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.

Bill Clinton is Coming to Town

I took this still last year when Bill Clinton came to New York University for a Democrat Voter Registration rally. I had my DV cam right up his nose when I shook his hand, which, by the way, was as soft as a manicured China doll.

Next month (Sept. 27, 2004) he'll be speaking at The Learning Annex @ $49 a seat
($29 for the first 150 attendees). He's making some fierce coins from his autobiography, speaking tours, and other special appearances.

In addition to the general admission charges, they're offering "Golden Circle Seating" priveledges for $99 and a VIP Cocktail Reception $499 a pop if you want to push up to Bill even tighter.

Must be nice! Gotta hand it to Bill and his PR team, they know how to market our ex-prez. I'm sure they could even auction his soiled undergarments on Ebay also.
Nevertheless, I'm gonna try to attend this event if I stand a sliver of chance to successfully slip this man my damn resume! I think I'm a vital asset to his PR team (the multimedia division). He can't afford not to utilize my creative outlook on life and my communications background.

Don't screw this one up Bill...valuable talent is headed your way as a high-priced freelance consultant or a full-time staffer.

Are We Surprised?

In case you're not convinced that he hasn't matured during his term in office...

At a White House bill signing yesterday, George W. Bush, yet again, proves himself to be as sharp as cotton when addressed the media as follows:

"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we," Bush said. "They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."

Uhmm...still dumb as a door nail? Yes. Do we want to make sure he doesn't still the elections again in Nov. 2004? Yes. Let's FOX try to clean this one up--if it makes their newscast.

And if that not enough to convince you, there's a story circulation on the world wide web in various message boards (no mainstream coverage of course) including this one, that the local Florida Democratic Party received a complaint that newly sworn-in naturalized citizens were then escorted to register to vote.

They then realized that their voter registration forms were partially filled in by Republicans declaring them as Republicans.