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.