Happy Belated Birthday to my mother on September 9th!;-) Blessings and good tidings;-)

I am in LOVE with In Treatment. Wow, Petrarch has found his Laura...and when her hand went over toward him I almost had to run out of the room! I though that hand was going some place else and that was too much for even me!--at the moment. What a great show!

High Fructose Corn Syrup

I just saw a commercial touting how good and natural High Fructose Corn syrup is. Don't eat that shit! Here are two excellent articles on the health hazards caused by HFCS:

http://www.westonaprice.org/motherlinda/cornsyrup.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-fructose-corn-syrup/AN01588

I LOVE Kerry Washington...and her writeups in O!

I think it is outrageous that the United States has just given $1 billion dollars to the sovereign state of Georgia!

Community Organizers

God bless community organizers.

From Barack Obama

"Community organizing is how ordinary people respond to out-of-touch politicians and their failed policies."

Republican National Convention

That crowd listening to Sarah Palin is so old and white I thought someone had taken a great big fan and just blown powder over the entire room. Otherwise, boring and I wasn't impressed. What will she do when the questions come?

From: Leslie Cagan, UFPJ National Coordinator [mailto:webmaster@ unitedforpeace.org ]

We are sending you this message because the situation in St. Paul is very grave and we're concerned that the real story is not being told by the mainstream media.

Over the past few days, the heavily armed and extremely large police presence in St. Paul has intimidated, harrassed and provoked people; and, in a number of instances, the police have escalated situations when they used excessive force. They have used pepper spray, including spraying at least one person just inches from her face as she was held down on the ground by several police officers. They have freely swung their extra long night sticks, pushed people around, rode horses and bicycles up against peacefully gathered groups, and surrounded people simply walking down the streets. On Tuesday evening, they used tear gas on a small group of protesters in downtown St. Paul.

The massive police presence and the uncalled-for actions by the police on the streets has not been the only problem. The police raided a convergence center and several locations where people are staying over the weekend and they have stopped and searched vehicles for no clear reason. http://www.counterp unch.org/cohn09022008. html

Randy Rowland, from PepperSpray Productions, here. Instead of sending you an announcement about a screening, this email is unusual for us, it is a call for help.

Two PepperSpray collective members, Lambert Rochfort and Joe LaSac, on assignment in St Paul covering the protests associated with the Republican National Convention, were both arrested on Sunday while covering the story. Both are still being held without charges or an opportunity to go before a judge.

Lambert was swept up in a mass arrest of peaceful citizens who were surrounded by cops and all arrested. Joe was arrested about the same time as Amy Goodman and two other journalists from "Democracy Now!" were arrested. In fact if you watch the footage of Amy Goodman standing in handcuffs, the fellow sitting on the ground at her feet is Joe.

Lambert and Joe had covered the DNC in Denver, and were in St Paul to cover the protests. They both had their cameras with them when arrested and were clearly doing nothing illegal, just trying to get the story that corporate media tends to overlook. There have been several other attacks on journalists there, including a raid on an indymedia hospitality center, and a raid on the house of a group that documents police brutality. It goes without saying that there is no freedom of the press if reporters are jailed for covering the story.

We want our people released without charges, and we want our equipment back. If you value indymedia and the role of independent journalists- -and I know you do, or you wouldn't be on our announcement list--then please take some or all of the following actions to secure the timely release of these PepperSpray videographers.

If you are in the St Paul area or can ask those you know who are in that area, please join the 24 hour vigil at the Ramsey County Jail, 425 Grove St., St Paul (24 hour vigil)

Please call some or all of the following numbers, demanding that our reporters be freed:

Chris Coleman, St. Paul Mayor: 651.266.8510
or Chris Rider from Mayor Coleman's office at 651-266-8535
Ramsey County Jail at 651-266-9350 (press extension 0)
Ramsey County Sheriff: 651.487.5149

Here are the names and numbers of St Paul City Council people to call as well:
Melvin Carter - Ward 1 - 651- 266-8610
Dan Thune - Ward 2 - 651-266-8620
Pat Harris - Ward 3 - 651-266-8630
Russ Stark - Ward 4 - 651-26-8640
Lee Helgen - Ward 5 - 651-266-8520
Dan Bostrom - Ward 6 - 651-266-8660
Cathy Lantree - Ward 7 - 651-266-8670

PepperSpray Productions is an all-volunteer independent media collective based in Seattle, WA. Among other things, we produce a weekly access TV show called "Indymedia Presents" which airs on 20 channels, from Seattle to New York, including in St. Paul and Minneapolis.

For more info about our work, we invite you to visit our website: www.peppersprayprod uctions.org

Thanks,

Randy Rowland
PepperSpray Productions

John McCain could have picked Brittany Spears for all its worth.

Poem I just started to write-in Part

...and I'm carrying all my shit and we have 3 minutes to get to class.
I told you to move--asked you nicely, but you thought it was your
god-given privilege to stand in the in the middle of the hallway-
Did my french horn case hurt your chin?--Oops, Im sorry-
next time you'll get the hell out my way.
-did I step on your toe? My pardon,
I didn't realize you were standing their talking to your friends....

Republican Family Values-Sing Along

Oh, lets hear it for those Republican family values! Shack up when you're not even eighteen, pass off your baby as your mama's kid. But as long as you don't use condoms and talk about SEX who cares?! We're moral, righteous, and worthy!

After hearing about what is happening at the RNC in terms of protests and crackdowns, I am convinced ever more that we in the United States are living in a police state.

Amy Goodman and Other Democracy Now Journalists Arrested at RNC

Amy Goodman and Two Democracy Now! Producers Unlawfully Arrested at the RNC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
www.democracynow. org

September 1, 2008

Contact:
Denis Moynihan 917-549-5000
Mike Burke 646-552-5107, mike@democracynow.org

ST. PAUL, MN—Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman was unlawfully arrested in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota at approximately 5 p.m. local time. Police violently manhandled Goodman, yanking her arm, as they arrested her. Video of her arrest can be seen here: http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=oYjyvkR0bGQ

Goodman was arrested while attempting to free two Democracy Now! producers who were being unlawfully detained. They are Sharif Abdel Kouddous and Nicole Salazar. Kouddous and Salazar were arrested while they carried out their journalistic duties in covering street demonstrations at the Republican National Convention. Goodman's crime appears to have been defending her colleagues and the freedom of the press.

Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher told Democracy Now! that Kouddous and Salazar were being arrested on suspicion of rioting. They are currently being held at the Ramsey County jail in St. Paul.

Democracy Now! is calling on all journalists and concerned citizens to call the office of Mayor Chris Coleman and the Ramsey County Jail and demand the immediate release of Goodman, Kouddous and Salazar. These calls can be directed to: Chris Rider from Mayor Coleman's office at 651-266-8535 and the Ramsey County Jail at 651-266-9350 (press extension 0). First # in-box full, holding the line results in busy signal; pressing # also results in busy signal - Diane

Democracy Now! stands by Goodman, Kouddous and Salazar and condemns this action by Twin Cities law enforcement as a clear violation of the freedom of the press and the First Amendment rights of these journalists.

During the demonstration in which they were arrested law enforcement officers used pepper spray, rubber bullets, concussion grenades and excessive force. Several dozen others were also arrested during this action.

Amy Goodman is one of the most well-known and well-respected journalists in the United States. She has received journalism's top honors for her reporting and has a distinguished reputation of bravery and courage. The arrest of Goodman, Kouddous and Salazar is a transparent attempt to intimidate journalists from the nation's leading independent news outlet.

Democracy Now! is a nationally syndicated public TV and radio program that airs on over 700 radio and TV stations across the US and the globe.

Video of Amy Goodman's Arrest: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=oYjyvkR0bGQ

##
= = = = = = = = =
ABOUT DEMOCRACY NOW!
Democracy Now! airs on over 650 radio and TV stations, including
Pacifica, NPR, community, and college radio stations; on public
access, PBS, satellite TV stations (DISH network: Free Speech TV
ch. 9415 and Link TV ch. 9410; DIRECTV: Link TV ch. 375); on the World
Radio Network's European Service and on the Community Broacasting
Association of Australia service; as a "podcast", automatically
downloaded to your computer or portable audio player; and streams live
M-F at 8am EST at www.democracynow.org
= = = = = = = = =
Now real-time CLOSED CAPTIONED on TV!
You can also view/listen/read all Democracy Now! shows online:
http://www.democracynow.org
To bring Democracy Now! to your community, go to:
http://www.democrac ynow.org/get_involved/ bring_to_station
= = = = = = = = =

Cindy Mccain at the RNC

Cindy McCain looked like an Ice Princess today at the RNC Convention.

I so love Tyra Banks! Her show today with Carnie Wilson rocked!

Blackwater should be nowhere near New Orleans. Erik Prince should be castrated.

Thoughts on Black America

I believe my views on the Afro-american community and its dilemmas are closer to Bill Cosby's and Oprah's than I first imagined...although I do disagree with some things which they have purported and the ways in which they address certain issues. I do believe that the value system of the Black underclass is off....but so is that of the Black middle class and indeed all strata of Afro-American society....we have pimps and thugs who are darker imitations of cowboys and recreations of 1980s Ronald Reagan prototypes....as well do we have Blacks who will sell their very souls for dollars, cents,fur coats and middle class comforts.... I do believe that it is wrong to pick on the black underclass....though I do believe we must hold them responsible for their own lives. I do believe in personal responsibility....this I agree with.I do believe, however, that we have to reshape this society--American society as a whole as well as Afro-American society in particular-at all levels.

God Bless Cynthia McKinney!

Can we sleep through McCain's VP announcement?

Oh, when you discover that the wisdom of your parents was not wisdom, but fear.

I am looking for all of those proud and beautiful people to claim this country and make it THEIRS!!

Speak the truth and all will be free!!!

Michelle Obama gave a great interview with Brian Williams. Obama 08!

Hillary did it!

God Bless You Hillary CLinton!!!!

Traveling Soldier

Dixie Chicks




Two days past eighteen
He was waitin' for the bus in his army greens
Sat down in a booth at a café there
Gave his order to the girl with a bow in her hair
He's a little shy so she gave him a smile
So he said would you mind sittin' down for a while
And talkin' to me I'm feelin' a little low
She said I'm off in an hour and I know where we can go

So they went down and they sat on the pier
He said I bet you got a boyfriend but I don't care
I've got no one, to send a letter to
Would you mind if I sent one back here to you?

CHORUS:
I cried
Never gonna hold the hand of another guy
Too young for him they told her
Waitin' for the love of a travelin' soldier
Our love will never end
Waitin' for the soldier to come back again
Never more to be alone
When the letter says a soldier's coming home

So the letters came
From an army camp
In California then Vietnam
And he told her of his heart
It might be love
And all of the things he was so scared of
He said when it's gettin kinda rough over here
I think of that day sittin' down at the pier
And I close my eyes and see your pretty smile
Don't worry but I won't be able to write for a while

CHORUS:
I cried
Never gonna hold the hand of another guy
Too young for him they told her
Waitin' for the love of a travelin' soldier
Our love will never end
Waitin' for the soldier to come back again
Never more to be alone
When the letter says a soldier's coming home

One Friday night at a football game
The Lord's Prayer said and the anthem sang
A man said folks would you bow your heads
For the list of local Vietnam dead...
Cryin' all alone under the stands
Was the piccolo player in the marching band
And one name read and no body really cared
But a pretty little girl with a bow in her hair

CHORUS:
I cried
Never gonna hold the hand of another guy
Too young for him they told her
Waitin' for the love of a travelin' soldier
Our love will never end
Waitin' for the soldier to come back again
Never more to be alone
When the letter says a soldier's coming home

I saw a wonderful film last night caled No Reservation with Catherine Xeta Jones. Great film!

Michelle Obama

The racism that pervades this election media coverage is horrid. Someone should knock Katie Couric in her head for her "Jackee/Jackie-O" bullshit. I thought Michelle was brilliant last night--and really think that it is wonderful to rise above such things and not to even acknoweledge them. I think as the election draws closer they ought to continuously play reruns of The Cosby Show.

The Blacklist: Vol.1

I just saw the awesome premiere of this HBO series. Great stuff! Some of the most moving soliloquies were by Thelma Golden, art curator; Susan Rice-former Clinton appointee; and surprisingly Colin Powell. He was quite moving! I have a new found appreciation and respect for him.

Michelle Obama at the DNC

God Bless Michelle Obama! I am sending all of my good vibes and wishes to them!

Not to Worry

Abbey Lincoln

Not to worry, never mind
Life will fix it every time
Give a balance, fill a need
Bring a flower from the sea

Hold your head up, raise your chin
It wasn't you invented sin
Shake your shoulder's, do a dance
Nevermind a sad romance

A time has come, a corner turned,
It's clearer now, the lesson's learned
And time will tell
And fires burn

Not to worry, fill your head
Think above the things instead
Not to worry,skies are blue
And everything imagined is you

A time has come, a corner turned,
It's clearer now, the lesson's learned
And time will tell
and fires burn

Not to worry, wear a smile,
there'll be changes after while
Not to worry, dreams come true
'Cause everything imagined is you
Everything imagined is you.

How High the Moon

Dianne Reeves

Somewhere there's music
How faint the tune
Somewhere there's heaven
How high the moon
There is no moon above
When love is far away too
Until it comes true
That you love me as I love you

Somewhere there's music
It's where you are
Somewhere there's heaven
How near, how far
The darkest night would shine
If you would come to me soon
Until you will, how still my heart
How high the moon

Somewhere there's music
How faint the tune
Somewhere there's heaven
How high the moon
There is no moon above
When love is far away too
Until it comes true
That you love me as I love you

Somewhere there's music
It's where you are
Somewhere there's heaven
How near, how far
The darkest night would shine
If you would come to me soon
Until you will, how still my heart
How high the moon

Somewhere there's music
How faint the tune
Somewhere there's heaven
How high the moon
There is no moon above
When love is far away too
Until it comes true
That you love me as I love you

Somewhere there's music
It's where you are
Somewhere there's heaven
How near, how far
The darkest night would shine
If you would come to me soon
Until you will, how still my heart
How high the moon

Somewhere there's music
How faint the tune
Somewhere there's heaven
How high the moon
There is no moon above
When love is far away too
Until it comes true
That you love me as I love you

Somewhere there's music
It's where you are
Somewhere there's heaven
How near, how far
The darkest night would shine
If you would come to me soon
Until you will, how still my heart
How high the moon yeah

Testimony of Chris Arendt-Winter Soldier

I was just watching Winter Soldier on FSTV and I want to record some of my thoughts from the little glimpses that I saw.... Someone spoke of the use of racism to propel all of the wars that the U.S has ever engaged in....the Indians and the Filipinos were savages....the Japs..the Gooks...and now a new term for Iraqis...Hajjii or something to that effect....oh we need to eliminate patriarchy and all that goes with it.

The other day on the radio I heard Lisa Simone Kelly singing one of her mother's songs from a new album she has recorded. I must have that album!

Don't Wait Too Long

Madeleine Peyroux

You can cry a million tears
You can wait a million years
If you think that time will change your ways
Don't wait to long

When your morning turns to night
Who'll be loving you by candlelight
If you think that time will change your ways
Don't wait to long

Maybe I got a lot to learn
Time can slip away
Sometimes you got to lose it all
Before you find your way

Take a chance, play your part
Make romance, it might brake your heart
But if you think that time will change your ways
Don't wait to long

It may rain, it may shine
Love will age like fine red wine
But if you think that time will change your ways
Don't wait to long

Maybe you and I got a lot to learn
Don't waist another day
Maybe you got to lose it all
Before you find your way

Take a chance, play your part
Make romance, it might brake your heart
But if you think that time will change your ways
Don't wait to long
Don't wait
Hmm... Don't wait

Elections

Democracy Now is reporting that John McCain has taken a lead over Barack Obama....and that McCain has come out positively in regards to a reinstatement of the draft....that fits in with recent occurrences that on both radio and television there are a flurry of ads advising young men that it is "their duty" to register with the Selective Service.....My question is....Who is planning what?

Stephanie Tubbs Jones

It is a sad day to see the passing of this incredible lady.

Michael Mims Found Not Guilty In Murder Trial

I am very glad they let Michael go. God only knows what he was having to deal with.

Obama's VP and GRIT TV Discussion

I so highly doubt that Obama will pick Joe Biden as his running mate. No one west of the Delaware River will be swayed by that and the man can shoot his mouth off. I'm holding out for Bloomberg. Thats who I think. The man has a billion dollars and can outspend anybody...

New Developments in Latin America!

In a brilliant move Paraguay has elected former priest Fernando Lugo, a clergyman committed to the ideals of Liberation Theology. This adds one new progressive government in Latin America--a very encouraging move! Read about their new president here.

I am sickened by the racial killing in Shenandoah, Pennsylvannia. There needs to be something done.

Go Britain and Jamaica!

A Bad Picture of My Cousin Brooke at Her Brother's Wedding

Mista

Diane Reeves


It ain't too late
No, It ain't too late
To change your life
Cause everyday is a miracle
A chance to make it right
You complain constantly
'Bout your life your misery
On sunny days you need rain
So your can bitch and stay the same
Always sayin' what you can't do
Forget the fact that God made you
Place the blame on everybody else
I think it's time you check yourself
Hey ah Mista can't you see
The wonders of the Universe
Hey ah Mista can't you see
The wonders of the Universe
You won't help nobody else
'Cause you feel sorry for yourself
Think the world owes you something
You give nothin' you gets nothing
I can't stay here
'Cause you like dying
I like living, I like flyin'
Gonna fly so high
Till I free my soul
Gonna leave you here in your black hole
Hey ah Mista
Can't you see the wonders of the Universe
Hey ah Mista
Can't you see the wonders of the Universe
Thunder and lighting
Oceans and blue skies
A world full of miracles help me to realize
I got the power, I've got the knowledge
Each day's a new chance to better tomorrow
Got the chance to change your life
It ain't too late to make it right
But you're so right so self righteous
You won't move
And I can't let cha'
Mess up my groove
Hey ah Mister? Can't you see
The wonders of the Universe

A Question in Passing

Who is Jerome Corsi? I have never heard of him, he is ugly, and he is old....but apparently they know of him over at CSPAN....

This coming Wednesday, August 20th we are planning a major media awareness event at 7:00 p.m. at Steelworkers Hall followed by a musical fundraiser at Grossman's around the corner.

The Harper Government is starting to play "hardball" so the next month will be pivotal in winning over public support for our case!

If you live in the greater Toronto area and are able to attend please take note of the information below.

Media Awareness Meeting

Date: Wednesday August 20th
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Steelworkers Hall - 25 Cecil Street, Toronto.

---------------------------------------------------

Benefit for U.S. War Resisters

Live musical performance featuring Chloe Watkinson and the Crossroads

Suggested Donations: $5-10 dollars or PWYC

Date: Wednesday August 20th
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: Grossmans Tavern - 379 Spadina Avenue, Toronto

Having a Kathy Griffin Moment

Dear Lord, Gayken was on The View today.....and told Sherri that he wanted a talk show ala Merv Griffin--Ha! Yea right! He knows he wants to be Joan Rivers!

Call The Man By His Name

With Much Love and Respect, His Name is Muhammad Ali

A Wish

I do so want to see a live performance of the Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe.

R.I.P Isaac Hayes

R.I.P> Bernie Mac

What a shock it was to learn of the death of Bernie Mac. A fellow Chicagoan and best friend's with my cousin Ricky-Bernie Mac was a magnificent man. When my cousin Theresa was ill, he paid for her hospital care. What a blessed soul, may he rest in peace.

Chicago

Chicago was great--it was a glorious week.... I mostly just wandered around the city browsing, buying and pinching books(only one, from a coffeeshop--it was on the bookshelf) and I did venture out on the northside quite a bit. I found a great new restaurant downtown, Tapas--very nice spanish place. I also eventually wandered into the Cultural Center and took in the Marilyn Monroe exhibit(which I really didn't care about, but it was amusing). I did manage to take some pictures.


At one point, my cousin Quinn took me to an art gallery down on 70th and South Perry, near my old neighborhood(which has gone down horribly since I knew it). A mississippi contractor purchased a house in the neighborhood and has undertaken this house as his lebensarbeit, turning it into an art gallery. The house has had an incredible transformation under his hands--as he personally replanted and landscaped the yard and turned the former crackhouse into a beautiful place with an incredible spirit. Later in the week, my cousin Barrington's wedding was nice. The ceremony was held at Coppin, which seemed smaller than what I remembered it to be. Of course, I was a little boy when I knew the church, when my cousin Brooke and I used to run around the pulpit and play in the balcony. Oh, what memories.... The reception was held at Barrington's high school, St. Ignatious Loyola, which is a very nice campus. I met some interesting people there at the wedding and it was a very nice time. I had a great time dancing--mostly with Telkie's sister, Aunt Rita. I also bought an ipod--after using Quinn's and wanting one. I met some interesting men too....but thats another story.

This I Believe

Grace speaks to us in many ways and through any source.

Blogging

I am drained...and tired....have a lot to blog about. Will do so later. I just returned from Chicago.

Blogging From Chicago

In the Mother Jones article "December Surprise" in the August/08 issue concerning the financial crisis the United States currently finds itself in, s wuoyr gtom Jrttu Bowyer, chief economist for financial services for Benchmark sttes that fault for the subprime crisis "lies with the small army of hard-left political hustlers who spent the early 90s pushing risky mortgages on home lenders. And the fault lies especially with the legislation that gave them the power to do it."

This is interesting....it uncovers and reveals a lot. From what this says to me, the economy was magnificent when moneylenders only had to give $50,000 dollar loans to white people to move out of the city and into the suburbs.....so they could get away from the ghettoes and the onslaught of negroes.....when they had to give loans to "risky" elements....the economy went south. Well, I say let it go south. I also say some penises should be severed and the persons who own those penises ought to be made to eat them.....Evil, wicked....boy do I hate to be mad in the morning time.

Memories

When I was thirteen or fourteen...we went to Huntingdon, West Virginia to meet some of my mother's relatives....I remember sleeping in the drafty, allergic attic and waking up with a headache...being extremely attracted to the man who lived in the house and was an administrator at the local college...who was my mothers...first cousin?....and watching him get dressed every morning....and the old lady who lived next door whom I spent the bulk of my time sitting on her porch with her talking and having a great old time....double cousins..and triple cousins... and a great, big family photo...

Question to Ponder

Why did we kill Saddam Hussein? He had nothing to do with 9/11.

One beautiful summer during my teenage years, I spent most of it down in Enterprise, Alabama at my Uncle's houe. During that most pleasant vacation, I mostly stayed in his bedroom up the alternate stairs with the wood paneling and I for truly the one time in my life watched MTV...I remember i listened to the continuous plays of K.d. Lang's "Constant Craving



Madonna's "This Used to be My Playground"



and Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up"



Interesting the things that stick with you.....

From Color of Change Concerning Lavena Johnson

LaVena Johnson was a 19 year old private in the Army, serving in Iraq, when she was raped, murdered, and her body was burned--by someone from her own military base. Despite overwhelming physical evidence, the Army called her death a suicide and has closed the case. 1

For three years, LaVena's parents have been fighting for answers. At almost every turn, they've been met with closed doors or lies. They've appealed to Congress, the one body that can hold the military accountable. But, as in other cases where female soldiers have been raped and murdered and the Army has called it suicide, Congress has failed to act.

Will you join Mr. and Mrs. Johnson in calling on Congressman Henry Waxman, Chairman of the House Government Oversight Committee, to mount a real investigation into LaVena Johnson's death and the Army's cover-up 2? Will you ask your friends and family to do the same?

http://www.colorofchange.org/lavena/?id=1866-234260

>From the beginning, LaVena's death made no sense as a suicide. She was happy and had been talking with friends and family regularly 3--nothing indicated she could be suicidal. And when the Johnsons received her body, they noticed signs that she had been beaten. 4 That was when they started asking questions.

After two years of being denied answers and hearing explanations that made no sense, the Johnsons received a CD-ROM from someone on the inside. It contained pictures of the crime scene where LaVena died and an autopsy showing that she had suffered bruises, abrasions, a dislocated shoulder, broken teeth, and some type of sexual assault. Her body was partially burned; she had been doused in a flammable liquid, and someone had set her body on fire. A corrosive chemical had been poured in her genital area, perhaps to cover up evidence of rape.5

Still the Army sticks by their story. They refuse to explain the overwhelming physical evidence that LaVena was raped and murdered and continue to claim that she killed herself.

For many Black youth, and working class young people of every race, the military is seen as an option for securing a better future. LaVena came from a deeply supportive family, and while the military wasn't her only option, she was attracted by its promise to help her pay for a college education and the opportunity to travel around the world. She also thought that by joining she could continue her lifelong commitment to serving other people in need. She made a decision to serve in the military, with all its risks, and expected respect and dignity in return.

LaVena's death is part of a disturbing pattern of cases where female soldiers have been raped and killed, and where the military has hidden the truth and labeled the deaths suicides. 6,7 In virtually all cases, Congress has been slow to investigate or hold the military accountable in any way. Unfortunately, most families simply don't have the resources, time, and psychological strength to push back.

We can help the Johnsons, and other families, by holding Congress accountable in the LaVena Johnson case and by demanding it investigate the pattern of cover-ups by the military.

Please take a moment to join those calling on Congressman Waxman to investigate the cover-up of LaVena Johnson's death:

http://www.colorofchange.org/lavena/?id=1866-234260

Thanks and Peace,

-- James, Gabriel, Clarissa, Andre, Kai, and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
July 29th, 2008

References:

1. "The cover-up of a soldier's death?" LavenaJohnson.com, March 6, 2007
http://www.lavenajohnson.com/2007/03/cover-up-of-soldiers-death.html

2. "Is There an Army Cover Up of Rape and Murder of Women Soldiers?" CommonDreams.org, April 28, 2008
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/04/28/8564/

3. Ibid.

4. Ibid.

5. "Suicide or Murder? Three Years After the Death of Pfc. LaVena Johnson in Iraq, Her Parents Continue Their Call for a Congressional Investigation," Democracy Now!, June 23, 2008.
http://www.democracynow.org/2008/7/23/suicide_or_murder_three_years_after

6. See reference 2.

7. "2 Years After Soldier's Death, Family's Battle Is With Army," New York Times, March 21, 2006.
http://tinyurl.com/mzcvh

Other References:

"Justice for Pfc. LaVena Johnson," DailyKos, June 30, 2008
http://tinyurl.com/5bh73v

"Rapists in the Ranks, Los Angeles Times, March 31, 2008
http://tinyurl.com/2z2c8l

Reserve Your Right to Make a Citizen's Arrest!

Today, Democracy Now reported that a group of individuals were jailed for taking Karl Rove into their custody while making a citizen's arrest. Cheers to them for their effort! Others should continue it!

Bush Goes Out With a Bang

Bush is going out with a bang, allowing for military executions. Oh how macho, how brave. I can smell the aftershot of his penis.

Michelle and Barack Obama On The Cover Of People Magazine

I am soo proud that the Obama family is from my hometown of Chicago!

#9 Dream

#9 Dream

John Lennon

So long ago
Was it in a dream, was it just a dream?
I know, yes I know
Seemed so very real, it seemed so real to me

Took a walk down the street
Thru the heat whispered trees
I thought I could hear (hear, hear, hear)
Somebody call out my name as it started to rain

Two spirits dancing so strange

Ah! böwakawa poussé, poussé
Ah! böwakawa poussé, poussé
Ah! böwakawa poussé, poussé

Dream, dream away
Magic in the air, was magic in the air?
I believe, yes I believe
More I cannot say, what more can I say?

On a river of sound
Thru the mirror go round, round
I thought I could feel (feel, feel, feel)
Music touching my soul, something warm, sudden cold
The spirit dance was unfolding

Ah! böwakawa poussé, poussé
Ah! böwakawa poussé, poussé
Ah! böwakawa poussé, poussé

Ah! böwakawa poussé, poussé
Ah! böwakawa poussé, poussé
Ah! böwakawa poussé, poussé
Ah! böwakawa poussé, poussé
Ah! böwakawa poussé, poussé
Ah! böwakawa poussé, poussé
Ah! böwakawa poussé, poussé
Ah! böwakawa poussé, poussé

Whatever Gets You Through The Night

John Lennon




Whatever gets you through the night 'salright, 'salright
It's your money or life 'salright, 'salright
Don't need a sword to cut through flowers oh no, oh no

Whatever gets you through your life 'salright, 'salright
Do it wrong or do it right 'salright, 'salright
Don't need a watch to waste your time oh no, oh no

Hold me darlin' come on listen to me
I won't do you no harm
Trust me darlin' come on listen to me, come on listen to me
Come on listen, listen

Whatever gets you to the light 'salright, 'salright
Out the blue or out of sight 'salright, 'salright
Don't need a gun to blow your mind oh no, oh no

Hold me darlin' come on listen to me
I won't do you no harm
Trust me darlin' come on listen to me, come on listen to me
Come on listen, listen

I am truly a dancer at heart. Even though my sister is the trained one....I love to move...to the music...

Gays and Lesbians in the Military

Elaine Donnelly of the Center for Military Readiness said that the U.S. military doesn't do things halfway. I soo laughed--out loud! Honey, have you heard of Iraq? Oh, when you begin to feel you have authority..... Where is Nina Simone? "When your mind is in the devil's workshop and evil doing's your thrill..."

My Grandmother When She Finished at Alabama State

Kevin Pausch, 47,,died today

I saw him on Oprah and thought he was a beautiful soul. He dedicated his last days to teaching the world about living and mortality.

Black In America Part I- CNN

It was, as I expected, full of stereotypes and cliches, but I do commend Soledad O'Brien for the effort. There's only so much one can do at a major network anyway. One really cannot discuss race and racism in America, especially as pertaining to Black people, without discussing patriarchy. Tonight's efforts only touched on a few problems with a wide-brushing sweep.

Do I Move You? -Nina Simone

It is very true that you learn something new every time you watch a film. I never noticed the beginning of The Great Debaters and its discussion of revolution. Very useful to me.

A very sweet and dear old friend died recently. R.I.P. Daryll Mangrum.

When I knew my aunt Earnestine, she had hair that went all the way to the floor. Even as she was about to die.

Everytime I walk into my cousin's house, I revel in what a wonderful spirit it has. It is interesting how quickly you can tell what kind of spirit a house has upon entering it.

Project Runway

Kato's dress this time was butt ugly.

I Think This Is a Wonderful Image of Same Sex Love

Hearing Shirley MacLaine speak yesterday on The View, I am now more thoroughly convinced that there is an afterlife and that people do transgress time. I have had those experiences myself. I feel that I lived in a previous life, sometime in the early twentieth or late 19th Century..in an urban environment... More things to ponder.

I am sitting in a coffeeshop and watching the owner, a beautiful black man, walk up and down the length of the building. He has a great ass.

Wachovia Falls

Damn

Chavez Seeks Alliance With Russia

We must stop the United States from meddling in the affairs of South America. Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, Bolivia's Evo Morales, are among leaders who are trying to keep American machinations at bay. Stop the U.S. government and take responsibility for what the evil white men whom you elect to run your country do.

Goodbye Earl

Mary Anne and Wanda were the best of friends
All through their high school days
Both members of the 4H Club
Both active in the FFA
After graduation Mary Anne went out lookin'
for a bright new world
Wanda looked all around this town
and all she found was Earl

Well it wasn't two weeks
after she got married that
Wanda started gettin' abused
She put on dark glasses and long sleeved blouses
And make-up to cover a bruise
Well she finally got the nerve to file for divorce
She let the law take it from there
But Earl walked right through that restraining order
And put her in intensive care

Right away Mary Anne flew in from Atalnta
On a red eye midnight flight
She held Wanda's hand as they
worked out a plan
And it didn't take long to decided

That Earl had to die
Goodbye Earl
Those black-eyed peas
They tasted all right to me Earl
You're feeling weak
Why don't you lay down
and sleep Earl
Ain't it dark
Wrapped up in that tarp Earl

The cops came to bring Earl in
They searched the house
high and low
Then they tipped their hats
and said 'Thank You ladies
if you hear from him let us know'

Well the weeks went by and
Spring turned to Summer
And Summer faded into Fall
And it turns out he was a missing person
who nobody missed al all

So the girls bouth some land
and a roadside stand
Out on Highway 109
They sell Tennessee ham
and strawberry jame
And they don't
lose any sleep at night 'cause

Earl had to die
Goodbye Earl
We need a break
Let's go out to the lake Earl
We'll pack a lunch
And stuff you in the trunk Earl
Well is that all right
Good Let's go for a ride
Earl hey

More from artist :
Dixie Chicks

More from album :
Fly

Corey Glass Deported: Shame On Canada!

Canada's Shame:
Harper government deports US War Resister Robin Long

Against the wishes of Canadians and Canada's Parliament, the federal government deported U.S. Iraq war resister Robin Long to the United States, where he faces punishment for refusing to participate in the Iraq War.

Robin is currently being held at the Buckley City Jail near Fort Lewis, Washington. Last night supporters and a lawyer were able to get in to visit Robin. He will likely be transferred to Fort Carson, Colorado next week.

More details will be posted as information becomes available, including details of how people can send messages of support to Robin.

The War Resisters Support Campaign is calling on supporters across Canada to urgently continue to put pressure on the minority conservative government to immediately cease deportation proceedings against other US war resisters and to respect the will of Canadians and their elected representatives by implementing the motion adopted by Parliament on June 3rd. Please see the take action page for what you can do.

---------------------------

Take Action By:

CALL PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER
AND MINISTER OF IMMIGRATION DIANE FINLEY

Tell them you want them to:
• immediately cease all deportation proceedings against US Iraq war resisters in Canada
• implement the motion adopted by the House of Commons on June 3rd, 2008 by creating a program that would allow US Iraq war resisters to apply for permanent resident status in Canada

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Prime Minister Stephen Harper
613.992.4211

Stephen Harper's constituency office:
403.253.7990

Or email him at:
harper.s@parl.gc.ca

Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Diane Finley
613.996.4974

MP Diane Finley’s constituency office (Simcoe):
519.426.3400

Or email her at:
minister@cic.gc.ca
or
finled1@parl.gc.ca

CALL MINISTER OF PUBLIC SAFETY STOCKWELL DAY

Please take a moment to email or phone Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, and ask him to immediately stop the deportation of U.S. Iraq war resisters. (The Canadian Border Services Agency falls under his ministry).

Also ask him why the federal government is refusing to respect the clearly expressed will of Canada's Parliament, that U.S. war resisters should be allowed to stay and that deportation proceedings against them should cease?

In a recent Angus Reid poll, almost two-thirds of Canadians said they want U.S. Iraq war resisters to be allowed to stay in Canada. Demand to know why the Harper government is unwilling to be accountable to Canadians.

Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day
Email:
day.s@parl.gc.ca (Ottawa office)
days1@parl.gc.ca (Penticton constituency office)

Phone:
613.995.1702 (Ottawa)
250.770.4480 (Penticton constituency office)

Fax: 613.995.1154 (Ottawa); 250.770.4484 (Penticton)

* * *

It is more urgent than ever that we send a message to the Canadian government that Canada needs to welcome US men and women who refuse to participate in the illegal and immoral war in Iraq. There are three actions you can take today to help support the war resisters.

* Sign the petition in support of the war resisters;
* Contact the federal government and make your views known; and
* Send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.

God bless the Iranians. The US and Israel are looking for war with Iran. People in progressive circles have been saying this for the past five years at least. I first sat in on a discussion about it in 2003.

God is Good

Mavis Staples at Event for Hurricane Katrina

I know that God my God.
God Is Good.
God my God.
God Is Good.
You know that He brought me out of darkness.
God Is Good.

You know that He saved my soul.
God Is Good.
Said He saved my soul.
God Is Good.
I said that He saved my soul, and then He brought me out of darkness.
God Is Good.

You know that He guides my every foot step.
God Is Good.
Said He guides my every foot step.
God Is Good.
You know that He guides my every foot step, then He saved my soul, and then He brought me out of darkness.
God Is Good.

And then He put shoes on my feet.
God Is Good.
Said He put shoes on my feet.
God is Good
You know He put shoes on my feet.
So He could guide my every footstep.
Jesus saved my soul, and then He brought me out of darkness.
God is Good.

And then He put food on my table.
God Is Good.
Said He put food on my table.
God Is Good.
Said He put food on my table, then He put shoes on my feet, so He could guide my every foot step, Jesus saved my soul, and then He brought me out of darkness.
God Is Good.

And then He made a way.
God Is Good.
Said He made a way.
God Is Good.
I said that He made a way, and then He put food on my table, then He put shoes on my feet, so He could guide my every foot step, Jesus saved my soul, and then He brought me out of darkness.
God Is Good.

And with no money in my pocket.
God is Good.
With no money in my pocket.
God is Good.
With no money in my pocket, He still made a way, then put food on my table, and He put shoes on my feet, so He could guide my every footstep, Jesus saved my soul, and then He brought me out of darkness.
God is Good.

You know that He healed my every sickness.
God is Good.
Said that He healed my every sickness.
God Is Good.
I said that He healed my every sickness, with no money in my pocket, He still made a way - out of no way
He still made a way - out of no way
He still made a way - out of no way
Then He put food on my table, and He put shoes on my feet, so He could guide my every footstep, Jesus saved my soul, I know that He saved my soul, and He saved my soul and then He brought me out of darkness.
God Is Good.

hmmm
God is Good.
Yea, yea
God is Good.
yea
God is Good.

ooo oooo
God is Good

Maya Angelou

I am convinced that courage is the most important of all the virtues. Because without courage, you cannot practice any other virtues consistently.

More on Project Runway

My favorite dress from the first episode of season five was Korto's yellow kimono.

My Picks for the Primetime Emmy Categories I Care About

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

My Pick: In Treatment • HBO • Sheleg, Closest To The Hole Productions and Leverage in association with HBO Entertainment
Gabriel Byrne as Paul


Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Bernard And Doris • HBO • Trigger Street Independent Productions in association with Little Bird and Chicago Films and HBO Films
Ralph Fiennes as Bernard Lafferty


Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

Ugly Betty • ABC • ABC Studios
America Ferrera as Betty Suarez



Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series

Brothers & Sisters • ABC • ABC Studios
Sally Field as Nora Holden-Walker


Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie

A Raisin In The Sun • ABC • Storyline Entertainment and Bad Boy World Wide Entertainment Group in association with Sony Pictures Television
Phylicia Rashad as Lena Younger


Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

In Treatment • HBO • Sheleg, Closest To The Hole Productions and Leverage in association with HBO Entertainment
Dianne Wiest as Dr. Gina Toll


Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie

A Raisin In The Sun • ABC • Storyline Entertainment and Bad Boy World Wide Entertainment Group in association with Sony Pictures Television
Audra McDonald as Ruth Younger


Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series

Grey’s Anatomy • ABC • ABC Studios
Diahann Carroll as Jane Burke


Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program


Project Runway • Bravo • Magical Elves for The Weinstein Company, Full Picture, Bravo
Heidi Klum, Host

Outstanding Made For Television Movie

Bernard And Doris • HBO • Trigger Street Independent Productions in association with Little Bird and Chicago Films and HBO Films
Producers TBD

Outstanding Reality-Competition Program

Project Runway

I LOVE the new season of Project Runway!

I LOVE the new season of Project Runway!

Poem: To Myra Breckenridge, With Love

Oh
if someone had thought...and tried
to cut Richard Nixon's penis off...the symbolism alone would destroy america...and bring us one step closer to ending patriarchy...yet here we are...nearly forty years later...still suffering under the same bullshit.

An Article On the Troy King Gay Sex Scandal From Media Frenzy

The ‘new journalism’

This appears to be how it works in the Internet Age – at least if we’re talking about a salacious rumor a lot of people appear to think (or hope) is true.

Alabama Attorney General Troy King is finding this out the hard way, as in the course of a few days, rumors of him being busted in bed with a male aide have gone from whispers, phone calls and e-mails to in-state bloggers to national Web sites.

As I write this, there has been no official statement from King, Gov. Bob Riley or any other state official. No one has admitted or denied that King was sexually involved with a male aide, or that his wife caught them and threw him out of the house. As I write this, nothing is clear – except that lots and lots of people on the Web either think the rumor is true or want it to be true.

The speed with which this thing took off and went “viral” is breathtaking, really. I first heard about it through a cryptic e-mail from a fellow journalist on Wednesday, July 9. I called a friend in Montgomery and he filled me in on what he knew, that the rumor had first broken over the weekend and people had been talking of little else in the capital city for the past couple of days.

At that point, there were a couple of sites that were breathlessly reporting that King would resign at any moment, and that it would be in the mainstream media within a day or two. By Thursday, the number of sites discussing this alleged incident had more than doubled and by Friday, it grew exponentially. As we go to press, more than 100 sites across the country have “reported’ the “story.” National gossip-monger Perez Hilton picked up the ball and ran with it, practically reporting King’s outing as gospel. It only seems like a matter of time before a mainstream news organization has to report on the rumor.

I know for a fact reporters from the Birmingham News and the state’s New York Times-owned newspapers were both actively trying to move the story from the ether of the Web into the cold type of newsprint. I’m told Riley was actively avoiding reporters by the end of the week, as were King and his people.

That’s how things roll now. If enough people start chatting and blogging about something, it can practically become a major news item even without a shred of what any journalism professor would consider “fact.” Welcome to the new journalism.

In some ways it is frightening, as one can easily imagine a situation in which a false story could go viral and smear an innocent person. Even as I write this, that still may be the case with this story about King. Certainly as of July 11, there isn’t a shred of “fact” out there suggesting the story is real. There are plenty of knowledgeable people who insist it is fact, but sans photos, admissions, love notes or court filings, the old pieces that would have made up a standard news story are missing.

But that was then, this is now. If you remember, the Monica Lewinsky story was broken with little more than rumor. Matt Drudge pushed the story on his site and it was only so long before the big boys had to follow suit. All of that has been accelerated dramatically a decade later when so many people have their own blogs that serve as semi-primary news sources for others.

As we go to press, the state is abuzz with the King story, every journalist in the state is talking about it, but not one mainstream news agency has written or spoken a word about it. This is truly a case of the new media passing us by. It’s still incumbent upon the “professional” media to wait until we know we’ve got the story right, but increasingly we’re showing up late to the party because people who aren’t staking their reputations on being accurate have beaten us to the punch bowl.

I’m not saying either of us is wrong or right. Certainly there is room for abuse and character assassination on the Web, while at the same time professional reporters can occasionally let whispers go by for too long without responding, forcing the stories onto the Web. Not that it’s a journalist’s fondest dream to spend his days or nights chasing public officials into seedy motels, but those stories do sometimes have a need-to-know component for the general public.

Either way, the genie’s out of the bottle and not likely to go back in without a very long-term power outage.

WKRG wins Murrow

The folks over at Channel 5 are celebrating another big award, as their story “Mobile’s Makeover” won a national Edward R. Murrow Award for Continuing Coverage. WKRG won the regional Murrow for the story earlier this year, which qualified it for the national contest.

More than 3,400 entries made it into the national contest, with only 77 honorees being awarded. Investigative reporter Tiffany Craig, photojournalist Jud Hulon, former senior producer Jennifer Dale and creative services producer Ed Smith will be presented with their award at a dinner Oct. 13 in New York City.

Congratulations to WKRG and its staff.

Six years and counting

What you’re now reading represents the beginning of Lagniappe’s seventh year. Wow! Hard to imagine we’ve not got a half dozen years under our belt. Sometimes it seems like a lot more, and others it seems like the blink of an eye.

As with every other year in the process, the paper has gotten bigger and stronger. I like to think we continue to find our voice as well and to take our readers places no one else is willing or able to go.

Ashley and I want to thank all of the loyal readers and advertisers who have truly given the Mobile area something extra. We also can’t forget the amazing people who work with us and help get this thing off the ground every two weeks. We are forever grateful.

Look for us to continue bringing you the most interesting local coverage in our seventh year. So far seven is looking lucky indeed.


Rob Holbert is Lagniappe managing editor. Contact him at rholbert@lagniappemobile.com.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Archives

Media Frenzy

Jul 15 2008 – The ‘new journalism’ This appears to be how it works in the Internet Age – at least if we’re talking about a salacious rumor a lot of people appear to think (or hope) is true.

Jul 01 2008 – Firings at WPMI It didn’t take long for WPMI-TV’s new owners, Newport, to make a splash at the NBC affiliate.

Jun 17 2008 – As rising gasoline prices are a problem for average consumers, falling circulation figures are to the daily newspaper industry.

Jun 03 2008 – Most folks paying any attention to the world of the printed word have probably heard nothing but bad news for some time, so it would seem to fly in the face of reason to start a new publication in these tough times.

May 19 2008 – After three years on the Gulf Coast, WALA’s Adam Ghassemi looks to be heading off to the great Northwest with a new job and a new wife.

Here Is the Article From the Pensito Review Concerning the Troy King Sex Scandal

Alabama Attorney General, Troy King, Caught Up in Gay Sex Scandal. Removed From John McCain 's Campaign

And apparently there is a big hush hush about it all over the world. I called WSFA and was told that the report about Troy King's gay sex scandal was a rumour that they could neither "confirm or deny." The newsperson at WAKA said " They hadn't reported it because it was just a bunch of rumours and so it wasn't a story they chose to carry." So, I switched tactics. I called again, later on, and asked if Troy King had been taken off of John McCain's website. The newsperson at WSFA told me that the site "was having problems and that a lot of attorneys general had been removed from the site. He also recommended that I call the McCain regional office. I did. Troy King was previously and is supposed to be the chairperson of the Alabama John McCain campaign. When I asked the young lady at McCain's regional office who the chairperson of the campaign was in Alabama I was told that "they hadn't announced their leadership yet" but could she get my name and number. I obviously, did not give it to her. So I find it quite interesting that in this day and age, and so far after the establishment of the fourth estate and the privileging of the media to work for the people, it is now, yet again, conspiring with the politicians. What is with the hold on this story concerning Troy King, his gay sex scandal, and John McCain's campaign? We the people want to hear....

What the hell is this about Troy King, Alabama's Attorney General, involved in a gay sex scandal??? Ohhhy Veyy