A Living Wage
About the Author
Group who believes that corporations need to pay a living wage, not minimum wage, that takes into account geography and living expenses when determining what they pay employees.

On this, the day after September 11th, we still remember the tragic terror attacks on our home soil. But one group remembers the national rage we felt on September 12th, 2001. They call themselves the 912ers, and their leader is Glen Beck. And their latest public demonstrations are not at tea party protests, but town hall events. They are not at every town hall protest, but when the insurance industry incited mobs quiet, you can hear the 912ers speak. “I want us to go back to the Constitution!”, “The Founding Fathers didn’t want this!”, and “I want my country back!” are their cries. My question to them is, “Do you know what that means?”

We would have to throw out the Bill of Rights. Even Hamilton objected to the Bill of Rights in the Federalists papers. Although, his argument was not against the rights themselves, but that the bill suggested they were the only rights. Further, they were not ratified until four years after the Constitution. That means no freedom of the press, assembly, speech, or religion. No right to a trial by a jury of your peers or to protect you from unlawful searches or seizures. However, the 912ers do make one exception for the Bill of Rights. The only amendment to the Constitution that the 912er’s website supports is the second (the right to bear arms).   Read More »
Friday last I had the honor of attendinding Grandpa Dine's Spiritual cleansing. I was in the circle with my grandpa and many wonderful Native brothers and sisters, whom made a special sacrifice to pray for grandpa all night long, from early evening untill the following day at sunrise.


ALL NIGHT LONG THERE WERE SACRED PRAYERS AND SONG FOR MY GRANDPA'S HEALTH AND WELL BEING. HE WAS ADMINISTERED THE MOTHER SEED PEYOTE AS THE PRAYERS AND SACRED SONGS WENT ON ALL NIGHT LONG. HIGH UP IN THE MOUNTAINS OF THE SANTA ISABEL RESERVATION.

Through the night until morning he took many teaspoons full of powdered mother seed and washed down with peyote tea. He was up all night on his ironwheeled horse. The experience for me was a highly memorable one. The sacred fire in the circle was kept going all night by the fireman, and the Roadman blessed him and I many times with Eagle feathers. As the Roadman prayed to Grandfather Spirit to cleanse the cancer from my Grandpa's body. The Roadman Glen Justky came all the way from a rez north of Casa Grande Arizona and he brought with him family members to assist with the entirety of the sacred ceremony.

I felt blessed just from being as one with our people and to have been under a beautiful starlit night on a mountain top as the coyotes serenaded us with their song, to have heard the crow of the roosters and see the birth of a new wonderful sunrise which became the first day of the rest of my Grandpa's life. He will live longer because the mother seed will cure him from his cancer, and Grandfather Spirit Creator of all will not allow my Grandpa to go home to Grandfather Spirit before his time.

I feel as if I have become one with all of our people and happy to be home.
Attention all Temecula Residents,
If you have any family members going to Vail elementry School, of Temcula Unified School District, you should be aware that there is a breakout of th swine flue and that it has been kept under wraps as far back as early June.
The first cases should have been reported to the CDC in Washington D.C. and Bethesda Maryland CDC.
It was not for obvious reasons. However since my little brother was exposed at the school and contracted the disease we are now all under order and guide lines from the CDC to stay Quarantined for the next 10 days. Two people have died from the disease in the County of Sandiego in the past month.
The Swine Flue is lethal if not treated.
The school district was not particularly in a hurry to make the report. Their main concern is to avoid a money loss from the federal subsidy they recieve for each child. My grandfather Dine' Warrior made a call to the CDC office in Washington DC and henceforth was passed on to the direction of the Bethesda Maryland office.
The School District of Temecula has not made it public to the parents of all the other students in the school.
Many of those children have brothers and sisters that go to middle School and Great Oaks Highschool. The disease can become a major epidemic if not properly handled. The sad part is that not all people have proper medical coverage and can not afford to take their children to the hopital emergency room to get treatment. The latter are the ones that may end up dead, and all because some money hungry school districts only care about the money and not the health of the students.
The Native American communities donate hundreds of thousands of dollars to the school districts in their areas every year, from Gaming on the Rez. I ask myself is it right for our people to be forking out money to the school districts if this is going to be their attitude. I do not think so. My grandfather Dine' Warrior will be going on a crusade to stop this practice, and to make it known to the shool districts that all children go there to recieve an education and not to be put in harms way by money grubbers, who do not care what happens to the children in their trust. No child should be exposed, Native American or other. I am writing this blog under guidance and direction of Grandpa Dine' Warrior.
The CDC is now aware and making sure that guide lines are being followed and will be watching closely that this type of behavior does not repeat, Grandpa Dine' Warrior is going to stay on top of this situation along with the CDC.
Wherever you are today is a product of your old way of thinking and acting. Whatever result you have around you is a reflection, not just of your environment but also of your inner thoughts.

It goes without saying therefore that if you must move to a higher level and enter your wealthy place, your old way fo thinking has to be dropped for a new one. The quality of your thoughts and vision must be raised to the level where it can produce and handle the wealth...

When people meet you or interact with you there are conclusions they draw based on the wealth of what comes out of your mind. The strength to handle losses, the capacity to think broadly will be dependent on how your mind has been trained.

When (some) wealthy people with the right mindset lose wealth for example, they tend to gain it back because of the kind of habits and thought patterns they have formed. During a slow economic period in Asia, a gentlemen who had lost about 4 billion dollars as a result of having all of his stocks and shares wiped out, was seen a couple of days later playing golf. When asked why didn't he lose his mind and why was he playing golf, his remark/response was that he knew what he did to gain the wealth and he KNOWS what to do gain it back again.

-Matthew Ashimolowo

As A Man Thinks In HIS Heart... SO IS HE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The current situation in Mexico merits significant attention. Not only has violence been ravaging the streets of multiple Mexican streets, but the violence is crossing the border into the United States and claiming the lives of innocent Americans. We need to actively pursue a means of securing the borer and ensuring that violence in Mexico does not spill over into our country. Furthermore, if he United States is going to serve as a hegemony, than we need to let our presence be known to our neighbors. We need to increase the pressure on Mexican authorities to better regulate their country and to quell violence. We also need to prevent the sale of guns to individuals who have criminal records, no citizenship, and who have not passed a thorough background check. If we fail to act now, bloodshed will become a reality in American cities.
The president ordered Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to use every legal means to recover the bonus money from AIG. If it is not repaid, it will be deducted from the company's next bailout payment. The House decided to extract its own revenge by passing a bill that would impose a tax of up to 90 percent on the AIG bonuses and on the bonuses of anyone making more than $250,000 a year who works for a financial institution receiving more than $5 billion in bailout funds.

"I mean you're a constitutional law professor," Kroft remarked. "You think this bill's constitutional?"

"Well, I think that as a general proposition, you don't wanna be passing laws that are just targeting a handful of individuals. You wanna pass laws that have some broad applicability. And as a general proposition, I think you certainly don't wanna use the tax code to punish people," the president replied. "I think that you've got an pretty egregious situation here that people are understandably upset about. And so let's see if there are ways of doing this that are both legal, that are constitutional, that upholds our basic principles of fairness, but don't hamper us from getting the banking system back on track."

"You've got a piece of legislation that could affect tens of thousands of people. Some of these people probably had nothing to do with the financial crisis. And some of them probably deserve the bonuses that they got," Kroft said. "I mean is that fair?"

"Well, that's why we're gonna have to take a look at this legislation carefully. Clearly, the AIG folks gettin' those bonuses didn't make sense. And one of the things that I have to do is to communicate to Wall Street that, given the current crisis that we're in, they can't expect help from taxpayers but they enjoy all the benefits that they enjoyed before the crisis happened. You get a sense that, in some institutions, that has not sunk in; that you can't go back to the old way of doing business, certainly not on the taxpayers' dime," Obama said. "Now the flip side is that Main Street has to understand, unless we get these banks moving again, then we can't get this economy to recover. And we don't wanna cut off our nose to spite our face." http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/03/18/60minutes/main4873938.shtml
I have difficulty getting to the computer regularly these days...weather, library closings(unexpected...), et al. I watched Obama's speech to Congress and was very impressed with it. He spoke to us all like we are the intelligent beings that we are and defined the problems we face and possible solutions well. I was relieved to hear him discuss Afghanistan further. I was pleased to hear a more thoughtful and nuanced analysis. I personally have been less than enthusiastic about the US being in Afghanistan in the first place...no country or empire that has ever gone to the area has ever been able to subjugate it and I do not see how it will be any different for the US. Jim Hightower's latest Lowdown highlights the issues surrounding Afghanistan including secret prisons and use of torture there. But Barack did mention a new look at the situation in Afghanistan to include economic development and help. I know that it is not easy to just leave once in...but, military might alone is not the answer.

Fundamental changes would have to occur in Afghanistan and Pakistan also. The Taliban(an offshoot of the Mujahadin the CIA organized)must be permanently defanged for everyone's sake...especially women!!! I would like to hear what anyone else thinks...and I will get back here when I can... Lee:-)   Read More »
This demographic is often overlooked, unappreciated, and definitely underfunded. Non-profit and community based organizations carry out the work in the local communities that is most helpful to the residents of the neighborhood. It is these organizations that have the time to provide individual attention for the American citizens in need. It is therefore imperative that politicians take into account the importance of having these institutions working in the community, and provide adequate funding and support. Often, these organizations carry out the work that city and state governments cannot be bothered to do, and the federal government would never undertake. These organizations need better funding in order to continue to provide the vast number of different services that they provide for local citizens. Without adequate funding, the organizations will have no choice but to lay-off employees, reduce available services, and unfortunately some will cease to exist. If this becomes the case, these organizations will take with them the services they provide for the community, and who will then step up to fill that void in our most hard-hit communities?
I hope that the new stimulus plan results in available money for the institutions and the people who are committed to ensuring an economic recovery actually occurs. Handing out money to organizations that refuse to put these finances to good use will only worsen the situation. We need to ensure that organizations like non-profit organizations, are receiving adequate funding in order to maintain the same high level of work in the local communities they service. These are the organizations that merit financial support, for they service the people at no cost and truly believe in helping the individuals who come into their offices. Handing money o these greedy organizations that do not but gobble it up and pay lucrative salaries to employees who serve the wealthy, goes against the intended purpose of this economic plan. I believe that President Obama needs to ensure that money is disseminated and put to use. Lets move away from the notion of "trickle-down" economics and move into the future with social-economic policies that better the lives of Americans and limit corporate greed. Big business cannot be the only concern of America. Whether we are red or blue, the most important color right now is green because it represents food, shelter, and livelihood. This plan needs to get green in the hands of those who need it most, not those who created this problem in the first place.
Hi everyone...I am back! I tried to log in to the site for some time and could not get in. So, I have been unable to post to my blog. Of course, clean energy has been in the news and the mess in Tennessee has been covered. It was a disaster just waiting to happen. As far as 'clean coal' goes...This is Reality has a new ad and it is great. I watch CNN a lot and have noticed the ad that the council for oil and gas exploration has run has changed. They do acknowledge wind and solar in their background now...how clever of them!!!

Global warming...critics are still trying to discredit it. The way they are trying to discredit it is very clever. Most people do not distinguish between "weather" and "climate". Global warming is long term CLIMATE change. Weather plays a part...but only a part. Also, since this is climate change...then one can experience excessive cold as well as excessive heat. Another factor to consider is that within a climate...there is variation. I am a native of New England and winter can vary from mild to very cold and/or snowy. This year we are having what used to be considered a 'normal' winter!!!!

And finally, I will comment on the economy and Republican opposition to the proposed package. The Republicans want to deny most people a rebate because any number do not pay 'income tax'. Well, Social Security, Medicare, payroll taxes(Federal, State and in some cases, county/city tax), real estate tax(yes, even if you rent you do...how do you think the landlord is getting them paid...remember the landlord is trying to make $$$...he/she gets all the expenses paid through rent if possible!)and finally, SALES TAX!!! Sales tax is a truly regressive tax as poor people pay it on almost anything they buy. Only a few states exempt food and clothes(I live in one of those states...). There are other taxes that most of us pay(excise tax on cars, etc.)but, I have covered most of the biggies. When will the Republicans learn? They claim that they are going to reshape their party to be more responsive to the needs and concerns of the American people after the drubbing they have just taken in the last election. If the stated opposition to the latest stimulus package is any indication of the new Republican party...pleasssssssssssse.

I look forward to any comments you may have...

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. - Anon.
How long exactly are we going to remain on the ground in Iraq? Are we ever going to provide the necessary shift of troop strength from Iraq to Afghanistan? When are we going to allow the international community to take a greater role in affairs that are closer to their side of the world?

Essentially, I am interested in knowing if any changes in our foreign policy are going to take place or are we continuing failed policy. If we continue to ignore the issues that exist on a domestic level, choosing instead to focus on the international community, how are we ever going to rectify our problems here at home? Should we resign ourselves to a worldwide "policing" role? The last time I was abroad, which was fairly recent, I didn't get the sentiment that other nations were calling out for our assistance. Those that were, they needed aid, not military presence.
We may never recover from this hole they dug.
But we will climb to the top with a American tug.
The republican party have destroyed all that matters
They deserve nothing more but to hold the damn ladder.

But his voice did change, along with a smile.
Thinking of the bills that soon would be filed.
Protect those who are old and young alike
Restore our honor and our military might.

Protect our planet, and clean our air.
While creating a surplus we can leave to our heirs
Fix our economy, and health care for all.
And honor those who fought, and those who fall.

Obama sprang to his feet, to his team he gave a shout.
The challenges seem impossible, hard work needed no doubt
But I heard him exclaim ere he talked and ran.
Hey! It's not just a slogan, YES WE CAN!
Twas the Night Before Inauguration
By John Cobarruvias
BayAreaHouston.blogspot.com

T'was the night before inauguration and what to my dismay
The market was tanking, I lost my 401K!
The stocks were hung, in downfall they stuck
While Bush did nothing, a truly lame duck

The republicans were nestled, their heads in the sand
With visions of defeat of the republican brand.
And Cheney with his gun, his heart a pace
Looking for someone, to shoot in the face.

When out on the house floor, there came such a clatter
I sprang to the internets to find what's the matter.
Away to my screen I ran with a flash
Hoping the market, didn't crash.

The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow
Showed me someone I needed to know.
When what to my eyes, I paused, with a comma
But a vision of hope, It was Barack Obama!

With excitement and conviction in each of his steps
I wondered what he and his el ves, w ould do next.
More rapid than eagles his appointments they came
And he whistled and shouted, and called them by name.

Now Emanuel! Now, Dashle! Now Richardson and Biden!
On, Clinton , On Napolitano, and Gates, no sense in hiding!
To fix the economy, our reputation and more.
And to stop the killing of this unnecessary war.

As Obama stood still, the republicans they trembled
Remembering 8 years of a disaster they had assembled.
They've broken our banks, and doubled our debt.
They scared us to death with weapons of threats.

They squandered a surplus, They started a war.
They shredded our constitution, littered on the floor.
They attack our unions, our immigrants and those who are gay.
They claim to be Christians, yet on the sick they prey.
I have just finished reading a book...Obamanomics by John R Talbott. It is an excellent explanation of the current economic mess and what Obama will do if he can when he is President. I hope that some of you will read it and record your thoughts about the book.

Hi everyone...I live in Central MA and was affected by the historic storm that hit MA and NH really hard...both states were declared emergency areas and the National Guard was sent out to help. I guess most of the world knows by now just how affected we were...many saw pictures of the damage on National TV and CNN showed several pictures of Worcester, MA. There was NO POWER!

I went to the Neil Young concert at the DCU Center here in Worcester and a group, Rainforest Action Network, had a table there. (Neil Young utilizes used vegetable oil in all the vehicles used on his tour...even his '56 Caddi runs on veg oil!!!!) This group's focus is on rain forest preservation and the truth about mass produced biofuels...check them out at..."http://www.ran.org">RAIN FOREST NETWORK

Marsha alerted me to a problem connecting to Obama's transition site...Change.gov. I checked the problem out and the link as it has been transmitted by Podesta and others adds a // in the middle of the URL. So, you have to type in the address box....http://www.change.gov.
I have not tried to post a comment on the blog there, but if any one else does try and has problems...please let me know or let the Obama Transition team know... -Lee

As we all know...now that Barack Obama has been elected...we must remain involved. Here is a link to another commentary by Jim Hightower http://jimhightower.com//node/6662.

Also, Hightower included two websites to book mark and read...

http://www.change.gov - Obama's Transition Website

http://www.techpresident.com - "What's Next for My.BarackObama.com?"

Hope can change the world but action will set us free..Anon.

Jim Hightower writes a column for Creators Syndicate once a week. Here is a link to the latest column. http://www.creators.com/opinion/jim-hightower/giving-thanks-to-america-s-good-food-movement.html 

Also, check out Creators Syndicate at http://www.creators.com.

-Lee

Today we begin in earnest the work of making sure that the world we leave our children is just a little better than the one we inhabit today.
-President-elect Barack Obama

I was watching Bill Moyer's Journal last night and his featured guest(whose name I can't recall...) was discussing the sources of our food. It is an important issue and touches on everything else which is so important...health, energy use, global warming, the economy, national security...in essence, everything is really interconnected. Barack seems to be leaning toward a man who is in the pocket of Agribusiness. This is not good and a bit disturbing. Check out Bill Moyer's Journal at pbs.org.
SPREAD THE WEALTH, REBUILD AMERICA
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Posted by Jim Hightower

When Barack Obama said, "I think when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody," John McCain and his right-wing chorus blew a gasket and threw a hissy fit. He's a socialist, a Marxist, a "redistributionist" they screeched!

Obviously, they were more upset than the electorate was. Indeed, I think your average working stiffs perked up, high-fived one another, and said, "Oh, yeah â�" it's time to spread the wealth." After all, for the past three decades, Washington has been busily redistributing our wealth upward to the richest one percent of Americans.

Using everything from tax giveaways to trade scams, they've shoved practically all of the economic gains that everyone helped produce up to those at the top. Now, the top-heavy "tinkle-down" economy they created is crashing, bringing down the housing market, Wall Street banks, and a host of industries.

Of course, Washington reacted by rushing to bailout the bankers and the speculators who caused the crash. That hasn't seemed to benefit anyone but â�" surprise! â�" the elites. So, yeah, let's spread the wealth into the grassroots economy, so ordinary workaday folks can lift our country up.

One way to do this is with a massive, nationwide "Rebuild America" program, similar to what Obama has proposed, only bigger and bolder. Let's enlist millions of Americans to repair our deteriorating roads, bridges, schools, parks, etc. â�" while also developing conservation programs, solar and wind power, plug-in hybrid cars, high-speed trains, and other essentials for a new green economy.

Yes, this will be costly, but â�" unlike the gabillion dollar giveaway to Wall Street hucksters â�" this is a sensible investment that'll produce tangible results for every American and restore our nation's economic strength. Think about it: Money is like manure â�" it only works if you spread it around.

Lee ;-)((fist bump))
I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington...I'm asking you to believe in yours.-Barack Obama
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