Protest is the only hope.

17 years 7 months ago

I am a Warrior Poet

I am a Warrior Poet my only weapons truth light and love like Venus i bear no arms, ever rising from the Sea of Tranquility no weapons of mass destruction to be found in graves past present and future no dead words to remember nor regret no ammunition to store or spare I shall carry you onward, o Christian Soldier, Lion of Judah, the lamb is here, Buddha of Silence, open your third eye o Muslim Prayer, Mecca is everywhere O bloody Battlefield of Arunja, wipe your sweating, tear-stained brow, I shall break down the walls of perception and find a tell-tale heart, beating with broken wings in the palm of my hand, I shall love you until we are no more. and we both must let go. ~A

andyk

17 years 7 months ago

ahhhhh

I must heartily congratulate you on your poem. Really well done it was a joy to read and expresses a sentiment I wholly endorse.

17 years 7 months ago

Jess

The only problem with what you are saying is that you assume everyone that loves their country is a jingoist and most aren't. There are those that love their country AND see it's faults. You toss that word around quite often to those that do not agree with your view of America. America has flaws, but all in all it is a pretty damn good country as is Australia. Right now we are headed down a very dangerous path because we are headed toward socialism. Most of the economic woes we have right now is because of the liberal socialist element in our congress and senate that basically forced lending institutions to finance housing and other commodities without respect to the person's ability to pay it back. We are subsidizing raising food crops for fuel, building bridges to nowhere, and trying to take away the money from those who provide jobs and put it into the pockets of those who will not work. Now our wonderful liberal congress is talking over nationalizing our 401K savings plans and having it run by the social security administration at a 3% interest rate. To top it off what they are considering is confiscation of your money, then giving it back a little at a time, then when you die they take 50% of it and your heirs only get 50%. Argentina just did the same thing, Venzuela has already done it a few years ago. Now, tell me what you call a person that hates their country so much that nothing that is done is right? I would call them idiots and would gladly pay for them a one way ticket to anywhere else in the world they think is better. There is a fine line between a patriot and a jingoist my friend and you tend to confuse the two constantly. Be more careful of categorizing people as one or the other Jess. One more little point my friend. I have noticed that you say you are fighting against bigots and religion. Look very carefully Jess, lest you become the bigot you are fighting against and let your religion of anti religion become the same as those you claim to abhor. Someone who mentions God or that they believe is not the same as someone trying to convert you, but a total dismissal of that persons faith is as much bigotry as someone saying that you are not a good person if you don't believe. I am as quick as you are to tell someone to go to hell or jump in a deep hole if they start "preaching" to me, but I will also defend that same persons right to believe or disbelieve. Just be careful that you don't become the exact same thing you point out in others. Respectfully, Rett: "Does this election remind you of The Emperors New Clothes? No one has the guts to tell him because..." Rett

17 years 7 months ago

NO NO NO my friend

I am trying to point out the difference between patriotism and jingoism. That was the first line, I love my country, it's beauty, its mateship, its multiculturalism, and I despise its rascism, genocide and greed. We are not so different. We are only patriots if we protest what is wrong, not blindly, bigotly uncritical victims. Like I said before, my criticisms of America are criticisms of Australia. I won't use the wrord redneck because it has many positive meanings, workers, exploited. (and yes I have cleaned my ute (aussie for pickup) by backing up fast and hitting the breaks. Broke some stuff, but it was junk. A really interesting thing. When Che and Castro asked if the peasants wanted to be communists, they said NO, No way. But when they asked if they wanted agrarian reform and the end of Feudal exploitation, they said YES YES and picked up guns. The jargon is not the message. cheers, Jess

17 years 7 months ago

Ah Jess

I understand what you meant by jingoist. I was just trying to point out that sometimes you go off half cocked and call someone a jingoist without first finding out how they really feel. Our views may differ and even Tom and mine differ, but underneath we are not so different. Tell me Jess my friend, how would you feel about it if everytime I said something about your native land it was how stupid, how terrible, how bigoted and how they are always meddling where they weren't wanted? How would you feel if the only thing I ever talked about was the shortfalls I thought Australia had. Do you understand? Even one who is aware of his country's flaws and wants it to do better will get tired of it and defend it. It is only human nature. Kind of the old, "We will fight among ourselves, but you keep your damn nose out of it or we'll all turn on you syndrome." You are not a bad person Jess, you are just like an old west cowboy with a beer or two and sees enemies at every turn. You end up drawing and firing before you see what it really is. Respectfully, Rett: "You want change? Let's elect a president and give him total power for a year. At the end of one year he is marched out into the middle of Reliant Stadium in Houston and locked in with 50,000 of the American people. Let them decide

17 years 7 months ago

No No no, my friend.

a jingoist is someome who defends their country when they are wrong.Patriots defend their country when the country has good values. I am not a and anti patriot, I love my country when I agree with it. I choose the right to dissent . If we abrogate the right to dissent we are wimpy soothsayers. I know you are a thinker and a truth sayer with courage. You know there ismuch to say about America. Say it. Jess

17 years 7 months ago

I must not have pressed

I must not have pressed *send* (once again!!!) Rett, you seem adamant against *socialist* tendencies.... in its truest ideal, is not socialism the answer to the question: "Am I my brother's keeper"? All that is right and wrong about Capitalism, Socialism, Communism, Democracy etc is that the ideal was perverted by those who seem to be power-money corrupt and greedy. It's the ugly side of humanity. ~A

17 years 7 months ago

Anna

The problem with socialism/communism is goes under the premise that the ones who have the ability work for those who haven't and all share in the pie. The easieat way to express this and have it in the absolute PUREST for is. Okay, you make $4000.00 dollars a month (hypothetical) tHROUGH INCAPACITY, LACK OF AMBITION, LACK OF ABILITY OR EDUCATION i ONLY MAKE $2000.00 a month. Then you should give me $1000.00 dollars of your money so that we are equal. Each of us is then making $3000.00 a month. If you think that is fair then you are a victim of our education system. What money I get is what I have earned and if my neighbor works hard, has the drive and ability to make $50000.00 a month it is his, not mine or anyone else in the neighborhood should have a claim to it. I didn't earn it, Joe downh the street didn't earn it so why should we get his hard earned pay. The problem now days is wealthy has become a dirty word. I say, if he/she earned that money then more power to him! I am not responsible to you or anyone else except for the responsibility I decide I want to take. A couple of good books from the long lost past that you should read is "The Fountainhead" and Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand and not Mien Koff. Socialism is inherently flawed by assuming that everyone has a responsibility to everyone else and the fruits of your labor belongs to others. That is nonsense. *G* I like you a lot, my friend, as you always raise good points, but this one is no more a good point than is total anarchy. If nothing else this should be a good discussion. *LOL* Thank you. BTW. you are right about all of it getting perverted, but in a Democratic Republic, as is the USA, if the people pay attention and vote the corrupt ones out of office, the problem can be cured. Too bad the people don't pay attention. They have much more important things, like where do we go eat for supper , on their mind. Respectfully, Rett: "Does this election remind you of The Emperors New Clothes? No one has the guts to tell him because..." Rett

17 years 7 months ago

Rett, like Cohen said:

Rett, like Cohen said: "there's a crack in everything, that's how the light gets is". Ok. Let's look at this from an another perspective. Social security, universal hospitalization and *welfare* are what is in place already. Now let's look at those who receive and/or need them and why. Think about it for a while.... think about it honestly... and think about it from the point of *need* and not *abuse of the system*. That's what I'm speaking of. Btw I read anything Ayn Rand plus a few books most have never heard of. And I think for myself.... without prejudice and distortion of my own egoic need to be *right* or *wrong*. My point was EVERY -ism has some good points..and none of it is working effectively. We see what Capitalism has evolved to on a global front.... and we've been shoving *Democracy* down the world's throat long enough to make a few more generations of enemies. As far as the people of the USA are concerned, let me remind you of this: It is the very consciousness of the American people who elect their leaders. Not much else can be said. Can you say *group* think? Peace and light. ~A

Arrow

17 years 7 months ago

Thank you, Anna.

I work in a hospital and know that anyone - suddenly - can become gravely disabled, even hard-working, ambitious people. All it takes is one fall or one car accident to become a traumatic brain injury patient. One cancer diagnosis, if you are caring for yourself and can no longer work, can make you homeless and uninsured. The list of unexpected catastrophes goes on and on.

17 years 7 months ago

Anna, Arrow

I respect you both and have been hospitalized several times due to heart, RA and Gout. I know how easy it is to have a debilitating injury. I am for programs that will help people, but I do not like socialism. I for one have watched the government screw up more programs than you can imagine. Hell, they can't control their own budget and you want them controlling everyone's health care? Like they did with social security> It was supposed to be a separate fund and set up that way it would have been self supporting, but our greedy congress and senate wanted to get their hands on it so made it accessible in the general fund. On the whole, capitalism works much better than socialism. Name me one socialist country that actually performs as you think socialism should. If we are our brothers keeper then we should all join the nearest church, pay our tithes and take care of the people in that neighborhood. hmm, actually that has two flaws. Socialists don't like religion getting in the way and I don't like giving my money to crooked preachers either. Anyway, it is a great discussion my friends and you both bring up interesting points of view. Again, thank you. Respectfully, Rett: "Does this election remind you of The Emperors New Clothes? No one has the guts to tell him because..." Rett

Arrow

17 years 7 months ago

Just emphasizing the need

for some kind of safety net. Community resources can work well. We often have patients brought in by police, homeless shelters, local clergy and, sometimes, concerned neighbors. There are many ways to keep one's "siblings".

17 years 7 months ago

Rett, i am curious here….

Rett, i am curious here.... what do YOU call all the government SUBSIDIES, pray tell????????? ????? And thank you very much I have always been blessed with health. However, my x, my parents and close friends have had more than their fair share of the medical system and my x is living proof of what happens when there is no safety net for the average person... should health be compromised and so with it the ability to work *for a living*. The point is not what/which system works better (because what is in place is a RESULT of years of use/misuse).... it may be a simple thinking-out-of-the-box.... not an either OR conditional viewpoint but an inclusive/inclusion of the best of all worlds... Lord God of my Being, grant this world an open mind and open heart. I've getting tired of the same old song and dance.... that's not how things CHANGE for the better. Peace and Light. ~A

17 years 7 months ago

Anna, we have a lot of useless

programs that they keep throwing money at with no results. When has government ever ran anything with efficiency? We have a public school system here that is controlled by a powerful teachers union that is always screaming for more and more money from local, state and federal government which is usually used to line their own pockets instead of making needed changes and raises for teachers. We need to have school vouchers and make schools compete for the money available by offering better corriculum and results. We need teachers that can teach and not have to worry about meeting all the myriad guidelines the government imposes and have the teachers themselves take testing on a regular basis like I had to do im my job to prove that I was competent. I guarantee you that if you were to put the average student up against the average student of 50 years ago you would find they do not have as much grasp of basics as they did then. We have engineers today that can't write a decent sentence and english teachers that can hardly add 2+2. A lot of our government programs are just pablum for the masses so they can keep electing these same tired old people year after year. Why, because they promise to take care of them from cradle to grave. We are teaching people that the government should take care of everything and that we should have no responsibility for any of our action as it is always someone elses fault. I want change more than anyone. I want people to quit blaming everyone else for their own actions. I want people to change into taking responsibility for things they do, not think the government should hold their hand every step of the way. I want change to start holding our government responsible for their stupidity, their depravity, their dishonesty and their total lack of regard for Joe Average. The top 20% of the people pay 60% of the taxes. What is your idea of fair share? I don't think the government should be taking all that money from anyone. I support a flat tax and smaller government. I support a government that listens to the people and is controlled by the people. I support people watching their government and making them take responsibility for their action. *LOL* God, I am loving this discussion my friend! Respectfully, Rett: "Does this election remind you of The Emperors New Clothes? No one has the guts to tell him because..." Rett

17 years 7 months ago

1. We just gave government

1. We just gave government control of banks. Now what? 2. Government R Us (When did the government become an unmanageable BEAST? Hint: power corrupts... absolute power corrupts absolutely?) 3. As a Realtor I was privy to much insight.... can u blame folks for *abusing* systems that are still if not overtly, but subtly oppressive to the underclass segments of American population? And don't tell me there is none.* 4. Those who are at the high-end of the tax bracket seem to have their hands in even deeper pockets ~ those who make the rules... Example: Taking millions of dollars for bonuses...while cutting pay, jobs, benefits, moving business out of the country. 5. Where is Diogenes with his trusty lantern? Is he still looking for an honest man? 6. What will you do when the status quo which holds your life together, Rhett is broken? It seems that only when the haves fall into that have nots economics do some roosters come home to roost. 7. Whoops, there it is! *And last of all, ladies and gentlemen, I offer for your consideration the following: (spoken in Rod Serlingesque), if upper crust riche lived near the faulty levees in New Orleans would they have been? Light. ~A

17 years 7 months ago

Very well done Anna

new 1. We just gave government control of banks. Now what? Rett: That really sucks to me. The beginning of major socialism. 2. Government R Us (When did the government become an unmanageable BEAST? Hint: power corrupts… absolute power corrupts absolutely?) Rett: In our system “we the people” have failed in our duty to control our government by not voting or by voting on recognition or the media telling us how to vote. 3. As a Realtor I was privy to much insight…. can u blame folks for *abusing* systems that are still if not overtly, but subtly oppressive to the underclass segments of American population? And don’t tell me there is none.* Rett: There is that which is a good point and I happen to agree here. 4. Those who are at the high-end of the tax bracket seem to have their hands in even deeper pockets ~ those who make the rules… Example: Taking millions of dollars for bonuses…while cutting pay, jobs, benefits, moving business out of the country. Rett: Part is their fault. Part lies with the government imposing excessive taxes to support their own lifestyle, buying votes and lining their pockets. The purpose of business is to make a profit. If the profit is better overseas they will go, just as you will take the higher pay if offered. This is not to say I agree with all of it, but I understand it. 5. Where is Diogenes with his trusty lantern? Is he still looking for an honest man? Rett: He was imprisoned by the old USSR, sent to Siberia and was never seen again. 6. What will you do when the status quo which holds your life together, Rhett is broken? It seems that only when the haves fall into that have nots economics do some roosters come home to roost. Rett: Again, that falls on the shoulders of “we the people” who can vote with their minds and their pocketbooks. One final point on this one. Without the “haves” there will only be “have nots”. 7. Whoops, there it is! Rett: Yep, there it is. *LOL* *And last of all, ladies and gentlemen, I offer for your consideration the following: (spoken in Rod Serlingesque), if upper crust riche lived near the faulty levees in New Orleans would they have been? Rett: Now THAT is a subject near and dear to my heart as I lived in New Orleans and the surrounding areas for several years at different times in my life. That was a liberal paradise. Time and again they received government money for repairs and upgrades on the levee system and guess what the paradise runners did with it. Time and again they used that money to line their pockets, redirected it to refurbishing the French Quarter, building Mardi Gras statues. Everything but what it was provided for. The mayor at the time was a total idiot, and got re-elected, the city government and police were corrupt and on the take. The Governor of the state was such an idiot she wouldn’t give permission for the national guard to go in there till it was way past when they should have. You did know that the U.S. cannot use troops inside the borders without the permission of the state unless in time of war didn’t you? Now does that answer that? Even if they had lived right there it would not have made a bit of difference because they were busy with their hand in the cookie jar and they could afford to leave and not be dependent on a stupid mayor and governor. Light. ~A Respectfully, Rett: "Does this election remind you of The Emperors New Clothes? No one has the guts to tell him because..." Rett

17 years 7 months ago

Staring off with a p.s.

Staring off with a p.s. here... MISSY JESS U R CHICKEN SHIT!!! LOL! 1. We just gave government control of banks. Now what? Rett: That really sucks to me. The beginning of major socialism. A: ...we'll see.... won't we....(un)fortunately.... 2. Government R Us (When did the government become an unmanageable BEAST? Hint: power corrupts… absolute power corrupts absolutely?) Rett: In our system “we the people” have failed in our duty to control our government by not voting or by voting on recognition or the media telling us how to vote. A: Absolutamente! 3. As a Realtor I was privy to much insight…. can u blame folks for *abusing* systems that are still if not overtly, but subtly oppressive to the underclass segments of American population? And don’t tell me there is none.* Rett: There is that which is a good point and I happen to agree here. A: Thank you Monsieu Rett, otherwise i would have clobbered u. ;-) 4. Those who are at the high-end of the tax bracket seem to have their hands in even deeper pockets ~ those who make the rules… Example: Taking millions of dollars for bonuses…while cutting pay, jobs, benefits, moving business out of the country. Rett: Part is their fault. Part lies with the government imposing excessive taxes to support their own lifestyle, buying votes and lining their pockets. The purpose of business is to make a profit. If the profit is better overseas they will go, just as you will take the higher pay if offered. This is not to say I agree with all of it, but I understand it. A: hmmm. we understand much snafu shit... but do nothing or have our hands tied in one way or another, eh? 5. Where is Diogenes with his trusty lantern? Is he still looking for an honest man? Rett: He was imprisoned by the old USSR, sent to Siberia and was never seen again. A: O u have classified info u r privy to? 6. What will you do when the status quo which holds your life together, Rhett is broken? It seems that only when the haves fall into that have nots economics do some roosters come home to roost. Rett: Again, that falls on the shoulders of “we the people” who can vote with their minds and their pocketbooks. One final point on this one. Without the “haves” there will only be “have nots”. A; Hmmm. Where is the balance? Not in our government's checking account. If they would have spent the billions and trillions and all these bailouts... by paying off every mortgage in America between 0 & 200K (let's say for the sake of argument)...Do you not think that the economy would be er... er.... sluggish? Additionally.... when gas prices were over $4. gal... do u not think that there might have been some inside information to raise it because the bottom is going to drop out. And one more thing..... let's say i'm selling a product.... in order for me to keep in the blacker black (& out of the red) I DID NOT raise my prices....even though I would have had to tighten MY BELT; the economy suffers because EVERYONE IS RAISING PRICES INCREMENTALLY.... what if just one person said no and started THAT trend? Might you think.......there's a ......connection? (asked in Fargoesque) 7. Whoops, there it is! Rett: Yep, there it is. *LOL* A: ;-) *And last of all, ladies and gentlemen, I offer for your consideration the following: (spoken in Rod Serlingesque), if upper crust riche lived near the faulty levees in New Orleans would they have been? Rett: Now THAT is a subject near and dear to my heart as I lived in New Orleans and the surrounding areas for several years at different times in my life. That was a liberal paradise. Time and again they received government money for repairs and upgrades on the levee system and guess what the paradise runners did with it. Time and again they used that money to line their pockets, redirected it to refurbishing the French Quarter, building Mardi Gras statues. Everything but what it was provided for. The mayor at the time was a total idiot, and got re-elected, the city government and police were corrupt and on the take. The Governor of the state was such an idiot she wouldn’t give permission for the national guard to go in there till it was way past when they should have. You did know that the U.S. cannot use troops inside the borders without the permission of the state unless in time of war didn’t you? Now does that answer that? Even if they had lived right there it would not have made a bit of difference because they were busy with their hand in the cookie jar and they could afford to leave and not be dependent on a stupid mayor and governor. A: However, Amy Goodman could be arrested and detained.... you know that story don't you? I'm also relatively certain the problems would not have been casually over-looked and/or dismissed had the mayor and governor lived near the levees. At least they would have *appropriated* some money for that purpose, for my 2 cents. Light. ~A Respectfully, Rett: “Does this election remind you of The Emperors New Clothes? No one has the guts to tell him because…” Rett

infinite_dwarf

17 years 7 months ago

aww Anna

That hurts my feelings, girl! LOL!! I'll nap on it, and maybe come back for a few licks when I have more energy. Just got off the road not too long ago, and I'm wiped. I'm gonna send my halloween ghost over to haunt you now.... LMAO!! (hugs) ~Jess K. ---------------------------------------------------- -"So you stand on the corner in your new English clothes, and you look so polished from your hair down to your toes. Ah, but still your finger's gonna pick your nose after all." - Billy Joel

17 years 7 months ago

Jess, you go girl, Anna

I am thoroughly enjoying this. Right now I am in the middle of my football and also bbq-ing. Will get back to you later. Wonderful discussion! Respectfully, Rett: "Does this election remind you of The Emperors New Clothes? No one has the guts to tell him because..." Rett

17 years 7 months ago

6. What will you do when the

6. What will you do when the status quo which holds your life together, Rhett is broken? It seems that only when the haves fall into that have nots economics do some roosters come home to roost. Rett: Again, that falls on the shoulders of “we the people” who can vote with their minds and their pocketbooks. One final point on this one. Without the “haves” there will only be “have nots”. A; Hmmm. Where is the balance? Not in our government’s checking account. If they would have spent the billions and trillions and all these bailouts… by paying off every mortgage in America between 0 & 200K (let’s say for the sake of argument)…Do you not think that the economy would be er… er…. sluggish? Rett: it probably would not be as sluggish, but something for nothing? It doesn't work. Now if they paid off the mortgages and took control and sold the property then it would probably have stimulated the market. Additionally…. when gas prices were over $4. gal… do u not think that there might have been some inside information to raise it because the bottom is going to drop out. Rett: Now THAt may very well be. If you have listened to the news the domocrat controlled congress was willing to let the people suffer because they wanted the gas prices high. Palosi, Murtha and Lieberman are on record saying they didn't want prices to fall, they wanted them higher so people would quit driving. That is in addition to both parties blocking our own drilling of gas an oil. Even now, they mention we need to drill offshore, but never mention the massive reserves we have onshore in Alaska, Montana, South Dakota, Texas and Oklahoma. And one more thing….. let’s say i’m selling a product…. in order for me to keep in the blacker black (& out of the red) I DID NOT raise my prices….even though I would have had to tighten MY BELT; the economy suffers because EVERYONE IS RAISING PRICES INCREMENTALLY…. what if just one person said no and started THAT trend? Rett: That sounds so good thorectically. A lot held off on raising prices until they had to. When the cost of fuel and the raw materials for your product soars to 3, 4 or 5 times or more than what it was, more than belt tightening is needed. The government isn't going to do anything about it. They are part of the cause. The more profit they make the more taxes they collect. Raising taxes is not the answer. It causes products to go higher, jobs to go lower and everyone but the very rich suffer hardship. John Kennedy, Ronald Regan and yes, the hated George Bush proved that when you cut taxes, the government gets more money. It just comes to them another way. * voice like Jerry Lewis' Absent minded professor* Might you think…….there’s a ……connection? (asked in Fargoesque) *And last of all, ladies and gentlemen, I offer for your consideration the following: (spoken in Rod Serlingesque), if upper crust riche lived near the faulty levees in New Orleans would they have been? Rett: Now THAT is a subject near and dear to my heart as I lived in New Orleans and the surrounding areas for several years at different times in my life. That was a liberal paradise. Time and again they received government money for repairs and upgrades on the levee system and guess what the paradise runners did with it. Time and again they used that money to line their pockets, redirected it to refurbishing the French Quarter, building Mardi Gras statues. Everything but what it was provided for. The mayor at the time was a total idiot, and got re-elected, the city government and police were corrupt and on the take. The Governor of the state was such an idiot she wouldn’t give permission for the national guard to go in there till it was way past when they should have. You did know that the U.S. cannot use troops inside the borders without the permission of the state unless in time of war didn’t you? Now does that answer that? Even if they had lived right there it would not have made a bit of difference because they were busy with their hand in the cookie jar and they could afford to leave and not be dependent on a stupid mayor and governor. A: However, Amy Goodman could be arrested and detained…. you know that story don’t you? Rett: As a matter of fact I do. It is still a bit unclear whether her two colleagues were part of the riot or not, but in no way should she have been arrested unless she did something that we didn't see. That was a tense situation in which I think the police may have over reacted. I don't make snap judgements as people did on the Rodney King arrest/beating tape where if you see the full tape, they repeatedly tried to get him to quit struggling and he wouldn't. A lot of stuff happens that shouldn't on both sides. On this one I tend to think the police were wrong. I’m also relatively certain the problems would not have been casually over-looked and/or dismissed had the mayor and governor lived near the levees. At least they would have *appropriated* some money for that purpose, for my 2 cents. Rett: possible, but I honestly don't think they gave a darn. While people were being rescued, one government official had someone go rescue his illegal money. BTW, did you see the news coverage on it and all the people that "supposedly were getting mugged, raped and killed in the Super Dome? Turns out it was false. Two people died, One from natural causes and one from stupidity. He tried to jump from one level to the other. I have very much enjoyed this dialogue Anna and you raise some interesting points and views which I respect. We also agree on some points. Isn't it nice to debate w/o getting all up in arms and calling each other names? Thank you very much. Light. Respectfully, Rett: "Does this election remind you of The Emperors New Clothes? No one has the guts to tell him because..." Rett

17 years 7 months ago

Anna, an update to the levee situation I just found out

I knew that for many years New Orleans has had a problem with the Formosan Termite and it has practically wrecked the French Quarters on several occasions, but a new report has come out that I heard on the news this morning. Seems the levee failure was caused by termites eating away at some of the critical underpinnings on the levee that failed. Yes, it was one of those cases where sub par materials were used years ago when another crooked govenor and mayor in the state gave contracts to their kinfolks and they used sub par materials and pocketed the rest of the money. Respectfully, Rett: "You want change? Let's elect a president and give him total power for a year. At the end of one year he is marched out into the middle of Reliant Stadium in Houston and locked in with 50,000 of the American people. Let them decide

yenti

17 years 7 months ago

All The Above

I have a strange love for you all, that transends your ways, or what ever you are. I am not my brothers keeper, or in no way responsible for his actions, that I love him is enough, it is what my brother does with that love is sometimes misdirected. You cannot control them whoever they are, be they polititions or even your Kin, they are free to do as they think. If you think and be as you should be, and it is past on in love and understanding then you in yourself are Good it may become the norm, it may take a thousand years, oh well I will not see the peace LOL. Back to poetry you naughty children, and by the way the Warrior poet piece was very good. Love to you All, Ian.T

17 years 7 months ago

Yes you are. We all are.

Yes you are. We all are. We all suffer from the ill effects or glory in the best efforts of our brothers and sisters actions/inactions. 'Nuff said. ~A

17 years 7 months ago

Just to be certain

I checked dictionary.com and here is the actual definition. JINGOISM Extreme and emotional nationalism, or chauvinism, often characterized by an aggressive foreign policy, accompanied by an eagerness to wage war. So, according to that definition, it's apparent to me that America is at war with Jingoism. Jingoists are terrorists that are hunting Americans (and other civilized peoples). If you count American's who support the war on terror as jingoists, guilty as charged! Why don't you focus your anger and efforts on getting that Aussie girl out of jail for smuggling dope.

17 years 7 months ago

boy you got a clean arsehole.

So self-righteous you might dissappear up it. I hope so. Listen to yourself, many Americans are jingoists. You wage war. cheers, Jess

17 years 7 months ago

I have 2 actually

I'm sitting on one, and the other is in my Buddy List.

17 years 7 months ago

You just defined the worst aspects of America.

Don't get me wrong, Ginsberg, Kerouack, Pattie Smith, the Ramones, Jackson Pollock, America is wonderful I love it. Just get jingoism right. It is mindless adoration. cheers, Jess

17 years 7 months ago

socialism is not Stalinism or Communism

It's just people not exploiting people. cheers, Jess

17 years 7 months ago

no comment

Jess

17 years 7 months ago

I was trying to help you steer your anger

away from America. Direct some anger at that injustice. That actually IS your business.

17 years 7 months ago

Jess, what exactly is your diagnosis?

and have you been following the recommended dosage?

17 years 7 months ago

I say again and again,

my anger is not just against America, it is against all exploitive nations, including my own. cheers, Jess

andyk

17 years 7 months ago

lots of steam

This is primarily aimed at Jess. You have the right to spout off purely as a result of your countries/governments policies and military prowess and alliances. All the "great civilisations" throughout history have been expolitive, Egyptians, Greeks, Mayan, Roman, Persian, British etc etc but that was only one aspect of their civilisation. They also had incredible scientific and social flowerings. It is not possible to have a great nation that has no power and does not exploit. Businesses, who pay for all social projects through taxes are by default exploiting enterprises, buying or manufacturing a product or service at a lower price than they sell it for. Our entire system is based on trade. All systems by default are flawed, you just have to make the least flawed that you are able but exploitation cannot be removed from the system at all levels. You cannot have a one ended stick. If you do read this Jess, can you please name me a non exploitative nation or civilisation from any period in history. One final comment, why are you so angry Jess. You could say you are just passionate but calling someone self righteous and remarks about dissapearing up their own arse etc does not appear to be passionate but angry and bigoted, I would not like to see you in charge of a socialist country in your current state of aggression. Now how about discussing the poem.

17 years 7 months ago

Welcome Andy

and you either get used to Jess, give it back to him sometimes, or just ignore him. Except for him, we all get along fairly well around here, and sometimes, he's a pretty good guy too. Tom

infinite_dwarf

17 years 7 months ago

Oh boy

I ain't touchin' this with a 20 foot pole. All y'all are on your own. LOL ~Jess K. ---------------------------------------------------- -"So you stand on the corner in your new English clothes, and you look so polished from your hair down to your toes. Ah, but still your finger's gonna pick your nose after all." - Billy Joel

themoonman

17 years 7 months ago

My my...

what a debate... it turned into much more than you figured huh Jess.... very interesting views on what makes it wrong or more wrong... and what are we left with... we still have the corrupt in power, or leading those in power... it makes me wonder if there is an honest man in politics. Are any of our leaders really there for us... I think it started out that way, our founding fathers didn't have so much to gain from its people other than a safer walk through life... now is a different time... who do we elect, who do we kick out... is it a revolution we need.. everyone here has their points... but we are still left with the current system in place... this has been a most interesting forum... I say get out and vote... be involved.. know what is going on in our country.. trouble is one gets swept up in what others think... very few think for themselves anymore... Richard

barbsdad2003

17 years 7 months ago

Hey, Jess

Your point's well made in the piece. You're entitled to be called here a warrior's warrior. Kudos! and congrats! As to follow-on discussion(s), choose to believe whatever you want of the following: I'm unhappy with the status quo. I guess that makes me liberal. I'm for sacrificing civil rights, if need be, to protect my country, my state, my city, my family. I guess that makes me conservative. Uh-oh. I guess sacrificing civil rights doesn't protect my family, come to think of it. I'm for reconstituting the HUAC and falsely labeling people as less than American. I guess that makes me reactionary. As to Right to Life, I'm for making sure every sperm has an egg to fertilize. I guess that makes me crazy. I'm in the political center (if there is such a thing). In the U.S., that makes me liberal. A label, obviously, that to way too many conservatives amounts to a four-letter word. I'm more or less in the political center. The U.S. leans right. We are a right-leaning nation. Political centrists in that context appear liberal, and esp. so to the uninformed. Which, by the way, liberal's not a four-letter word. Just as conservative is not a four-letter word. Just don't get me started on religion. Regards/Affections, Chuck

17 years 7 months ago

Sorry Chuck

Being in the middle doesn't make you a liberal in America. It just makes you either a conservative, a conservative democrat or a conservative Republican. Or maybe a conservative constitutionalist which is basically my position. I agree with some on the left and some on the right, but I dislike both extremes. I guess you could just say I am my own person, weird or no. Respectfully, Rett: "You want change? Let's elect a president and give him total power for a year. At the end of one year he is marched out into the middle of Reliant Stadium in Houston and locked in with 50,000 of the American people. Let them decide

17 years 7 months ago

you understand, Chuck

cheers, Jess

17 years 7 months ago

Suffice it to say…..

Suffice it to say..... it's easy to be *at peace* with alike minds.... it's difficult as all fuck when we sit across the table with folks who stand for the antithesis of our own beliefs. I experience that often enough in my Middle East Peace Forum. Some have lived THROUGH it and some talk about it. I tend to understand the ones who live THROUGH all the wars and still come to sit down at the peace table. Imo, most others are speaking out of their own arseholes, I include myself since I have never lived through some of the atrocities others had... in South Africa, in Chile, in Lebanon, in Palestine... I know a bit about being dismissed for being a woman, a foreigner to the US, having had a mentally ill father... there is a long list.... we all have our sheets of despair. ~A p.s. I enjoyed your list Chuck, even if you're way off base and suck all to hell. ROFLMAO just kidding. <<<>>>

barbsdad2003

17 years 7 months ago

Thanx, A (and Jess)

I've grown so tired of those noisy ones who choose to go so far right ... that virtually everyone else looks like a leftist. As if the farthest right is the most right (er, I mean correct) of all. The most dangerous extremes in this country by numbers stand to the right. Too far to the right. It's unfortunate that right is a word ascribed with so many laudably glorious meanings. When left is left a synonym for sinistral or sinister or bad or evil or ... whatever. (To bring up what some might consider a minor point: My daughter's left-handed, which at times has been a cross to bear for her. I tease her about it now and then, but gently, carefully, and with sensitivity. Although I'm not myself left-handed, I do know what it's like to be the exception, the odd one, the not-belonging one.) In general these right/left, conservative/liberal brands/tattoos terribly disrespect the human beings so marked. And they contribute mightily to the ignorance now prevailing. And they separate/divide. And they destroy careers/reputations. They're flies (cockroaches?) in the chicken soup we like to call freedom of speech. Thanx again, Chuck

17 years 7 months ago

My daughter is left handed

She was the middle child and her daughter, a middle child is also left handed. Also my wife's middle sister is left handed. I made sure that the early teachers in my daughters classes didn't try to make her a righty as they used to try to do. Lafties have a hard time with a lot of things due to most things being made for right handed people. When she first started on computers I always made sure I had a mouse for her that wasn't designed specifically for right handed people and made sure she understood and could change the button via software to work for a lefty. She is very good at painting and has good penmanship. She and we have had a hard time her whole life trying to find left handed products for here. BTW, I enjoyed the discussion with Anna. She is a very bright person, debates extremely well and makes some excellent points. Respectfully, Rett: "You want change? Let's elect a president and give him total power for a year. At the end of one year he is marched out into the middle of Reliant Stadium in Houston and locked in with 50,000 of the American people. Let them decide

17 years 7 months ago

Amen… what is the fly in

Amen... what is the fly in the ointment? Common sense.. We've lost it to a huge degree in every arena of American life... and it's a cancer in the world at large now.. I see life as a continuum, however, the pendulum swings... stops again in the middle. Soon. Peace and Poetry. ~A

17 years 7 months ago

Common sense is very uncommon these days

And I respectfully agree whole heartedly with you there Anna. Respectfully, Rett: "You want change? Let's elect a president and give him total power for a year. At the end of one year he is marched out into the middle of Reliant Stadium in Houston and locked in with 50,000 of the American people. Let them decide

R.M.Shanmugam

17 years 5 months ago

Dr. S Radhakrishnan, the

Dr. S Radhakrishnan, the philosapher and the former president of India wrote that patriasm should die for peace to prevail. I agree with you and the poem is bold.

17 years 5 months ago

Thank you Mr Shanmugan,

Interesting to see 9 lines provoked so much commentary. Seems to be a topic worthy of pusuit and discussion. cheers, Jess

orgami

17 years 5 months ago

Soldiers

I knew some all of them killed it was their duty profession job in combat and from the air hand to hand when need be most never talked and some did Loris grandfather was one in thirty eight who survived a night jump into Sicily he was a specialist they were paid by collected ears of the dead he worked with the Burkkas another I knew was dropped fifteen feet from aborted landing in a hot lz had his best freind tied upside down with him his best freind skinned alive the man i knew suffered a broken ankle and was a pow for awhile in these wars I know no one but have watched U tube broadcast videos forget those old made up documentaries of world war two these real clips as they are now called from the front are somber humourus at times when they are playing to release stress and sad i watched an hour of it the soldier throwing the puppy into the ravine i felt sad for mostly not angery and people fighting back do so with much enthusiasm watched them use a mortar from the back seat of a moving sub compact now thats determined I thought Saddam was a threat there must be resistance to resistance Hitler got to where he got too just from time to build up to organize to build I got sick years ago and would never be a soldier but I believe in its nessecity and sacrifice Canadians tried in Rhwanda at least we tried and we are trying in Aghanistan without freedom even crazy poets would be put down perhaps in a land where one day dictators banned all creativity and demanded only state furnished idealisms I love my country and I love America and I love Neopoet where we can express what we believe in a write poetry about these passions Great write Jess

17 years 5 months ago

As Salman Rushdie said,

(and is on the back of the Neopoet tshirts) "A poet's work; to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world and stop it going to sleep" cheers, Jess

17 years 5 months ago

Amen…. May I never die an

Amen.... May I never die an old woman in nursing home, on starched white sheets, let me die while making love... or speaking prophecies of peace. ~A "Speech is blasphemy. Silence a lie. Above speech and silence is a way out." I-tuan.