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Michael Payne is an independent progressive activist who writes articles about social, economic and political matters as well as American foreign policy. He is a U.S. Army veteran. His major goal is to convince Americans that our perpetual wars must end before they bankrupt our nation. His articles have appeared on Online Journal, Information Clearing House, Peak Oil, Google News and websites around the world.
Saturday, February 4, 2012 The Beginning of the End for the U.S. Dollar as the World Reserve Currency (1 comments)
Dark times lie ahead for the U.S. dollar as its future as the world's reserve currency looks to be in great jeopardy. For more than 50 years the U.S. dollar has been the chief monetary instrument used by the nations of the world to facilitate trade. But the times are changing and many of these nations, with China at the forefront, are finalizing trade agreements that utilize only their own currencies.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 A Reckless, Misguided Attack on Iran Could Set the Middle East Ablaze (5 comments)
The dark clouds of war hang over the Middle East as Israel prepares to launch an attack on Iranian facilities it suspects are developing a nuclear bomb. The saber rattling and threats emanating from Israel against Iran never stop. Hardly a day goes by when we do not hear ominous warnings issued by the government of Israel. The Middle East is like a seething volcano, increasing in intensity, ready to erupt at any time.
Monday, January 16, 2012 U.S. Corporations: Closely Allied With China, Selling Out America (6 comments)
U.S. Corporations, supposedly the bedrock of America's system of capitalism, have decided that their best bet for the future is to closely ally themselves with China, its manufacturing industry and cheap labor to maximize their profits. In doing so, they have sold out America, its manufacturing sector and its workers. These economic predators have sold themselves to the highest bidder; they have no loyalty to America.
Saturday, January 7, 2012 Government Versus the People: Incompatible Objectives, Irreconcilable Differences (9 comments)
Government of the people, by the people and for the people; that's the form of government we Americans thought we had. That's now a thing of the past, it no longer exists. The government that now occupies our nation's capitol has become estranged from the people of America. This is an incompatible, rapidly deteriorating relationship in which the mounting differences are becoming irreconcilable.
Thursday, December 29, 2011 The U.S. Muscles its Way into China's Backyard; Misguided, Dangerous Hubris (7 comments)
A government driven by a hubristic mentality goes from war to war wasting hundreds of billions and trillions of dollars, and accomplishes nothing but death and destruction. This latest decision by the U.S. government and the military to significantly expand its influence and military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, China's backyard, could easily lead to a dangerous confrontation between these two powers.
Monday, December 19, 2011 The Transformation of the American Society into a "Controlled" State (13 comments)
In case you haven't noticed, the U.S. Congress, that completely inept, dysfunctional branch of our government, has just recently taken steps to enact legislation that would allow the military, in certain situations, to detain U.S. citizens and hold them indefinitely, without being charged with any violation of the law, and with no trial by jury. And, it appears that President Obama fully intends to sign it.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011 The Sociopathic Movement That Is Poisoning The American Society (16 comments)
This American society is comprised of individuals with widely divergent thoughts and opinions about the issues facing this nation; two groups, in particular, stand out because they are so diametrically opposed. There are those people who care deeply about their country, justice, fairness and equity for all people. Then there are those that use manipulation, control and suppression of others to achieve power and personal gain.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011 What Once Was Is No More; America Has Forfeited Its Role As The Leader Of The Free World (21 comments)
America , which for decades was the acknowledged leader of the free world, can no longer lay claim to that title. That era is now at an end. While the U.S. is still seen as the world's greatest military power, it no longer possesses the special attributes that are essential to command that prestigious position as the leader of the Western world.
Thursday, December 1, 2011 The Spark That Could Ignite the Occupy Movement on Campuses Across America (3 comments)
If you saw the videos of campus police dousing UC Davis college students with pepper spray you may be witness to the spark that ignited the Occupy Movement on the nation's college campuses. That mindless, brutal reaction to peaceful demonstrations has the potential to motivate and energize millions of students at colleges and universities to become part of the movement to restore justice and equality in this society.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011 Next for the Occupy Movement: Target and Drive Corporate Shills Out of Congress (5 comments)
The Occupy Wall Street movement is approaching a critical crossroads; while it's gaining momentum it's time to expand its scope and clarify its objectives. It's time to use its growing power and go after the corporate shills in Congress, brand them as traitors to this democracy and come up with strategies to drive them out of this government.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 The Escalating, Downward Spiral of Ethics and Morality in America (6 comments)
What's going on in this country? All one has to do is turn on the TV or listen to the radio and the cases of unethical and immoral behavior seem to be everywhere. Whether they involve politicians, sports figures, Hollywood celebrities or even your average American, the incidence of unconscionable or deviant behavior in this society is increasing at an alarming rate.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011 America's Wasted, Disastrous Decade; A Blot on its History (2 comments)
The first decade of the 21st century is one that America may wish it could start over. On January 1, 2001 this nation started down a path that would lead to many egregious actions by its leaders while great opportunities fell by the wayside. We can't reverse history but we can use a fictional scenario to imagine how things might have been under different leadership that could have taken the nation in a different direction.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011 The People's Revolution: Fighting Against The Forces Of Oppression (3 comments)
Those who show their disdain and disgust for the Occupy Movement now spreading across America, calling its members a bunch of misguided, foolish misfits and losers, need to think more deeply and consider what is really happening. This is a movement that is long overdue, one that erupted after many millions of Americans found a vehicle by which to put a spotlight on the gross inequalities present in today's America.
Friday, October 28, 2011 Capitalism, American Style; Symbol Of Greed, Political Corruption (15 comments)
Capitalism, as currently practiced in America, could be facing a very uncertain future, as a great disconnect is developing between U.S. corporations and the American people. Sure, corporations are still generating massive profits but, just below the surface of their success, trouble is brewing. Millions of Americans, victimized by the greedy actions of corporations, are now up in arms and mobilizing against them.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011 Wars + A Military Empire + Massive Borrowing = Monumental Debt, A Looming Disaster (2 comments)
Suppose you were the leader of a nation beset by mounting economic woes, mired down in massive debt, with a rapidly shrinking manufacturing sector, rampant unemployment, a crumbling infrastructure and a society filled with anger, frustration and fear of the future. Knowing the depth of America's problems would you continue to allow what's left of the nation's wealth to be wasted on war and expansion of a military empire?
Friday, October 21, 2011 The Mounting Anger And Frustration Of Main Street Shakes The Pillars Of Wall Street (14 comments)
The pillars of Wall Street are shaking as the dormant power of the American people has awakened and erupted in an increasing anger that has given birth to a growing movement of protests across America. This is a movement that began when people who have been subjected to every form of deceit and manipulation finally had enough and took to the streets to occupy Wall Street.
Monday, October 17, 2011 A Plot by Iran? Or a "False Flag" or "Wag the Dog" Operation? (6 comments)
In the past week U.S. Attorney General Holder and the F.B.I. announced that a plot involving agents of the Iranian government had been uncovered. It was reported that a member of a Mexican drug cartel had been hired by Mansour Arbabsiar, an Iranian-born U.S. citizen, to assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the U.S. Soon after, government officials lost no time in beating the drums of retaliation.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011 An Addiction to WAR, an Obsession with Power is Crippling America (11 comments)
War should always be a last resort. Sometimes war is necessary and justified in order to maintain a nation's security but, often, it is misguided and totally unjustifiable. Our War of Independence can be considered a just and honorable war. The same holds true for World War II when America, together with its allies, primarily Britain and France, went to war to defeat the Axis Powers of Germany, Japan and Italy.
Friday, October 7, 2011 Remember the Movie, "The Ugly American?" It's Being Remade, Starring the GOP (3 comments)
The Ugly American was a best selling political novel in 1958 that was made into a movie starring Marlon Brando five years later. It is a fictional account of American government officials, employees and businessmen who operated in Southeast Asia, actually Vietnam, during the early years of the U.S. government's agenda to curb the spread of communism.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011 "We're Mad as Hell and We're Not Going to Take it Anymore" (31 comments)
For some time now there has been a growing, smoldering rage just below the surface of this society. It is a rage that has been fueled by anger, frustration and a feeling of hopelessness of the millions of Americans who have been victimized by the abusive and manipulative tactics practiced by Corporate American and the power brokers of Wall Street. This rage is now boiling over and spreading across this entire nation.
Thursday, September 29, 2011 America Has Arrived at One of the Lowest, Most Dangerous Points in its History (13 comments)
You probably can recall the evening of the last day of the year 1999 as the clock struck midnight and America entered the 21st century. What a euphoric feeling for all Americans as we witnessed the beginning of the third millennium. What a momentous occasion and what a brilliant opportunity to set the stage for a transformation that could restore this nation's sense of direction and purpose.
Monday, September 26, 2011 Israel and the U.S. Versus Palestine, the UN and the Nations of the World (4 comments)
The Middle East is undergoing a rapid transformation as massive protests, some very violent, demand change, government by the people and an end to dictatorial power. But in the state of Israel nothing ever changes. Now, as the Arab Spring comes to the fore, Israel can't seem to face the reality of the situation.
Monday, September 19, 2011 The Wealth of America Disappearing Into the Black Hole of Endless WAR (29 comments)
This nation, together with its wealth and resources, can be thought of as a collapsing star that cannot withstand that immense, relentless gravitational force that is sucking it into a massive black hole; into the deep darkness of endless war.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011 Republicans Have Betrayed, Deceived America; Now It's Payback Time (8 comments)
Call it betrayal, treachery, or whatever you wish. There is a large element of the U.S. Congress that has disconnected itself from the American people and no longer represents their interests. It is called the GOP and, through its deceitful and obstructive tactics it has placed a dark stain on the American democracy. Now it's time for the people of this nation to cleanse the halls of Congress; it's payback time.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 Growing Anger, Despair and Frustration Across America; The Calm Before the Storm? (29 comments)
Have you ever experienced that feeling just before a massive storm hits, as the skies darken, and there is this eerie silence; when you know it's going to be a bad one but you don't know exactly when it's going to erupt? The American people, though greatly stressed and frustrated remain passive, submissive and largely silent. But is this, in reality, merely the calm before the storm?
Saturday, September 3, 2011 No Time Left; This is Mr. Obama's Last Chance and, Quite Possibly, America's (29 comments)
Let's cut right to the chase. Simply put, the program for job creation that President presents to the Congress and the American people on September 8th, will be his last and final chance to prove that he is capable of leading this nation. Should he once again fail to show leadership, courage and conviction in addressing this issue, his presidency will, in effect, be over and he will become totally irrelevant.
Thursday, September 1, 2011 Job Creation Machinations: Putting the Future of the American Worker in Extreme Jeopardy (2 comments)
The American economy remains in a state of paralysis with no sign of recovery on the horizon. The manufacturing sector continues to deteriorate; American workers remain idle. At a time like this you would think that those who lead our nation would be working overtime, pulling out all the stops to develop job creation programs; that the White House and this president would be out front, leading the efforts to create jobs.
Monday, August 22, 2011 Enough Mr. President! No More Compromise, Capitulation, Vacillation; Time for Bold, Decisive Action (14 comments)
America is sinking deeper and deeper into a quagmire of its own making. This president keeps saying we "must" create jobs, we "need" jobs; it's time to stop the rhetoric and put together a positive, constructive jobs creation program. He also needs to clearly understand that the American people are totally fed up with these ongoing wars that are crippling this nation. They want action, not vacillation.
Friday, August 19, 2011 The Ruthless GOP: Positioning Itself to Destroy This Nation's Social Safety Net (8 comments)
The current dysfunctional, corrupted Congress, with the Republicans acting as obstructionists, is causing great damage to America. But as bad as this situation is, it can get much worse. If the American people, in the elections of 2012, make the monumental mistake of allowing the demented Republican ideologues to take control of Congress and the White House, life in this American society will become a nightmare without end.
Monday, August 15, 2011 The Impending Demise of Globalism; How It Will Cripple Corporate America (10 comments)
Globalism, which has enriched Corporate America, has been an absolute disaster for U.S. manufacturing and the American worker. But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. So let's make an objective analysis and a prediction of how globalism, the darling of the free traders and transnational corporations, will cease to be the driving force of the world's commerce.gl
Saturday, August 6, 2011 Corporate America: Facilitators of War, Killers of Jobs, Destroyers of Democracy (17 comments)
Why does America remain caught in this continuing, seemingly insurmountable, crisis? Why has our manufacturing sector collapsed, why are we locked into an agenda of permanent war and why are we witnessing the steady erosion of our democracy? Who or what should we blame for the monumental damage that is being done to this nation?
Monday, August 1, 2011 America's Financial and Societal Foundations Rapidly Sinking (8 comments)
Evidence pointing to the collapse of America's financial and societal foundations is everywhere; massive government deficits, costly military actions going on in six nations at the same time, continued unemployment, and a political system so broken and corrupted that it now imperils our democracy. As our leadership in Washington recklessly drives this nation toward a national disaster.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011 The GOP: Let's Rename it the APP, the Anti-People Party - Social Antagonists (10 comments)
That's a great idea. Let's go ahead and rename that Grand Old Party, and call it the APP, the Anti-People Party. That's a perfect description of the Republican Party and its newest and most repulsive element, the Tea Party. Some people actually think that GOP stands for Government of the People but that is like saying that Ronald Reagan was a liberal. Actually, Republicans like people, as long as they are their own kind.
Sunday, July 24, 2011 Job Creation and Economic Stability Are the Answer -- Wars Are Not! (6 comments)
It's decision time in America and for our government. This nation has backed itself into a corner and can't seem to find a way out. America can no longer delay making a very crucial decision. The choices are quite clear. This government can continue on its current course that involves wars and occupations or it can change direction and aggressively pursue job creation. It cannot do both.
Thursday, July 21, 2011 The Deadly Alliance Whose Objective is to Replace Our Democracy with an Oligarchy (11 comments)
Ominous signs of imminent danger are emerging in this nation though many Americans are not yet aware of what they portend. There is a plan in motion by a deadly right wing consortium to destroy this American democracy and replace it with an oligarchy, a form of government in which political power rests with a dominant segment of society; the wealthy, corporations, the military and individuals with great political influence.
Sunday, July 17, 2011 Dysfunctional, Divisive, Inept; A Government Incapable of Governing (5 comments)
I keep hearing comments such as: "We need to create jobs", "The U.S. needs a coherent national energy policy", "We should rebuild our infrastructure" or "We must have effective financial regulations to prevent another bailout." Yes, we should do this and we should do that but nothing of real substance is happening in America because our government is caught up in a massive gridlock and has become completely dysfunctional.
Monday, July 11, 2011 The Obscene Defense Budget Remains Sacred, Untouchable - Outrageous! (4 comments)
President Obama, in the current illogical, irrational budget deficit talks, has clearly stated that "everything must be on the table." That's a typical Washingtonian utterance of no real meaning. Mr. President: how can you say that everything is on the table when the obscene, bloated Defense Department budget remains sacred and untouchable?
Friday, July 8, 2011 Charges of Moral Decadence: The People of America v. The Republican Party (2 comments)
A most important trial, actually it could be termed critical, is scheduled to begin November 6, 2012, the date of the presidential and congressional elections. This 2012 election will become the setting for this case: The people of America v. the Republican Party. Who wins this critical case will determine the future direction of this nation for decades to come.
Monday, July 4, 2011 If American Exceptionalism Were a Reality, Here's What Life in America Would Be Like (6 comments)
I occasionally hear someone in the news speak of "American Exceptionalism", the theory that the United States is qualitatively different from other nations; that we are unique among nations and generally superior to them in almost any measureable category. That's a nice thought but it's just not reality. So, let's discuss what America would be like if this nation could truly be called exceptional.
Friday, July 1, 2011 U.S. War Hawks Try To Prevent Peaceful, Humanitarian Efforts by an American Ship (6 comments)
This is one of those, "Can you even believe it" stories. This last week of June the American ship, The Audacity of Hope, is setting sail with ten or more ships of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla II. This ship will carry a crew of four with forty passengers and 10 members of the press. Instead of wishing the passengers and crew Godspeed and take care, it's being reported that the While House has warned them that it would not protect
Sunday, June 26, 2011 The Obama Withdrawal Plan: Too Little, Too Slow; It's Time to Defund These Wars (3 comments)
Did we expect anything else from this president? Did we think he would show strong courage and conviction by seizing this brilliant opportunity to withdraw sizable numbers of U.S. troops this year and bring the rest home by the end of 2012? Not really; but many of us still harbored a naïve expectation that he might make such a stunning announcement and do what is right for this nation and the world.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 Heed the Warning Signs; America is Edging Ever Closer to a Societal Implosion (54 comments)
Many millions of Americans are currently experiencing intense, unrelenting stress and feelings of despair and futility as they try to cope with a myriad of personal problems largely brought on by this nation's economic crisis. They are not unlike the millions of people in the Middle East that find themselves caught up in protests and violent civil disobedience; in fact they have one thing very much in common with them.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011 America: Once the Most Respected Nation in the World; What Happened? (41 comments)
What happened? Well, that's really not difficult to explain. America once was the most respected, and admired, nation in the world. But then, suddenly, things began to change quite radically and, over a period of several decades, America went from being the most respected nation in the world to the most feared. Going from the most respected to the most feared is quite a feat, so how did such a transformation evolve?
Monday, June 13, 2011 The Republican Party Declares War on the American People; Time to Fight Back (20 comments)
The American people better heed the warning signs. The leadership of the Republican Party is making no secret of the fact that they intend to strip away all entitlements that exist to benefit Americans in need; this is a major part of the process by which they are waging war on the American people and this society. These arrogant, swaggering bullies and their corporate masters want to control America; that must not happen.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 A Nation On a Self-Destructive Path; The Dismantling Of The Middle Class (10 comments)
The American middle class is under intense attack by a consortium composed of Corporate America, Wall Street, the wealthy, and the U.S. Congress. The rich and powerful sectors of this nation have accumulated tremendous wealth but they want more; in fact, they want it all. They are determined to find new and innovative ways to extract the remaining wealth of the middle class and transfer it to their own accounts.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011 President Obama Faces Two Ultimatums; One By China, One By The American People (9 comments)
By his expansion of the Afghan War into the sovereign nation of Pakistan, President Obama has made a grievous mistake that could lead America to the brink of a massive Central Asian war. Pakistan, a nuclear power, is in a state of turmoil as its government and its people react with rage over the continued U.S. encroachment into their nation and the relentless attacks by deadly U.S. drones in civilian populated areas.
Saturday, May 28, 2011 Israel Versus the World; Out of Step, Out of Touch, Becoming a Pariah (7 comments)
Israel is a nation completely out of touch with the nations of the World. When will it realize that the Middle East and the world are undergoing dramatic changes and that its policies of aggressive militancy and repression will no longer work? It's attitude of "it's us against the world" that has driven its foreign policy for many decades has now caused Israel to become an alienated, isolated nation.
Saturday, May 21, 2011 How Do You Spell Sociopath? G-O-P (9 comments)
What is a sociopath? The definitions can get very involved and complicated but, in short, it is "a person with a personality disorder marked by antisocial behavior, a person who has little regard for the feelings of others and manipulates them in order to get what he or she desires." It's a description of an individual "that has little to no sense of right versus wrong."
Tuesday, May 17, 2011 Will America's Military Power or China's Economic Power Prevail in the 21st Century? (6 comments)
America and China are engaged in a monumental struggle, one that might even be called a war, to determine which nation will be the reigning superpower in the 21st century; further to determine whether military power or economic power will prevail in this great battle of ideologies.
Saturday, May 14, 2011 A U.S. President and a Nation Standing at the Crossroads of History (1 comments)
You may have seen those warnings about the world coming to an end in December, 2012, based on supposed ancient Mayan predictions. I'd say that we won't see that happen but I strongly believe that the year 2012 will be a pivotal time in this nation's history; quite possibly our last chance to turn America in a radically different direction before we fall into an irreversible downward spiral.
Friday, May 6, 2011 A Severely Conflicted Nation, Rapidly Becoming Dysfunctional (21 comments)
What is happening to America? We seem to be living in the midst of the second coming of the Civil War. The divisions in America, within the political, social and economic realms, are deeper than I have ever seen them. This society and its many opposing factions seem to be totally incapable of communicating and interacting with any degree of civility and respect.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011 $1,200,000,000,000: What Is That? (5 comments)
Figured it out yet? It's one trillion, 200 billion dollars, our taxpayer dollars that are spent for America's national security; it's the annual cost of maintaining America's military empire. It's the monstrous, bloated defense budget, the lion's share of which goes to America's massive network of bases around the world; it fuels the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. And now we can add Libya.
Who's next?
Friday, April 22, 2011 Is the Pen Mightier Than the Sword? Or is Objective Journalism Dying? (3 comments)
That famous phrase about the power of the pen, coined by English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839, has been used time and again to describe how the presentation of rational, intelligent solutions to disputes is more effective than military force or other forms of violent actions. In the past courageous American journalists have spoken out strongly about societal abuses or questionable military actions and have actually alte
Saturday, April 16, 2011 Nations Being Devastated By War: Afghanistan, Pakistan and - America (6 comments)
It's been a living hell for innocent civilians in these nations under attack and occupation by U.S. and NATO forces. At the same time it is becoming apparent that the more destruction that our government brings down on foreign nations, the more damage it causes to our own nation. Let's call this kind of damage "blowback", generally defined as, "the unforeseen negative consequences of an action or decision."
Thursday, April 7, 2011 Beating the Swords of War Into Plowshares -- Tools to Rebuild America (4 comments)
From the Christian Bible: "They will beat their swords into plowshares." Those words have often been used to illustrate how destructive weapons of war can be converted into positive tools that benefit mankind. America has now arrived at a point in time in which we need to turn weapons of war into the tools needed to rebuild our nation's deteriorating infrastructure.
Friday, April 1, 2011 War: The Deadly, Insidious Disease That Has Infected The Body Of America (2 comments)
War is a deadly cancerous growth that has metastasized and spread into our culture, our society and our daily lives; it is embedded in our national psyche. America needs to find some way to combat this disease before it becomes a terminal condition. But there is one great impediment standing in the way; it's the consortium of the Congress, the U.S. presidency and the Military-Industrial Complex that resists all possible cures.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011 An Energy Crisis of Tsunami Proportions Rushes Toward America (8 comments)
America is already experiencing energy problems but they are nothing compared to the energy crisis that will descend upon this nation in the not too distant future. The question is not if this crisis will actually occur, because it is inevitable; the only question is when. Such a crisis has long been predicted but now is drawing ever closer to becoming a reality. And when it hits, America will find itself totally unprepared.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 Caught in the Crosshairs of America's War: The Children of Afghanistan and Pakistan (5 comments)
The extreme cruelty and brutality of war is on full display in Afghanistan and Pakistan as hardly a week goes by that we do not hear of another attack by U.S. helicopter gunships or deadly drones that involve civilians. And, in so many cases, the victims are innocent, helpless children. These acts are being carried out by our military, based on orders issued by President Obama.
Thursday, March 17, 2011 The Escalating War Within America: A House Divided (28 comments)
When has America been so polarized, with so much division between the various elements of this society? A war is raging within and across America. During one of the most trying times in our history, this nation, this society, instead of pulling together to address and solve our massive problems, is waging a war against itself and, in the process, is pulling our country apart.
Saturday, March 12, 2011 Stop This Damnable War, Mr. Obama; the People Say "Enough is Enough" (10 comments)
One of the greatest attributes of an effective leader is the art of listening. Good communication between parties results in mutual understanding and an atmosphere of trust, honor and respect. Unfortunately, such an atmosphere currently does not exist between President Obama and the people of America. It seems he stopped listening to their opinions quite some time ago.
Monday, March 7, 2011 Change Is Coming; Get Used To Your New "Normalized" Lifestyle (3 comments)
Remember that lifestyle that we all enjoyed back in the year 2000. Remember it with fondness because it's gone and it's not coming back. Welcome to a new, "normalized" lifestyle that will be yours into the foreseeable future. This society, long caught up in the grip of hyper-materialism, went too far, too fast and now that bubble has burst. Dramatic changes to our lifestyles are coming.
Thursday, March 3, 2011 Israel: Adapt to the New Middle East or Face Isolation, Exclusion, Marginalization (4 comments)
Israel just recently lost its only real friend in the Middle East; no, not the Egyptian people but, rather, the dictator Hosni Mubarak. Change is in the air, the long reign of ruthless dictators is rapidly ending. The transformation of the Middle East has generated a momentum that cannot be stopped nor suppressed as the people have tasted the beginnings of freedom.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 Rebellion Rages from the Middle East to the Midwest; the Fight Over People's Rights (4 comments)
Simply astounding! One day we watch in awe as the people of Egypt protest in the streets of Cairo and then our attention is turned inward as we watch the people of Wisconsin protest and occupy the state capitol in Madison. From Tunisia, to Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain, Libya and now Madison, Wisconsin, the people are rising up to fight for their rights.
Thursday, February 17, 2011 Barack Obama: Militarist/Corporatist Candidate For President In 2012 (3 comments)
In November, 2012, Americans will cast their votes in one of the most critical elections in this nation's history. America today is financially crippled, bleeding profusely from its deep self-inflicted wounds. As that critical time approaches and we search for someone to provide the strong leadership to bring this situation under some semblance of control, it is simply not anywhere in sight.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 A New Beginning for Middle East Nations; the Beginning of the End of U.S. and Israel's Domination and Control (2 comments)
A beginning and an end; that is what we are witnessing in Egypt and the Middle East. The peoples' revolutions underway in Egypt and Tunisia that could spread to other Middle East nations have the potential to be one of those great turning points in the history of the world. It is the beginning point for an eventual transformation of the entire region from dictatorial regimes to governments of the people.
Monday, January 31, 2011 The Inevitable, Unavoidable Moment of Truth Draws Ever Closer in Afghanistan (2 comments)
Two unjustifiable wars, two controlled U.S. presidents, two occupied nations where fierce insurgents operate in fearsome terrain; then and now, a deadly combination of factors leading to a calamitous ending. Presidents Johnson in 1968 and Obama in 2011; both conducting massive, costly wars initiated by predecessors; wars that they could and should have ended but did not.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 Help Wanted! A New President; One of Courage, Conviction and A Vision For America (11 comments)
It's time for the American people to conduct an aggressive search for a new president; one like no other we've had in recent times. Somewhere out there in America there is a person, a man or woman, who has the leadership skills and the courage to deal with the deadly effects of our collapsing economy, perpetual, costly wars and a completely corrupted political system.
Saturday, January 22, 2011 What Audacity! President Obama Lectures China On Human Rights (6 comments)
On January 18, President Obama greeted Chinese President Hu Jintao, who had come to America for a summit meeting, and said: "History shows that societies are more harmonious, nations are more successful and the world is more just when the rights and responsibilities of all nations and all peoples are upheld including the universal rights of every human being," Someone should tell him that he should practice what he preaches.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 President Obama Attempts to Sell America on the Orwellian Concept - War is Peace (9 comments)
I just finished re-reading President Obama's 2009 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in which he is stating that war is not really war but that war is really peace. This is so reminiscent of a quote from Orwell's classic novel, "1984"; "The very word 'war', therefore, has become misleading. It would probably be accurate to say that by becoming continuous, war has ceased to exist. ... War is Peace."
Friday, January 14, 2011 A Vision Of An America That Might Have Been (30 comments)
Rather than investing the wealth of America in rebuilding a collapsing economy and a crumbling infrastructure, our government has gambled it away on a very bad investment, namely, war. That wealth should have been used in the process of restoring stability to our nation but it was not and a great opportunity was squandered. I often think about the America that might have been.
Saturday, January 8, 2011 Dissent, Once The Highest Form Of Patriotism, Now An Endangered Concept (7 comments)
The historical quote, "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism" has often been attributed to Thomas Jefferson but historians have been unable to verify that belief. Who actually said it matters little; what matters is the intent of the words themselves that tell us that Americans have a duty to dissent and speak out against our government's actions if they are not in the best interests of the people and our laws.
Thursday, December 30, 2010 Congress, The Military, Corporations: The Collusive Alliance That Fuels America's Wars (6 comments)
America has undergone a dramatic, radical change in the past three decades as the power and influence of the military and corporate America have grown exponentially. These very potent entities are aided and abetted in their closely connected agendas by a combination of the wealthiest Americans, the financial sector, the Congress and the executive and judicial branches of our government.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010 What if the Founding Fathers Had Appeased, Compromised, and Capitulated In Time of Crisis? (8 comments)
Had this nation's Founding Fathers dealt with the British occupation and suppression of colonies in the same way that President Obama has with America's most critical problems this would have been the result: The War of Independence would not have been fought, the U.S. Constitution would never have been written, and all of us would still be British subjects.
Saturday, December 11, 2010 President Obama: Facilitator of War, Orchestrator of Economic Decline (5 comments)
The sign says HELP WANTED. Uncle Sam needs you young Americans for deployment into the vast black hole that is swallowing up U.S. troops for no rational or justifiable reason; it's called Afghanistan. Barack Obama is the master recruiter who is drawing upon the multi-thousands of young Americans who desperately need work but cannot find it. They are easy, readily available targets for America's agenda of perpetual war.
Sunday, December 5, 2010 China: Sitting in the Catbird Seat; When Will It Pull the Plug on U.S. Securities? (1 comments)
Do you get the idea that China is patiently waiting in the wings, ready to become the premier nation in the world when the time is ripe; when the combination of America's pursuit of foreign policy and its dire domestic problems causes it to implode economically?
Saturday, November 27, 2010 America Is Fast Becoming Its Own Worst Enemy (8 comments)
As the legendary cartoon character Pogo once said, "We have met the enemy and he is us." America apparently has masochistic tendencies, i.e., the process of turning one's destructive tendencies inward or upon oneself. The actions being taken by our government, coupled with the inactions of the American people to challenge them, are taking this nation down a dark and dangerous road. We arebecoming our own worst enemy.
Saturday, November 20, 2010 Democrats Must Find a New Presidential Candidate in 2012 (5 comments)
Democrats must immediately begin a search for a candidate in the 2012 elections to challenge Barack Obama. Even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how very, very poorly this man would perform as president. How this president could succeed in alienating almost all elements of the America electorate in such a short time is difficult to fathom; until we consider his style of leadership -" virtually nonexistent.
Thursday, November 18, 2010 NO Help Wanted: American Workers Need Not Apply (4 comments)
Have you, personally, ever applied for unemployment benefits and depended on government checks to keep you afloat? As a manager I thought that could never happen to me, but on one dark day in my life I took my turn in the unemployment line. That has a way of bringing a person down to earth, a most humbling experience. Millions upon millions of American workers have now felt that same humiliation.
Thursday, November 11, 2010 Two Diametrically Opposed Strategies to Control the World's Critical Resources (2 comments)
In addition to the Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan wars, there is a massive war going on just beneath the surface, one that is not being publicized but which will affect the world for decades to come. I'm speaking of the Resource War being waged between the U.S. and China. At stake in this struggle is the control of the world's critical resources, primarily petroleum and natural gas.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010 How Mind Conditioning Facilitates an Agenda of Permanent War (6 comments)
Is there anything in the world that will finally wake the American people to the fact that our current foreign wars are clearly illegal, immoral and totally without any kind of justification? Have we Americans allowed ourselves to become so mentally conditioned that we can no longer differentiate between right and wrong? These wars are wrong and if we continue to accept and condone them, then we are more than wrong.
Friday, November 5, 2010 America Must Heed the Words and the Wisdom of Our Founding Fathers (8 comments)
When those American patriots and heroes knew that they had to go to war against the occupying British forces they did not hesitate; and by their valor they became the architects of our nation and our freedoms. But, though they fought for our independence, and defeated the aggressor, they also warned that war must always be a last resort, not something to be used recklessly or indiscriminately.
Friday, October 29, 2010 How Do You Get Off a Sinking Ship When The Lifeboats Are Full of Holes? (1 comments)
This is a story about the legendary ship, the USS America, a once mighty ship that was the envy of the world, but now is foundering on the rocks of disaster. This ship is rapidly taking on water and it's time to get off, but the lifeboats are useless. The ship's passengers, just like those on the Titanic, before it went to the bottom, are huddled together on the deck, confused, full of fear and dread, praying for a miracle.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010 America Marches Into Permanent War; a Military Draft Looms on the Horizon (6 comments)
Today's facilitators of war are relentlessly pursuing their agenda designed specifically to expand the pervasive military empire around the world. In order to accomplish their objectives they will need more sacrifices from the American people; they will need more of America's young to fuel their wars and they will not hesitate to resurrect the draft when the time comes.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010 America Marches Into Permanent War; a Military Draft Looms on the Horizon (1 comments)
Today's facilitators of war are relentlessly pursuing their agenda designed specifically to expand the pervasive military empire around the world. In order to accomplish their objectives they will need more sacrifices from the American people; they will need more of America's young to fuel their wars and they will not hesitate to resurrect the draft when the time comes.
Monday, October 18, 2010 The Coming War: President Obama Versus The Pentagon and General Patraeus (6 comments)
Get ready for phase 2 of the low key, but continuing struggle between President Obama and the U.S. military. December is fast approaching and, at that time, this nation may witness one of the greatest confrontations in decades between a sitting president and the military under his command.
Thursday, October 14, 2010 Violence, Greed and Corruption: The Treacherous, Deceitful Side of America (3 comments)
Not your father's kind of America is it? No, the America of years past was different; it had a greater sense of meaningful purpose that is missing in our current highly materialistic society. Sure, America was never the epitome of perfection, but in times past, ethics, honesty and morality occupied a much higher place in our society. Violence, greed and corruption have always been present, but they did not rule America.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010 An Ill-Timed, Ill-Advised Provocation Against an Ally; and a Nuclear Power (2 comments)
The rapidly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan has now boiled over into Pakistan, our supposed ally, as the U.S./NATO coalition carried out a provocative military action that has the potential to destabilize the Pakistani government and the entire region. It was made very clear that borders of sovereign nations are no longer relevant and can be violated at will by the coalition forces.
Thursday, September 30, 2010 The Sun Begins to Set on the American Empire; History Repeats Itself (8 comments)
Empires come and then they go, they rise and then they fall; but not one of the many empires that existed in the history of the world has ever survived. Now the world watches the beginning of the end of the American empire. This empire, created and developed over many decades since World War II by the military-industrial complex and its many Washington facilitators, has seen its day and will go the way of all past empires.
Monday, September 27, 2010 Corporate America's Lords Have Turned American Workers Into Serfs (4 comments)
The Feudal System, common in Europe between the 9th and 15th centuries, and capitalism are quite different except for a specific similarity; each system involves a hierarchy that includes lords at the top and serfs at the bottom. The system we call capitalism and the corporate lords who administer it, have transformed once valuable and productive manufacturing workers into no more than serfs.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 America, a Nation Struggling to Recapture its Identity, Purpose and Direction (1 comments)
America is the world leader in exactly what? Your answer cannot be war, because that is already widely acknowledged. Only positive, meaningful endeavors for which America can claim pre-eminence in the world can be considered. Two things come to mind; being the world's leader in imported products from other nations as well as being the biggest debtor nation -" both negative indicators of a nation's economic health.
Thursday, September 16, 2010 The Power and Influence of the Military Establishment is Destroying Our Democracy (3 comments)
We have been led to believe that ours is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. If you still believe that to be true then ask yourself this question: Who has more power and influence over the Congress and President Obama, the people of America or the military establishment? The answer is clear; it's no longer the people.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010 A Devastating Electoral Tsunami Races Toward President Obama and the Democrats (11 comments)
Will this president start acting like the man who is charged with the responsibility of leading America, or will he continue to govern in the passive and half-hearted manner that has marked his presidency thus far; one that will take down his presidency and the Democratic Party with it? Time is running out for him; but worse yet, time is running out for America.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 Your Choice America, War or Economic Survival; You Can't Have Both (9 comments)
Make your choice America and choose wisely because your decision will determine the ultimate fate of this nation. The choices are quite clear. We can choose the Washington Establishment's agenda of perpetual war or we can totally reject unnecessary wars and rebuild the economic foundation of America. There is only one choice; we cannot have it both ways.
Saturday, August 28, 2010 Israel Seemingly Will Not Rest Until It Sets The Middle East Ablaze (9 comments)
Our government and our president know full well just how very grave this situation has now become. Even a very small spark could set the Middle East ablaze. This escalating confrontation has reached a most critical point and it's time that our president, Mr. Obama, stops vacillating and proves to the world that he is worthy of his Nobel Peace Prize
Sunday, August 22, 2010 Osama Bin Laden's Goal to Bankrupt America Edging Closer to Reality (8 comments)
Unless we witness a return to sanity, and real soon, our current inability to reject war as the dominant priority of this nation will result in the economic death of America. And Bin Laden's promise and plan to bankrupt America will become a reality.
Sunday, August 15, 2010 Here's the "real change" that America desperately needs; and needs it now! (5 comments)
Some of the best advice I ever heard was: if you want to get something really important done the first thing you must do is -" START! That's not happening in America today; we just can't seem to get untracked. When a candidate runs for political office it's routine to proclaim that "it's time for change" or "I stand for change." And, of course, we remember the Obama campaign when he promised to do just that if elected.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 "America's Vital Interests": Code Words Meaning Other Nations' Critical Resources (2 comments)
How many times have you heard these words; we must protect America's vital interests? George W. Bush used them many times and President Obama uses them routinely. It's become the standard reasoning used by U.S. presidents in their attempts to justify our invasions and military occupations of other countries, most recently Iraq and Afghanistan. But do Americans know what those words really mean?
Saturday, August 7, 2010 And, So, The Love Affair Ends. President Obama's Political Base Eroding (35 comments)
President Obama has pulled off an astounding feat less than two years into his presidency. His political base, made up of liberals, progressives and independents, is no longer blindly loyal but, in fact, has become very disillusioned. It is apparent that the president and many of his supporters are simply not on the same page. On issue after issue his base and he are drifting further and further apart.
Monday, August 2, 2010 The Blood-Stained Hands Of Congress; War Wins Again, Our Kids Lose (3 comments)
This is a troubling story of what is happening to America; what we, as a nation and a society, have now become. It shows how the twisted and misguided priorities that our government has adopted put the pursuit of war above all else, certainly above the welfare of our citizens. This story and many others like it clearly illustrate the depth to which morality in America has descended; a dark time in our history.
Monday, July 26, 2010 What Can You Do If An Unwanted, Belligerent "Houseguest" Will Not Go home? (12 comments)
Think of someone who you didn't invite to your house, but who still shows up and, then upon entering, draws a gun and starts barking orders. Well, when you recover from the shock, you might say, "Wait a minute, this is my house, and you must leave." However your now ensconced "guest" loudly announces, "I'm here, I intend to remain here as long as I wish." Well, it seems you have a mighty big dilemma on your hands.
