetoric that the world is much safer since this war has been launched--right!

Finally, the FBI is just now getting around to investigating whether the US (again not hold George Bush personally accountable for his actions) unfairly awarded Dick Cheney's Halliburton Co., lucrative contracts without competition. Uhmm, hell yeah!

Question of the day: Is this a legitimate and fair investigation that dares to challenge the Bush regime and its customized definition of democracy? Or is this another premeditated plot strategically times to release a Cheney-friendly ruling just days shy of the elections?

Still into Dick and Bush?

Get your asses out there and vote next Tuesday then. Do your research now so you know exactly where to go. For info on your polling place, go here.

Will Nader Apostles Do It To Us Again?

"Well, I want you as you're gathering up the vote, to remind your friends and neighbors that George W. did get elected and our seniors did get their Social Security checks."

Those words were spoken by our commander and chief, George W. Bush, to unsuspecting citizens during a recent campaign stop in Wisconsin yesterday (Tues. 10/26/04), exactly one week before Election Day.

According to the latest questionable polls, Bush is in the lead over Sen. John Kerry by 1 point.
Remarkably this tight presidential race mirrors the close race in 2000 where ultimately friends and family of George W. Bush made the final call to select him for president. This is very stuff. The very thought of this war-monger being re-selected for another term makes me cringe.
I appeal to every free-thinking citizen out there to do your civic duty and vote, or don't complain.
No offense to the Green Party, but this is not the time to demonstrate your loyalty to Ralph Nader.

Your vote for Kerry (who, I think we can agree, isn't the ideal presidential choice) could tip the scales in his favor.
Hasn't the last four years of Bush's facist rule and violent imperialism spoken for itself?
Are you better off today having voted for Nader in 2000?

Ralph Nader: It's not too late to step down.

I am still thinking positively and releasing the Bush dictatorship to the universe in white light,
in the hopes that America can still salvage some semblance of a functional democratic nation to the rest of the world.

No Danger Under My Watch, America

George Bush's soiled track record America's safety status does not win my vote of confidence when he insists that he has no specific evidence of a plot to disrupt the November 2 elections.

My advice to everyone is to get out there and vote without letting down your guard.
Need I remind you that this is the same fool who ignored the famous report warning him that America would be Bin Ladin's target prior to the 9/11 attacks.

Fear and paranoia should definitely disuade you from casting your vote and living fully active lives. However a false sense of safety based on the word of the man who lead several nations to war based on inflated allegations of non-existent weapons of mass destruction, isn't too bright either.

Handle your business on Nov. 2 America. Down with covert facism!

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

Long gone are the days when indie filmmakers fearlessly make movies unintimidated by its release potential--or so I thought.

Not since James Bidgood's 'Pink Narcissus' or Rainer Werner Fassbinder's 'Marriage of Maria Braun,' have I seen such kick-ass, tell-it-like-it-is, strategic camp on the big screen.

Bruce Labruce's 'Raspberry Reich' is by far the most revolutionary, counter-culture film I have seen in ages. I saw it last night at the Quad Cinema (NYC) with two friends, we were blown away and needed to smoke afterwards.

Some may want to immediately discount this film as trashy, male-porn disguised as low-brow psuedo-art, but if you come into this film completely open-minded, it will be almost effortless to grasp Labruce's intent behind having to assault all your senses with overt sexuality, revolutionary prose, and counter-culture iconography. This film is absolutely brilliant.

Every purposeful lewd frame of this film is meant to awaken all your senses and critical thinking capacity--once you're forced to think outside of your dominant social norms.

Years ago (circa 1992) I saw Labruce's 'No Skin Off My Ass' in a small art theater in London. It was also daring in your face sexuality about gay skin-heads, but his stance on imposed dominant social roles was not as blunt and well-crafted as Raspberry Reich, which definitely has teeth.

I must insist that if you are willing to break out of your cultural prison and challenge the current mass Western imperialism that's infecting surrounding nations, this film is for you.There is critical social commentary on terrorism and how normative cultures, as well as revolutionaries, can lose sight of the whole picture when they're bent on narrow views of life and imposed morality.Like say, for instance, a seemingly harmless comment like, "Well, George Bush and I are both Christians and we share the same values, so he's definitely got my vote!"(I heard it on the news last night--really).

Labruce deserves to be commended for the cinamatic risks he takes (this certainly isn't his first), as well as the very uninhibited actors--most especially Susanne Sachsse, who brilliantly plays the lead terrorist who rules over her triple-X Berlin underworld cultists. She is phenominal.If you're fortunate to find a local theater brave enough to screen this movie in your town, you should definitely seize the opportunity as this is sure to be a cult classic that future generations may end up studying in college film course--given their culture elevates to that level of permissiveness.

If Bruce Labruce happens upon my blog, I welcome your comments. We'll be friends, I'll quit my job and work for you. I just need my rent paid, a health plan and some spending cash.
"The revolution is my boyfriend!"

Jon Stewart's Spitfire On Crossfire

Despite my issues with Jon Stewart's derrogatory comments about people of color on his Today show interview with Katie Couric, the Daily Show host should be commended on his recent
(Oct. 15, 2004) confrontation with the hosts of CNN's Crossfire.

It's not often that someone gets the window of opportunity to challenge corporate right-wing media's adgenda on the air. Stewart was able to achieve what most free thinking American's dream of doing--unobstructed by manipulative media moguls who, for the most part, spoon feed or 'spin' world news and politics for unsuspecting individuals.

Fueling wars by supporting our current war-mongering, imperialist administration is just one of the many physically and psychological damages that pollute our globe.

You can watch the exchange for free here with Quicktime player.
Official website where you can view it is @ ifilm's website.

Let's hope that gave Crossfire's loyal cattle a better sense of what a real debate and opposing viewpoints are really like.

Admit Nothing & Threaten All

The latest string of denials coming from the Bush camp is that they have absolutely nothing to do with the recent mandate issued by the Sinclair Broadcast Group for all of its 62 network affiliate television stations (reaching nearly a quarter of all U.S. television households) to air a documentary that accuses Sen. John Kerry of betraying American prisoners during the Vietnam War.

It's also no surprise that a handful of these stations are in the critical swing states of Ohio, Iowa, Wisconsin and of course, good ole Jeb-land, the state of Florida.

Now potential voters who honestly believes that the Bush camp really had no influence on the broadcast executives who decided to give this propaganda piece prime time network exposure, really deserve to have this man be their president.

I humbly submit that this isn't the last exhibition of presidential priviledge that Bush will be excercising just weeks shy of his re-selection. How do Bush supporters not want to believe that someone with Bush's huge sense of entitlement could not have possibly used his influence to doctor his attendance records during his National Guard duty?

This Is Only An Illusion

By now you may have heard the rumors that George W. Bush was wearing a concealed earpiece during the first Bush-Kerry debate in FL.

Of course, no matter how many cameras managed to capture W's mystery bulge on his back, the Bush administration insists that what we are seeing is not what it appears to be.
In fact, they insist, what the camera caught was merely an unsightly bulge resulting from a poorly tailored suit.

Now if that indeed is the case, it appears that one would find that wearing a suit with its hanger attached would be more comfortable than sporting that posterior hump for a televised event. Despite this blantant refusal to own up to a very visible anomaly, still a very sizable cross section of the US population continue to pledge their allegiance to George W. Bush--Grand Puba of 'family values,' self-interests, and the war against evil.

My Country, My Media!

Stunned at the blatant disregard to his priviledged authority, George W. Bush reacted to his less-than-stellar performance at last week's debate by scheduling an impromptu sneak speech yesterday (Oct. 5) to boost his campaign momentum.

Under the guise of a "significant speech" on anti-terrorism, the entitled dictator somehow "convinced" cable networks (I believe it was CNBC or CNN-but I'll let you folks verify that) to give him an hour to spew his better rehearsed campaign diarreah sans the watchful eye of an impartial moderator and John Kerry, before Friday's second presidential debate.
Apparently the egos of cable network execs were also slightly wounded from being duped into believing that Bush really was going to announce a major anti-terrorism policy--not use his network time to give himself a jump start on the polls.

No, not our commander-n-cheif! BTW, once again another official report has verified that WMD stockpiles never existed in Iraq. Somehow, I still don't think that this is enough to convince die-hard Bush fans that our president may have manipulated facts in order to drive the war.

What more to do people need to shake them out of this alter-world where this president is not corrupt??

Same Old Political Song and Dance

Last night's debate between Dick Cheney and VP candidate John Edwards was heated and packed more of a punch than Bush and Kerry's, but nevertheless, I also thought it was predictable in terms of the issues Edwards and Cheney discussed.

Edwards pounded Cheney on the Bush administration's misguided war in Iraq and Cheney hammered in his fear factor theme--without Bush & Cheney America is wide open for another terrorist attack. YAWN!

What about concrete plans for reforming immigration laws? Securing fair labor laws and basic healthcare for US residents who are working while trying to become legal residents/US citizens (which is a significantly slower process since 9-11)? Substantially boosting humanitarian efforts to re-structure Haiti's economy before the entire population is wiped out by deforestation and corruption?

It's always a huge disappointed to witness constant limited recycled rhetoric spewed out from political figureheads who only address popular hot-button topics to appease mainstream voters. I can only image how shallow the US must seem to viewers world-wide--to assume that huge diversity that make up the American population can be accurately represented by two political parties. It's no wonder why efforts to maximize voter turnout is always an uphill battle.

How can this countries politics move from its predominantly narrow discourse to encompass the true majority of the American people--including the millions of undocumented US residents? Anyone?

The Height of Arrogance

What's lacking in intelligence can be compensated for in height.
At least that's what George W. Bush's lackies at FOX want you believe.

There are reports that allege FOX has doctored this AP photograph of George Bush to make him look as tall as Kerry. Here is the original photograph taken at their recent presidential debate in FL, where George is resembles the evil troll that he is.

True or not, Bush still looks STUPID!

Airstrikes for Peace?

Here's an image you won't likely see in this weekend's network talk shows. While some Americans remain undecided on who they'll vote for this coming presidential election, more innocent civilians continue to meet untimely deaths in Fallajuh this week as American troops launch "precision strikes" in "suspected" terrorists hideouts.

Fueled by the same military strategists who "suspected" the existence of weapons of mass destruction, which led to this war. It's amazing to me how the press uses terms like precision military strikes to justify the slaughter of innocent civilians and American troops, while civilians who are trying to protect their homes from aggressors in the middle east are never distinguished from real terrorists.

Can you imagine seeing that much destruction and death on a daily basis in say, the streets of New York City? I know I can't. George W. Bush's campaign rhetoric of ensuring our safety if he's re-elected, winning the war on terrorism and rebuilding Iraq would certainly take on a different tone if grotesque images of the casualities in Fallujah and American troops in body bags were projected on the backdrop during one of his campaign speeches.

Slackdaddy's Alternate Reality

If you're a conspiracy theory enthusiast, then this website is for you. It calls to question the 9-11 Pentagon crash site and why there was hardly no debris from the Boeing 757 itself
(don't know how true that is).

I don't know who put out this website @ slackdaddy.org , but it is definitely intriguing.

Made Ya Cry!!

How degrading. Leave it to 20/20 anchor Barbara Walters, to make Dan Rather cry.

Keeping within her signature tradition of reducing interviewees to blubbering balls of mess, Babs got Rather to well up in tears when she tried to show her support to the fallen CBS anchor at her retirement bash last night--and of course, NY Post's Page Six was there to capture the moment.

While it may very well be sincere gesture of concern from the anchor of Rather's rival network, ABC, I get the sense that it was executed with a 'better you, than me' kind of smugness within which competing stations revel.

Such is the punishment administered to any voices of dissent aimed at Emperor Bush in this free country of ours--you know the freedom that "they" hate.

The Daily Bubble

If anyone caught this morning's Today Show with Katie Couric interview with Jon Stewart, I'd love to hear your take on the outrageous display of racists banter that transpired.

Comedy Central's The Daily Show host, Jon Stewart was on this morning to promote a new book that I do not wish to promote here. In the midst of congratualatory discourse, Katie mentions Stewarts recent Emmy Award and his huge staff of Daily Show writers who, apparently are all white men.

She injects (I'm paraphrasing here), "Where's the diversity? Where are the women and people of color?"
Caught off-guard, Stewart nervously laughs it off with a coy joke (but it really isn't), "What?...Who are people of color? I'm only comfortable around [my own kind]."

We hear people on the NBC set break out in laughter (or nervous laughter) cheering Stewart on for his witty charm.
Of course, I was appauled, and amused by the spontaneous moment of truth that followed.
Katie continues with a comment like, "Where did you find them?" (all the white men) and Stewart says, "I met them all at Sedar."

Essentially owning up to the predominent, if not exclusive presence of Jewish writers who may also happen to be personal friends of Stewart.

Stewart's off-the cuff remarks and cute reparte with Katie may have fit the bill for The Today Show's morning slot, but Stewart should prepare for the inevitable backlash from women and poeple of color who happen to share his show's left-wing views and once supported it.

My heart goes out to anyone of color who may be interning on the Daily Show and are women and/or of color. If you were hoping to write for that show, that sad display will hopefuly inspire you to move your experience and talents to another show because Stewart aint into it.

FYI, Jon, there are many talented writers of color, including women, who can write about political issues and any topic out there. As writers--that would be their craft and job.

Off With Their Heads!

It is with no surprise that I present to you Ms. Mary Maples, the now infamous producer behind the scandalous 60 Minutes story on George W. Bush's checkered past in the National Guard.

As I forcasted (See 9/16/04 Blog entry), CBS no longer stands by their man Dan Rather and crumbled under right-wing, corporate pressures to recall Rather's story due to questionable sources that can no longer be validated.

Today's New York Times is chock-full of rebuke for CBS's 'oversite' in thoroughly checking their sources. The Times, along with FOX News can now bask at the successful character assassination of Dan Rather and the journalistic integrity of CBS.

Rather and CBS's admitted failure and public apology is sure to detract advertisers if ratings slide.
Rather's public apology, coupled with his previously very public bouts with George Bush senior reads like an obituary for the 72-year-old anchor.

The latest chapter of this story will no doubt be linked with Kerry's campaign and the inefficacy of liberalism.
Once again this speaks to the growing right-wing ideology that has swept mainstream media venues like Hurricane Ivan.

What's next? Will Dan Rather be forced to retire or 'encouraged' to report on local crime stories and hurricane preps?
BTW, do not be surprised if this incident boosts George W. Bush's approval ratings if polls are tallied this week.

Don't Make Me Cut Ya!

Before I was able to access a decent cup of coffee for my commute to work, I grabed a copy of this morning's NY Metro edition instead. Misfortune reared its ugly head and cackled back at me from page 14.
Me: Horrified.

It's easy for me to forget how noticeably distressing it is to see images of New York socialite, Jocelyn Wildenstein--a classic case study in the dangers of excessive plastic surgery.
Sadly, she started out looking quite beautiful until she was talked into erasing all traces of her ethnicity and humanity. The end results were ghoulish...but she's filthy rich so she gets to whoop it up with all the celebs during Fashion Week in New York.

It's sheer agony for me to envision the obscene amounts of cash that society's elite pour into themselves and other material items like cosmetic surgery. The amount of money it costs to complete one surgical procedure could, in all likelihood, wipe out all of my current debt AND I'd still secure a nice savings for myself.

The things folks in this country subject themselves to, to try to fit into pop culture's mold of social acceptance, is phenomenal! Elective mutilation at what cost?

Oh, well, it's only tons of money! I aint mad at ya, Jocelyn.

Make Sure Dan Never Works In This Town Again!

The latest truth-sayer up for Bush Corporal Punishment is veteran CBS reporter Dan Rather for his untimely critique of Geroge W. Bush's service in the Texas Air National Guard.

CBS News stands by their 60 Minutes investigative report that Georgie squirmed his way out of service obligations and received preferencial treatment thanks to his family connections and obscene wealth.
CBS execs maintains that their claims are backed by interviews with former Texas National Guard officials, documents backed by independent handwritting and forensic experts, not to mention years of cummulative experience in investigative reporting.

It appears that Kitty Kelly's are not the only loose lips reporting on George W.'s priviledged lifestyle and blatant hypocracy. Again, we see the regressive trend of finger-pointing and the blurring of 60 Minutes's credibility on this particularly 'sensative' topic--more like off limits to any media outlets wishing to keep their corporate sponsorship, in classic McCarthyism-style.
Don't be surprised to see the very predictable response of corporate sponsors dropping their advertising dollars out of the CBS market.
If CBS execs collapse under the pressure, they'll to get Dan Rather to issue a formal apology of sort that will try to appease both Dan and 'the administration.'
Hey Dan, you should try your hand at public radio, but I warn you, it doesn't pay as much as you're used to.

It's unfortunate that the thousands of economicallly challenged Americans who are currently dropping off like flies in Bush's war don't have the same daddy priviledges that our 'commander-and-chief' had when it was time for him to answer his call to civic duty.

"Kitty Litter..."?

Well, it was only a matter of time before our NYC local right-wing rag, The New York Post, took a cheap shot at Kitty Kelly.

Now I can't vouche for Ms. Kelly's legitimacy as a reputable journalist, but the Post never misses an golden opportunity to trash any voice of dissent against the right. Today they've hopped on the mainstream 'journalist' band-wagon and painted Kelly as a disgruntled, eccentric has-been journalist who's as credible as...well, George W. Bush.

I'm sure the backlash comes as no surprise to Kitty. And did we really expect Sharon Bush to back up Kitty's claims to the end, at the risk of having the Bush clan ban her and take away her alimony payments?

But I gotta hand it to the Post for concocting the most colorful tabloid headlines I've ever seen.

Bush Administration Maintains: George W. Bush Is Pure

This morning I was watching NBC's Today Show with Matt Laurer interviewing Kitty Kelly about her scandalous new book, "The Family: The Real Story of the Bush Dynasty."

One of her "shocking revelations" is her claim that George W. snorted cocaine @ Camp David during his daddy's term as president based on her interview/luncheon with George W's ex-sister-in-law.

Of course she denied those claims when Matt interviewed her.
My main concern here is not whether or not George W. snorted... because it doesn't take much intelligence to assess that in this country, when you're part of the right-wing, white ruling class, have lots of money and little discipline, you have the ingredients for a bored destructive trust fund baby.

I'm bewildered that Matt Laurer went to such lengths to discredit Kelly, or rather defend the integrity of George W., the current standing president--as if there was any left to uphold. Statements like,
Matt: "Why would you come out with such a book just 50 days shy of a major election?
Kelly: "Why not?"

It's that predominant trend among corporate media outlets that scare me--like Nazi propaganda scary.

Are there any brave reporters left who can successfully challenge the right without the overriding fear of losing corporate sponsors.
Why is it so difficult for mainstream America to believe that George W. could possibly be a spoiled rich kid who's capable of lying? So this current accusation clashes with the time frame within which George W. claims he found his spiritual alignment with God after his brief stint with weed. So what?
Is he above lying because he happens to occupy the position of president? How is that radical ideology? It's being human.

But grouping the many "accusations" of the president's personality and ideological flaws radical liberalism is just another M.O. the mainstream right uses to suppress critical debate and discredit free thinkers. Who does that remind us of???

These are the folks who will be reporting on the upcoming elections and gathering polls and announcing the election results...ughh!

Romanticizing 9/11: A Love Story Laced with Deceit

A word of caution to the remaining grains of sanity left in our country, please do not get side-tracked by the inevitable onslaught of 9/11 tragedy peddlers.

As we approach the 3rd year anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, we are sure to be flooded by horrific images of death and destruction that will force us to relive the terror and vulnerability we felt that day.

Of course I don't put it past George W. Bush to capitalize on that window of opportunity to remind us that 'our plight against evil is not over'...or some verbal diarreah of that nature to try to convince the nation that we need to have him wage war for another four years--I don't think so. Meanwhile, scores of soldiers continue to die (mostly lower to middle-class young men and women--no one in Bush's friends and family network) in Iraq.

Osama bin Laden's top lieutenant, Ayman al-Zawahiri, forges ahead with terror plans in his videotaped speech yesterday while US soldiers hide out in trenches in Afghanistan.
And where's Osama? Maybe he's dead or perhaps he's being held in Pakistan awaiting a well choreographed and very visible capture for the press days before November's election.

Who the heck knows, but please do not get swept away by whatever opportunistic commemorative gestures that may take place within the next few days that will no doubt play to our emotions.

Remember the big picture and the players behind it.

Re-elect Me or Die!

"If we make the wrong choice then the danger is that we'll get hit again," rants Dick Cheney at a campaign stop in New Hampshire yesterday.

How Bush's campaign team gets away with these scare tactics is beyond me. As if capitalizing on the 9/11 theme @ the RNC wasn't low enough, Cheney takes it to an even lower level by threatening undecided voters with carnivalesque prophecies of doom if the Bush/Cheney team are not re-selected for another 4 years. Very ballsy. If that doesn't qualify as an act of terrorism, I don't know what does.

The Kerry campaign team is not exactly high on my list of sharp knives in the drawer either. Their retaliation tactics are definitely lacking what Bill Clinton's campaign team had--Balls. C'mon Kerry, pull it together or lose.

"Never Question My Divine Leadership!"

Another degrading attempt to manipulate fact and speculation has hit the airwaves.
The latest outrage, feuled by right-wing corporate interests, would have us believe that somehow the royal presence of George W. Bush and his GOP pocket-men @ last week's RNC, are solely responsible for a sudden drop in New York City's crime rate.

They're saying crime is down by 6 percent last week from where is was during the same week last year. This of course falls neatly in line with the RNC mantra of George Bush's "initiative" to secure our country from "them"--the freedom-haters.

In other under-reported related news, a study conducted by Senator Charles Schumer, found that the federal government short-changed New York schools by more than $1 billion under the Bush Administration's "commitments" made under the No Child Left Behind Act.
Smalls details that were not up for debate during last week's Bush-stravaganza.
What can I say...I'm stunned.

And Now To Punish The Opposition!

Eeeewww! This frightening display of repressed anger best summarizes the RNC--a string of spiteful personal vendettas settled with excessive special interest $$. But somehow this poster image is quite fitting when you consider the target audience. Much to my surprise, Zell Miller did not rip out of his skin and fly out of the arena at the end of his speech, but I'm still convinced he's human.

At the conclusion of George W. Bush's very unimaginative speech last night, I was left frustrated and amused by the gullible patrons holding up flip-flops inside George's lair--especially those who were not reaping the benefits of Bush's Personal Favors Program--wait, were there any?

Here's an 'I wonder if...': I wonder if 9/11 never happened, what exactly would be George W. Bush's selling point (not that there's one now)?

I won't insult your intelligence by pointing out all of the holes, statistical exaggerations, outright lies and overall transparencies in George's verbal diarreah, but what I do want to mention is the plight of the protestors.

First of all, congratulations and many thanks to the two or three protestors who managed to permeate George Bush's henchmen last night and made it inside to interrupt his incantation to nation. This gives viewers outside this country some inclination that not all Americans are giddy yes-men who applaud bafoonery. We have circuses for that.

State Supreme Court Justice, John Cataldo, is fining New York City $1000 for each of the 470 protestors he felt was held in custody too long.

I guess Mayor Bloomberg's purpose in having as many protestors arrested this week in an effort overwhelm the system, was served. He can now safely say that American tax $$ were spent, not on the special perks and reorganizing the city to accomodate the RNC, but on the arrests of unruly protestors who just would not conform and keep quiet. Pretty convenient, I'd say.

I still say, "Resistance is not futile!"

This Just In....

WBAI (an invaluable publicly supported free-speech radio) has learned that in preparation for George's W's arrival in New York City today, a 'secret escape train' is standing by, beneath Madison Square Garden, to wisk our beloved president away to safety in the event of an emergency.

More coverage on this developing story and related atrocious George Bush arrival stories later ...

Old Themes, New Parrots

It appears that I spoke too soon in my earlier blog when I presumed that the GOP saw the superficiality in showcasing good Negroes @ the 2000 RNC.

Day 2 of this year's RNC indeed showcase their version of happy Blacks-of course it was earlier in the evening's events and covered by the cable networks and PBS. The major network slot was reserved for Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Bush family. As usual, most of the Blacks there at the time were on stage. The cameras jumped from the speaker to the elated Blacks in the audience who were drunk with joy and decorated with Bush buttons and party top hats.
Synoposis: This year's token Black (I think his name is Mike Steel), who of course represents all people of color in this country, boasts how "we can do it all ourselves," and "anything is possible in America," which once again reinforces the racist ideology that Blacks are slothful and lazy. Our economic situation and the fact that over one and a half million more people this year slipped below the poverty line, is not a result of institutionalized racism, but because we lack ambition. Not original folks!
And so misguided.

Moving onto the jeweled prizes of the RNC, Arnold Schwarzenegger and George W. Bush’s wife and daughters. Since I already ranted about Arnold, let's just go right to the pathetic and transparent display of Bush's happy and functional family.
The Bush twins, Jenna and Barbara with their insane attempt at being topical by referencing pop culture, MTV style? (Maybe a reality show is in the works for them).
Perhaps, it would be cute if they were like, 9 years-old, but @ 22 it's not so cute.
"We spent the last four years trying to stay out of the spotlight," Jenna Bush said to laughter from the delegates. "Sometimes we did a little better job than others."-CNN
C'mon folks.
Finally, First Lady Laura Bush dutifully addresses the emotional and sensitive side of George Bush as a loving husband and dad making tough decisions in order to secure the safety of our country.
She's actually well-spoken and the more intelligible member of the Bush regime, but her talents are wasted.

Sadly, she goes on to talk about their family dog Spot, which of course borrows heavily from Richard Nixon's old Watergate speech where he portrays himself as an honest family man who would never resort to corrupt activity or abuse his power. He talks of his little dog Checkers in a sad attempt to tug at the heartstrings of Americans so as to divert their attention away from real issues.

My question: Why did George Bush's campaign strategists choose this old brain washing tactic to build up our President? Are they trying to tell us something?

RNC, Day 2: A Nausiating Display of Psuedo Pop Culture Sans the Issues

"I once was in a movie called 'True Lies'...I think that's what John Kerry should call his campaign." I'm paraphrasing as I watch Arnold's speech right now, but that's basically how he opened his speech. Can you say fluff?

He also used terms like, "economic girly-man" (another derrogatory reference to the Kerry's campaign), and of "Arnold, I'll be back!" to a rousing round of applause. Will his block-buster movie references ever be replaced with a real debate on the issues?

As I anticipated the thesis of his speech is a string of self-congratulatory, imperialistic rhetoric about freedom and the American dream that "they" (the axis of evil) hate, which George W. Bush will preserve.
Yes, I enjoy and appreciate certain freedoms that come with being an American citizen, but how the hell is George W. Bush gonna improve my quality of life and my economic interests?

And...oh my God, here comes George W's daughters to further soil the world's views of Americana.
I gotta get back to this. This is absolutely mortifying. I think this was scripted by an MTV writer.
Did they just say, "Shake it like a polaroid picture?"
More on this developing atrocity later...

RNC's Minority Report

According to RNC's website:

"This President and the GOP have a good story to tell - we just need to work harder to get the message out to the minority community. Everybody knows about the President's appointments of people of color to key positions in the White House, Cabinet and throughout his Administration. Black voters will be more inclined to side with the President, however, when they hear about his leadership in reforming education by holding schools accountable, by increasing flexibility for families, by expanding parental options and funding programs that actually work. They ought to know that President Bush has shown his commitment to black colleges and universities by significantly increasing their funding. He has been a tireless champion for faith-based initiatives that give social services to the disadvantaged and provide mentoring for the children of the incarcerated. This President delivers on his promises."

I love how organizations like the Republican Party attempt to compartmentalize people of color from a position of authority. This false sense of capturing the "true" sentiments of people of color in this country, and the blind, unchallenged acceptance that traditionally follow that rhetoric, is the kind of contaminant that tends win over the undecided voters of color, prompting them to vote against their best economic interests.

It's even more pathetic to witness Republican delegates like Alan Keyes perpetuate these statistical myths, yet refuse to respond to critics who question their token representation.
None will acknowlege or even question the notion that their race has anything to do with their Republican nomination.
This year's RNC boasts that Republican delegates of color increased by 17 percent.
Again, a loose statistic tossed around to appease the undecided voters. One has to wonder what the Republican definition of "person of color" is.
Does a white Republican delegate who hired a Jamaican nanny to raise their children that's considered part of the family, considered a person of color?

I guess white Republicans realized how obvious their tokanism appeared on camera at the 2000 RNC, when they strategically dotted their seats with Minority delegates and conservatives and paraded Bush's nephew, George P. Bush (nicknamed by the Bush family, the little brown one).
Fortunately, that minstrel show was short-lived and the media hype around George P. Bush died down after George W.'s "election."

Vile Self-Serving Creatures: An In-depth and Unbiased Comparative Analysis of the Republican Agenda

It is now commonplace to come face-to-face with a vile and loathesome subway rat brazenly scurrying alongside a platform terrorizing straphangers every so often. Today was no different. On our way into Manhattan to catch a movie, me and a friend were mezmorized by a very bold, melon-sized subway rat comfortably weaving amongst commuters striking fear and anxiety in the hearts of many faithful commuters and rendering them helpless.

But what was different today, on the eve of the Republican National Convention, was that this giant rat, to me, was clearly a metaphor for the audatious, and arrogant Bush supporters who were arriving into New York City to impose their right-wing agenda onto the free-thinking amnd pro-active New Yorkers who realize the very real threat of contamination that George W. Bush and his wealthy supporters embody.

Amidst the dense, hot and sticky city air, filled with rage, anti-RNC protestors lined the streets of Times Square this evening as agitated police officers canvassed the area, conveying the illusion of complete control.

"Facists, go home!" shouts some angry protestors at a few startled RNC attendees who attempted to inconspicuously venture out into the teeming Midtown streets, perhaps to do a bit of shopping or get a picture near ground zero--who knows.
Well just like the common subway rat we encountered earlier that evening, our visitors were spotted and shoo'd away.
My friend retorts, "Maybe now they'll get a sense of what it feels like to be told, 'Nigger, go home'."

We were both quite amused at the peaceful culture clash we witnessed then laughed our heads off. Well what did our visitors expect? A good ole Texas ho-down from the NY welcoming committee? I don't think so.

Much to their chagrin, these RNC tourists, with seemingly sheltered and priveledged lives, won't be getting the kind of reception they would anticipate if they were spending their American currency in a third world country.
That kind of ass-wiping is the exclusive duty of our Bush-lovin' mayor Mike Bloomberg.

The Spectator and the Spectacle

A word of caution to the wise. If you aren't already in the know, media outlets already have a political viewpoint that informs their coverage of certain events.

As the RNC kicks into full swing this coming weekend, the winds of disapproval from many are rustling many political branches. But who will be giving you the most accurate representations of these opposing voices?

Examples:
Today's NY Daily News reporting on the ACT UP activists' nude civil disobedience that took place in Midtown yesterday, have already set the standard for the distorted atmosphere from which Bush opponents are to be viewed--lunatics.
"The madness has begun: Naked activists, Bush-bashing rappellers and drum-thumping, tie-dye-wearing marchers unleashed a torrent of wacky and daring civil disobedience yesterday."
Suggestive and imposing content?--Yes. Surprising?--No.

CNN is reporting that a survey of 876 registered voters shows that Kerry and Bush are neck and neck with Kerry leading by a point.
Personally, I find it hard to believe that a majority of voters are not yet in the loop about the very blatant acts of deceit and manipulations perpetuated by the Bush administration and corporate media outlets in an effort to forward their war agenda.

So how accurate are these surveys? Who sponsors them? Which cable networks air these statistics? Are mainstream media outlets so afraid to go against the major flow of information that they'll just distort statistics to come up with median results? Wasn't that how George W. Bush was declared president select--elect?

These are just some of the basic questions that I implore you to ask and investigate before you even consider resolving a political opinion that might inform your vote in November.
I not only call for you to excercise your critical evaluation skills with mainstream, but also with left wing media venues.
Again, most (I can't say all because I haven't been privy to all media outlets) media outlets have an agenda and in the process some critical information or events may be omitted as a result of narrow vision or purposeful censorship in an effort build a stronger argument.

My agenda: To not have George Bush re-elected.
This does not conclusively establish that Kerry is who I consider the best representation of my views. I also know that voting for Ralph Nader would increase the chances of Bush winning.

Long story-short: Question and evaluate your flow of information about your world. It's okay if your opinion does not subscribe into any mold that the press has laid out for you.

Cameras and Smut: Defrocking the Republican Dictatorship in NYC

Looking to make a few extra coins to make next month's rent and dispise the Republican leeches who are fully prepared to test the patience of New Yorkers during the RNC?

Well, grab your cameras, wear your best cologne and c'mon down.
There's no better way to drag GOP figure heads' names in the mud than with a well-documented sex scandal that you can blast all over the web and the airwaves.

The Indypendent, has learned from the NY Daily News competiton will be 'stiff' because sex workers are flying in form all over the world to attend the RNC.
Escorts, pimps, whores, trannies, you name it, will be on call to provide much needed services to repressed, over-worked double-talking, hypocritical Republicans.

We're no fools. We know what some of these freaks will be looking for when it comes to a little R-n-R behind the confines of their posh hotel rooms.

So if you're smart and realize the sizeable money-making potential, at the expense of GOP's reputation, you'll be prepared to cash in on the deal.
These over-paid closet dungeon masters will think twice about coming back to New York and disrupting our commute!

When a lucrative book deal comes from these upcoming events, don't say I "Why didn't I think of that." You heard it right here. And if you end up profiting from my heads-up, 10 percent of your earning will be plenty thanks for me.

US Accountability for War-Mongering Terrorism Abroad

A few surprising revelations emerged today in relation to the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal that befell the US government.

One is that Gary Meyer, the attorney for one of the military police officers on trial in Germany today, said "What went on at Abu Ghraib was a complete breakdown of discipline and authority, and these are merely specific acts within a sea of a multitude of specific acts."

Also, a high-level panel investigation in Washington, DC has concluded that top Pentagon offiicials including Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, is ultimately responsible for the mayhem that ensued at the Iraqi prison. Apparently they failed to administer proper supervision over "confusing" detention policies at US prisons in Iraq.

Hmmm. Let's think about that for a minute.

Is it any wonder why the great George W. Bush was so eager to push the initiative to renew the resolution to grant US troops immunity from being prosecuted by the International Criminal Court. Fortunately, the UN Security Council had the good sense to reject that ridiculous proposal in time to let this trial happen in Germany today.

There always seems to be 'shock and awe' (to borrow a US military term) when Americans have to face the music for crimes they committ abroad.
It appears that American arrogance and a false sense of entitlement hardly ever goes over well with our neighbors overseas.

Land of the Free: Zero Tolerance for Criticism

In the latest effort to further divert the voting public's focus on the issues, former Republican Sen. Bob Dole, has jumped on the Kerry firing squad bandwagon, highlighting Kerry's criticism of the Vietnam War.

Dole is now suggesting that Kerry make a formal apology to the Vietnam vets for openly criticizing the unjust, and inhumane acts committed against civilians during the war by American soldiers.

Dole:
"One day he's saying that we were shooting civilians, cutting off their ears, cutting off their heads, throwing away his medals or his ribbons. The next day he's standing there, 'I want to be president because I'm a Vietnam veteran.'"

"And here's, you know, a good guy, a good friend. I respect his record. But three Purple Hearts and never bled that I know of. I mean, they're all superficial wounds. Three Purple Hearts and you're out."

I not only don't care about the comments Kerry made about the Vietnam decades ago, I don't believe it relates to what his perspectives on the issues are today.

Are we shallow and gullible enough to believe that people's political opinions however noble or disgraceful, whatever their political party, can't change decades later?

I also take issue with the onslaught of McCarthy-ist persecussion that's sloppily tossed about everytime someone openly critiques any political issue or figure worth analysis. How the hell else can we, as the voting public, shape our own ideas about how and by whom this country should be run?

Debating the issues should not only happen during presidential campaigns, it should take place all the time and given a proper platform and vehicle for transmission, which we all know isn't supported by corporated media outlets.

Priviliged + Spoiled / Sense of Entitlement =$$$

Remember our beloved public relations/media princess, Lizzie Grubman? She's the enchantress who mowed down 16 people with her SUV in 2001, outside a Hamptons restaurant because she was pissed off, oh and trashed?
She ended up serving a very tough 60-day prison sentence thanks to her extremely wealthy lawyer daddy.

Well, it appears that MTV has decided to reward her with her very own reality show featuring our privileged 34 year-old media mogul. This, no doubt, is due to the fact that there is a lack of talented writers and producers out there who can provide really good televison programming content, right? I'm sure this very uncommon reality show, tentatively titled "Power Girls,"--described as a mix of "The Apprentice" and "Sex and the City," will provide a wealth of useful, creative and inspiring television.

Until its, no doubt successful debut, I am a quivering mound of flesh, dying with anticipation.
Now that's hundreds of thousands of production dollars and salaries well spent MTV!

$110,000 Tease

In a pathetic attempt to give some credibility to his pending sexual harrassment lawsuit against the recently resigned Gov. Jim McGreevey, Golan Cipel is claiming that he is heterosexual .

When the 35 year-old is not enjoying the fruits of his "labor" here in the states, in one of his two homes, $110,000 salary and Mercedes SUV, he gets to jet off to Tel Aviv to land on the support cushion of his parents where he can recouperate from his heterosexual trauma.

So now let me get this straight--no pun intended.

The governor of New Jersey risks his career, and potentially outing himself, to employ an under-qualified person for a high-profile job and I'm supposed to believe that Cipel never gave up some ass?

C'mon folks. How many men, whether they're gay or straight, will go through all that hassel, for someone who refuses their advances?

Let's process this for a moment and consider if Cipel's lawsuit has a shot at getting him even more cash for his leisurly early retirement plan.

To make a long story short, Cipel--a priviledged mooch who's never really worked a hard day in his adult life, found himself a sugar-daddy who was foolish enough to let his dick make crucial decisions for him.

Life Lesson: It's not necessarily your qualifications that get you to the top, it's who you know

Bush's Mein Kampf

In his latest attempt at oppressing the voice of the masses, George W. Bush has given the green light to censoring any kind of opposition while he's in town for the Republican Convention later this month. He's having his henchmen turn away any potential hecklers.

Well, how does one pre-determine who may or may not throw out an opposing comment from a crowd? Just what does the weeding out process entail in terms of profiling?

Is it me, or is it not obvious that this piece of work is inspired by your typical dictatorship that have led their nation to ruins?

They're Baaack...

Is it possible that the posh West Village is going back to its roots with the return of trash glam in the streets?

Today's NY Post says that trannies and pimps are brazenly making those streets their stomping grounds again.

This could possibly lead to the mass exodus of the trust fund babies who I hold personally responsible for the rediculous rents folks have to shell out to live in Manhattan.

Maybe I can afford to live there one day...

Shameful

So the only viable token person of color that the Republican Party can find to fill the US Senate seat is, of course, a minstrel.

Although I don't doubt there are very cerebral and well-rounded people of color who happen to be Republicans, but really, isn't this prominently featured depiction of Keyes a reflection of what the white Republican leadership truly thinks of the Black or Latino Republicans in this country?

While this Alan Keyes is busy amusing the white folks and trying to convince more people of color to vote against their best economic interest, I hope that the informed Democrats of Illinois can step up to the plate and give Barack Obama the chance he deserves.