Freedom of Speech-Use it or Lose it

"If the people lead, then eventually the leaders will follow." ~ Thomas
Jefferson

Freedom of speech - Use it or lose it

When they took away the 4th Amendment,
we were quiet,
because we didn't deal drugs.

When they took away the 6th Amendment,
we were quiet,
because we were innocent.

When they took away the 2nd Amendment,
we were quiet,
because we don't own guns.

Now they have taken away the 1st Amendment,
and very soon,
If we continue to be quiet,
we will have no choice,
BUT to continue to be quiet.

NOTICE: Due to Presidential Executive Orders, the National Security Agency
may have read this email without warning, warrant, or notice. They may do
this without any judicial or legislative oversight. You have no recourse nor
protection save to call for the impeachment of the current President.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/7/21/191150/179
http://www.freedomtofascism.com
http://www.iahf.com
http://www.st911.org/
http://luvsite.org/

Bill Moyers for President

Can Moyers win? No, but he can show the Democrats what political courage looks like.

read more | digg story

Marines recruiting on MySpace

So far, over 12,000 Web surfers have signed on as friends of the Corps in response to the latest military recruiting tactic. Other military branches may follow.


...The Marine Corps MySpace profile -- featuring streaming video of barking drill sergeants, fresh recruits enduring boot camp and Marines storming beaches --

read more | digg story

'I Would Love to Kill George Bush'

-- Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Here's a quiz. What's the most important part of this article from the Australian?:

Campaigning on the rights of young people at the Earth Dialogues forum, being held in Brisbane, Ms Williams spoke passionately about the deaths of innocent children during wartime, particularly in the Middle East, and lambasted Mr Bush.


"I have a very hard time with this word 'non-violence', because I don't believe that I am non-violent," said Ms Williams, 64.


"Right now, I would love to kill George Bush." Her young audience at the Brisbane City Hall clapped and cheered.


"I don't know how I ever got a Nobel Peace Prize, because when I see children die the anger in me is just beyond belief. It's our duty as human beings, whatever age we are, to become the protectors of human life."

Give up? It's not the fact that she could kill George Bush -- any Peace Prize recipient worth her salt feels rage toward Bush.

It's the fact that Australian children clapped and cheered when she said it. Assuming that's true, this is just one more sign that the head of this nation -- once a beacon for liberty, freedom, and prosperity -- is now a reviled figure even among many of our allies.

It's a bad day for Mr. Bush. Check out the Chris Matthews smackdown from today as well... (CLG)



read more | digg story

Code Pink crashes Iraqi PM's speech

Medea Benjamin, of Code Pink: Women for Peace, stole some of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's thunder when she crashed the joint session of congress and started shouting 'Iraqis want the troops to leave; bring them home now.'

Code Pink is taking part in Troops Home Fast, a hunger strike started by another famous war protestor--Cindy Sheehan.



read more | digg story

"Isle Be Seeing You" by Mark Fiore

"Isle Be Seeing You"
by
Mark Fiore

something to think about...

"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?"

~George Eliot~

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil,

but because of those who look on and do nothing."

~Albert Einstein~

"It has been said that man is a rational animal. All my life I have been searching

for evidence which could support this."

~Bertrand Russell~

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens

can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

~Margaret Mead~

"America's 100 Years of Overthrow"

America's 100 Years of Overthrow

The US is addicted to overthrowing foreign governments -- 14 in the past century -- from Cuba to Chile to Iran.

In every statement on Iran, officials of the George W. Bush administration
routinely repeat the party line that "the president never takes any option off
the table".
Despite the constant invocation of a possible military attack on
Iran, however, a little-noticed section of the administration's official
national security strategy indicates that Bush has already decided that he will
not use military force to try to prevent Iran from going nuclear.

Continued...

"Swearing to Success" by Mark Fiore

"Swearing to Success"

by Mark Fiore

The Israeli Defense Forces - Official Website

This page is chock full of updates on the current conflict. Pretty one sided obviously, but an interesting site nonetheless.

read more digg story

SOMEONE PLEASE SAVE THE WORLD

SOMEONE PLEASE SAVE THE WORLD

I see trees of green
Burn in the west
Storms in the south
While the icecaps are a mess
And I think to myself
Someone please save the world

I see skies of grey
Ink marks of black
Left on scientific texts
By White House hacks
And I say to myself
Someone please save the world

The colors of pollution are so nasty in the sky
They're also in the cancer cells of people walking by
I see folks in high places saying global warming¹s crap
They may as well be saying
Earth is flat

I hear babies cry
As well they should
The planet they're inheriting
Might just be screwed for good
And I think to myself
Someone please save the world
Yes I say top myself
Someone please save the world
Yes I think to myself
Someone please save the world.

Email: decider.koo.koo.ka.choo@gmail.com
MySpace: myspace.com/paulhipp

Written and played and recorded by Paul Hipp for your listening pleasure as wild fire raged across the western US.

Yes we have an album and MP3 download deal in the works and shall be available shortly. Thanks to all who inquired.

Thanks to my friend, the late GREAT Joey Ramone for his inspiration.

Pass this link on to everyone you know who lives on earth and would like it to remain inhabitable!

Thanks everybody for your support. More to come.

POLL: Do You Think We Are Headed Toward Another World War?

"Glorious Failure" by Mark Fiore

"Glorious Failure"
by
Mark Fiore

10 Things Gas Stations Won't Tell You

I need all the help I can get saving cash on gas. Makes you really start to consider going Hybrid...

read more | digg story

10 Things Gas Stations Won't Tell You

1. "Good luck finding the best deal."
2. "I hate high gas prices too."
3. "My gas isn't better for your car; it's just more expensive."
4. "If you're smart, you'll put that debit card away..."
5. "...and don't even consider applying for our gas card."
6."Looking for the cheapest gas in town? Try the internet.
7. "It's a gallon when I say it's a gallon."
8. "I might gouge you on a soda, but my coffee's a bargain."
9. "If you're having car trouble, you're in the wrong place."
10. "You don't even need gas to run your car."

Personally #6 is my favorite...I have been using GasPriceWatch.com to locate the cheapest gas in my town.

AlterNet: The Politics of American Greed

The Politics of American Greed

Anyone who doesn't think this is a country where the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer needs to check the numbers -- this is Bush country, where a rising tide lifts all yachts.

According to the current issue of Mother Jones

• One in four U.S. jobs pays less than a poverty-level income.
• Since 2000, the number of Americans living below the poverty line at any one time has risen steadily. Now, 13 percent -- 37 million Americans -- are officially poor.
• Bush's tax cuts (extended until 2010) save those earning between $20,000 and $30,000 an average of $10 a year, while those making $1 million are saved $42,700.
• In 2002, Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, compared those who point out such statistics as the one above to Adolph Hitler (surely he meant Stalin?).
• Bush has diverted $750 million to "healthy marriages" by shifting funds from social services, mostly childcare.
• Bush has proposed cutting housing programs for low-income people with disabilities by 50 percent.
• A series of related stats -- starting with the news that two out of three new jobs are in the suburbs -- shows how the poor are further disadvantaged in the job hunt by lack of public or private transportation

continued...

Jay speaks up...

I love Jay & Conan both, but Jay says it all in this monologue . Jay gets busy with jokes about Bush, Cheney, and Rush Limbaugh's personal problems.

Syd Barrett Dies at 60

The World Today - Syd Barrett dies aged 60

He's regarded as one of the most influential figures of the 1960s rock and roll scene inspiring artists like The Beach Boys and The Beatles and leading a counter culture rebellion....

AlterNet: Could Bush Be Prosecuted for War Crimes?

Could Bush Be Prosecuted for War Crimes?

By Jan Frel, AlterNet. Posted July 10, 2006.

A Nuremberg chief prosecutor says there is a case for trying Bush for the 'supreme crime against humanity, an illegal war of aggression against a sovereign nation.'

Truth Commission to Look at Status of Poor in America

Truth Commission to Look at Status of Poor in America,
Katrina Survivors, Homeless Families, the Uninsured and Others Will Testify About Being Poor in America in Effort to Promote Economic Human Rights

Winnie Mandela and UN Expert on Human Rights and Extreme Poverty to Serve as Commissioners

NEW YORK - July 10 - The Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign, a leading advocacy group for the poor and disenfranchised, will stage a National Truth Commission in Cleveland Ohio from July 15th – 20th, 2006, to shine a light on the status of poor people in the United States. The Commission designed after the truth commissions of South Africa, El Salvador and elsewhere, will provide a platform for poor and working people from around the country to tell their stories of economic human rights violations first hand. A panel of local, state, national and international leaders will serve as commissioners to hear testimonies and draw findings at the conclusion of the event. A report summarizing the Commission’s testimony and findings will also be published following the event.

Thanks!

Common Dreams
Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community
www.commondreams.org

My Politics Playlist at YouTube

Politics at YouTube

Playlist Description

war, money, greed, evil, terrorism, lies, tears...it has become worse than many people would have ever dreamed...the world i tried to help as an activist broke me, my ex-husband, and our beloved son. The lies your government tells you are routine for politicians. Loyalty to your government and not questioning the answers with authority figures is not and never has been the will of the people. The lies have always been there and will always be there until...
We the People of The Unites States of America, take back the freedoms our forefathers gave their lives for...
Yes, life sucks...i've known this for alot of my 44 years...I just prayed that it wouldn't turn out the way it is...
I pray for world peace for selfish reasons as well as benovolent ones. I don't want my son to end up fighting in WWIII...I don't want to watch as people die in nuclear holocausts...and, I want a peaceful and fruitful world for the next generation of hopefully wiser and less violent human beings...
Peace

Copyright © 2006 YouTube, Inc.

Reality in the USA

The Gap Between Reality-Based America and Bush's Fantasy Island Grows Greater! But the Democratic Leaders on Capitol Hill are Captives on the Island.

Yes, the gap between what is really happening in the United States and the world as compared to the Hollywood style narrative peddled by the Rovian propaganda machine grows greater.

As many critics have noted, what the Republican Party does best is sell a story about America by playing on images and themes with deep emotional resonance to a large segment of the nation. This story is no truer in terms of facts and what is happening than an episode of "The Brady Bunch" is to real life in American families.

This ability to sell a fictional political "narrative" to a large chunk of Americans was exemplified by the ascent and election of Ronald Reagan, who acted his way into and through the White House. He was literally the epitome of GOP production values: an actor who performed his role of president with the support of a Hollywood-style production team who wrote his "patriotic," macho scripts -- and a literal television production team that made his presidency a series of on-location "scenes" for the movie that was his presidency.

Bush wasn't an actor, but Karl Rove was his Henry Higgins. Rove molded Bush's high "affability ratings" into a fairly skilled television actor -- as long as he sticks to the script written for him. Rove provides the Hollywood style settings, the Frank Luntz focus-group tested themes and phrases, and invites the media to serve as the film production team, which they dutifully do.

continued...

NYTimes.com: N.Y. Court Upholds Gay Marriage Ban

NEW YORK REGION | July 6, 2006
N.Y. Court Upholds Gay Marriage Ban
By ANEMONA HARTOCOLLIS
New York's highest court today turned back a broad attempt by gay and lesbian couples across the state to win the right to marry and raise children under New York State's marriage law, saying that denying marriage to same-sex couples does not violate the state constitution.
continued...

Hate Groups Are Infiltrating the Military, Group Asserts

WASHINGTON | July 7, 2006
Hate Groups Are Infiltrating the Military, Group Asserts
By JOHN KIFNER
Recruiting shortfalls caused by the war in Iraq have allowed "large numbers of neo-Nazis and skinhead extremists" to join the military, a watchdog group said.

"We've got Aryan Nations graffiti in Baghdad," the group quoted a Defense Department investigator as saying in a report to be posted today on its Web site, www.splcenter.org. "That's a problem."

A Defense Department spokeswoman said officials there could not comment on the report because they had not yet seen it.

The center called on Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld to appoint a task force to study the problem, declare a new zero tolerance policy and strictly enforce it.

The report said that neo-Nazi groups like the National Alliance, whose founder, William Pierce, wrote "The Turner Diaries," the novel that was the inspiration and blueprint for Timothy J. McVeigh's bombing of the Oklahoma City federal building, sought to enroll followers in the Army to get training for a race war.

The groups are being abetted, the report said, by pressure on recruiters, particularly for the Army, to meet quotas that are more difficult to reach because of the growing unpopularity of the war in Iraq.

Famed British Astrophysicist Stephen Hawking Seeks Answers on Humanity's Future...

TECHNOLOGY | July 7, 2006
Hawking Seeks Answers on Humanity's Future
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK (AP) -- Some questions even stump Stephen Hawking.

The famed British astrophysicist and best-selling author has turned to Yahoo Answers, a new feature in which anyone can pose a question for fellow Internet users to try to answer. By Friday afternoon, nearly 17,000 Yahoo Inc. users had responded.

Hawking's question: ''In a world that is in chaos politically, socially and environmentally, how can the human race sustain another 100 years?''

Some of the answers were short -- ''get rid of nuclear weapons'' -- and others vague -- ''Somehow we will.'' Many were doubtful: ''I don't think it is possible unless we expand into space,'' one user wrote.

A number of people suggested thinking differently, ending bickering or fostering cooperation.

Will Diversity Drown Digg?

An interesting article about Digg's democratizing editorial control. What happens if Digg's demographics change (we have more Asians or Europeans, liberals or conservatives)?

read more | digg story

"It Couldn't Happen Here"

It Couldn't Happen Here

By E. J. Dionne Jr.

Mexico is in a mess because voters in its presidential election were so closely divided between Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the candidate of the center-left, and Felipe Calderon, the center-right candidate who was declared the narrow winner yesterday.

Let's be clear: There's nothing wrong with Mexico's voters. Close elections happen. The test of a democracy is how a bitter dispute of this sort is resolved. Can it be settled in a way that enhances confidence in the electoral process and the legitimacy of the ultimate winner?

Mexicans have one thing going for them: There is no question under Mexican law that the winner of the popular vote will be the winner of the election.

Imagine the global outcry if Mexico chose its president indirectly through some sort of electoral college that gave advantage to smaller states over bigger ones and permitted the loser of the popular vote to become president. The world would be merciless in deriding Mexico as a backward place living under undemocratic laws written in the early 19th century. Mexicans can be proud that this won't happen.

But there are potential problems. Lopez Obrador has had questions about the results in the state of Tabasco. Mr. Calderon and Mr. Lopez Obrador, please, please make sure that you don't have some close relative in charge of things down there.

How would it look if the governor of the state was your own brother? What would people think if the top official in charge of elections was your sibling's partisan ally who made every key decision in your favor?

The American media would go nuts. On Fox, Bill O'Reilly would condemn the sleaze and nepotism while declaring, confidently, "Thank God such a thing could never happen in the United States of America!" CNN's Lou Dobbs would add a "Broken Ballot Boxes" segment to his long-running series on "Broken Borders." Mexico, don't go down that road.

Another thing: Whichever one of you is ahead at any given point, please don't ask that the counting be stopped abruptly just because you happen to hold the lead. Don't have some high-class lawyer with a name like Jaime A. Panadero III come out and say things like, "I don't believe that the people of Mexico want this national election turned over to lawyers and court contests" -- and then have the very same lawyer direct other lawyers to go to court to stop any further counts.

If either of you did such a thing, wouldn't it look hypocritical? Would it not seem as if all you cared about was obtaining power -- and that you didn't care how you got it? It would spoil the legitimacy of your election.
continued...

2002 - 2006 The Washington Post Company

Please sign The Declaration of Peace

The Declaration of Peace

Take Action to End the US War in Iraq!

The Declaration of Peace is a nationwide campaign to establish by September 21, 2006 a concrete and rapid plan for peace in Iraq, including:

• a prompt timetable for withdrawal of troops and closure of bases
• a peace process for security, reconstruction, and reconciliation
• and the shift of funding for war to meeting human needs.

People across the United States are signing The Declaration of Peace pledge, a commitment to take action if this plan for peace is not created and activated by Congress by September 21, the International Day of Peace. From September 21-28, just days before Congress adjourns for the fall elections, Declaration signers will withdraw their consent from this war – and support a comprehensive peace process – by taking part in nonviolent action, marches, rallies, demonstrations, interfaith services, candlelight vigils and other creative ways to declare peace at the US Capitol and in cities and towns across the US.

The Declaration of Peace campaign will continue after the September actions if no comprehensive plan to end the war is in place. Nationally coordinated nonviolent activities will continue on a regular basis until the United States withdraws from Iraq and supports a comprehensive peace process.

More than forty national anti-war, peace, and justice organizations are participating together in the Declaration of Peace movement. Sign The Declaration of Peace – and take tangible, nonviolent action to end this war and to declare a new era of peace and justice.

---

Join the Campaign!

Connect with The Declaration of Peace in Your Area
Find groups organizing The Declaration in your community

Attend or Organize Declaration of Peace Signing Events
Join with others in publicly signing The Declaration.

Call on Congress to Sign the Congressional Declaration of Peace
Urge your Senators and Representative to commit to co-sign legislation supporting a comprehensive plan for peace.

Prepare for Action – Take Nonviolent Action Training
Learn about the power and practicalities of nonviolent action.

Take Action!
Act now for a comprehensive peace plan in September and beyond.

For More Information:
http://www.declarationofpeace.org
2501 Harrison St., Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 773-777-7858
E-mail:info@declarationofpeace.org

HELP END THE US WAR IN IRAQ
Send The Declaration of Peace To Friends

Troops Home Fast! Join us!

It's time to do more to end the war in Iraq. That's why Cindy Sheehan, DickGregory, Willie Nelson, Danny Glover, Dolores Huerta, the women of CODEPINK and many more will be participating in a hunger strike, called Troops Home Fast, in front of the White House starting on July 4th. Please join us by agreeing to fast, either in DC or at home, for at least one day over the summer.
Join US in a hunger strike to bring our Troops Home Fast

Thank you for your solidarity.

The NEW Not in Our Name Statement of Conscience

The New Not in Our Name Statement of Conscience

The New Not in Our Name Statement of Conscience, opposing the domestic and international agenda of the Bush government, is signed by over 15,000 people and appeared in the New York Times on Sunday, January 23, and in the San Francisco Chronicle on Thursday, February 3. LA TIMES, February 15. Please help us get it published in other publications

As George W. Bush bullies his way through his second term, let it not be said that people in the United States silently acquiesced in the face of this shameful coronation of war, greed, and intolerance. He does not speak for us. He does not represent us. He does not act in our name.

No election, whether fair or fraudulent, can legitimize criminal wars on foreign countries, torture, the wholesale violation of human rights, and the end of science and reason.

In our name, the Bush government justifies the invasion and occupation of Iraq on false pretenses, raining down destruction, horror, and misery, bringing death to more than 100,000 Iraqis. It sends our youth to destroy entire cities for the sake of so-called democratic elections, while intimidating and disenfranchising thousands of African American and other voters at home.

In our name, the Bush government holds in contempt international law and world opinion. It carries out torture and detentions without trial around the world and proposes new assaults on our rights of privacy, speech and assembly at home. It strips the rights of Arabs, Muslims and South Asians in the U.S., denies them legal counsel, stigmatizes and holds them without cause. Thousands have been deported.

As new trial balloons are floated about invasions of Syria, or Iran, or North Korea, about leaving the United Nations, about new “lifetime detention” policies, we say not in our name will we allow further crimes to be committed against nations or individuals deemed to stand in the way of the goal of unquestioned world supremacy.

Could we have imagined a few years ago that core principles such as the separation of church and state, due process, presumption of innocence, freedom of speech, and habeas corpus would be discarded so easily? Now, anyone can be declared an "enemy combatant" without meaningful redress or independent review by a President who is concentrating power in the executive branch. His choice for Attorney General is the legal architect of the torture that has been carried out in Guantánamo, Afghanistan, and Abu Ghraib.

The Bush government seeks to impose a narrow, intolerant, and political form of Christian fundamentalism as government policy. No longer on the margins of power, this extremist movement aims to strip women of their reproductive rights, to stoke hatred of gays and lesbians, and to drive a wedge between spiritual experience and scientific truth. We will not surrender to extremists our right to think. AIDS is not a punishment from God. Global warming is a real danger. Evolution happened. All people must be free to find meaning and sustenance in whatever form of religious or spiritual belief they choose. But religion can never be compulsory. These extremists may claim to make their own reality, but we will not allow them to make ours.

Millions of us worked, talked, marched, poll watched, contributed, voted, and did everything we could to defeat the Bush regime in the last election. This unprecedented effort brought forth new energy, organization, and commitment to struggle for justice. It would be a terrible mistake to let our failure to stop Bush in these ways lead to despair and inaction. On the contrary, this broad mobilization of people committed to a fairer, freer, more peaceful world must move forward. We cannot, we will not, wait until 2008. The fight against the second Bush regime has to start now.

The movement against the war in Vietnam never won a presidential election. But it blocked troop trains, closed induction centers, marched, spoke to people door to door -- and it helped to stop a war. The Civil Rights Movement never tied its star to a presidential candidate; it sat in, freedom rode, fought legal battles, filled jailhouses -- and changed the face of a nation.

We must change the political reality of this country by mobilizing the tens of millions who know in their heads and hearts that the Bush regime’s “reality” is nothing but a nightmare for humanity. This will require creativity, mass actions and individual moments of courage. We must come together whenever we can, and we must act alone whenever we have to.

We draw inspiration from the soldiers who have refused to fight in this immoral war. We applaud the librarians who have refused to turn over lists of our reading, the high school students who have demanded to be taught evolution, those who brought to light torture by the U.S. military, and the massive protests that voiced international opposition to the war on Iraq. We affirm ordinary people undertaking extraordinary acts. We pledge to create community to back courageous acts of resistance. We stand with the people throughout the world who fight every day for the right to create their own future.

It is our responsibility to stop the Bush regime from carrying out this disastrous course. We believe history will judge us sharply should we fail to act decisively.

Please sign at Not in Our Name, Statement of Conscience Against War and Repression

To read more about Not in Our Name and their purpose, please go to their homepage
http://www.nion.us/

SFGate: North Korea Mocks International Criticism

North Korea Mocks International Criticism
By JOSEPH COLEMAN, Associated Press Writer

Thursday, July 6, 2006 (AP)

(07-06) 11:47 PDT SEOUL, South Korea (AP) --

North Korea angrily mocked international criticism of its multiple missile
tests, threatening on Thursday to fire off more rockets. In the face of
nearly unanimous world condemnation of the seven missile tests on
Wednesday, Pyongyang's foreign minister released a blustery statement
declaring that it had the right to develop and test its weapons —
and vowing unspecified retaliation against anyone who tries to stop it.

"Our military will continue with missile launch drills in the future as
part of efforts to strengthen self-defense deterrent," said the statement,
carried in state-run media.

"If anyone intends to dispute or add pressure about this, we will have to
take stronger physical actions in other forms."

The statement did not specify what actions North Korea would take.

The aggressive stance from Pyongyang coincided with intense diplomatic
activity in world capitals to formulate a response to the tests.
Washington and its allies — particularly Japan — clamored for
sanctions against the North, but struggled against resistance by China and
Russia.

North Korea set off an international furor on Wednesday when it tested
seven missiles, all of which landed into the Sea of Japan without causing
any damage. The blasts apparently included a long-range Taepodong-2 that
broke up less than a minute after takeoff and splashed into the sea.

The statement threatening more tests came as South Korean officials said
intelligence reports showed continued activity at Northern missile sites,
suggesting further firings could be in the works.

It was unclear if or when the missiles would fly. Japanese officials said
they had no indications another Taepodong test was being prepared, and
South Korean officials said the launches were not imminent.

Still, the North pulled no punches in its statement, hailing the launches
on Wednesday as a success and making no mention of the Taepodong-2
failure.

"The successful missile launches were part of our military's regular
military drills to strengthen self defense," said the statement. "As a
sovereign country, this is our legal right and we are not bound by any
international law or bilateral or multilateral agreements."

The ministry also denied it had violated a missile moratorium, saying it
was only in effect when Pyongyang was in dialogue with the U.S. The
statement also blamed the Japanese for making an international issue out
of North Korea's unsolved kidnappings of Japanese citizens.
Copyright 2006 AP

"Sammy L'il Shiv" by Mark Fiore

"Sammy L'il Shiv"
by
Mark Fiore

America: Evil Empire Or Benevolent Ruler?

As Americans prepare to celebrate the 230th anniversary of their independence tomorrow, the poll found that only 12 per cent of Britons trust them to act wisely on the global stage. This is half the number who had faith in the Vietnam-scarred White House of 1975.

read more | digg story

Busted for wearing a peace T-shirt; America has gone insane!

Mike Ferner served as a Navy corpsman during Vietnam War. He was arrested for wearing a t-shirt while sitting down by himself, drinking a cup of coffee. Some Americans have obviously totally lost the plot.

read more | digg story

UN drafts resolution on North Korea

Defying international warnings, North Korea launched at least six missiles early morning and a seventh some 12 hours later, officials in Japan and South Korea said. The council draft, read to Reuters and subject to changes, condemned the launch and strongly urged North Korea to return to the six-nation talks hosted by China on its nuclear program.

read more | digg story

In quotes: N Korea missile reaction

** In quotes: N Korea missile reaction **
Key world figures react to the test-launching of a number of missiles by North Korea.

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, US SECRETARY OF STATE

It simply demonstrates that the North Koreans may have perhaps miscalculated...

But in fact there has been a very strong response to their actions, so whatever their motivations, whatever they thought they were doing, they have gotten a very strong reaction from the international community.

SUH CHOO-SUK, SOUTH KOREAN SENIOR SECURITY SECRETARY

By going ahead with the launch despite warnings, North Korea has reinforced a hardline stance against itself in the international community and deepened its isolation.

North Korea must stop provocative activity, immediately return to six-party talks and join international efforts for nuclear non-proliferation... North Korea should be held responsible for all the consequences.

SHINZO ABE, JAPANESE CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY

North Korea has gone ahead with the launch despite international protest. That is regrettable from the standpoint of Japan's security, the stability of international society, and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

THOMAS SCHIEFFER, US AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN

We would hope they would cease and desist from these provocative acts. This is no way to advance their foreign policy goals.

LIU JIANCHAO, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN

We are seriously concerned about the events that have occurred. We hope that all sides will maintain calm and restraint.

MIKHAIL KAMYNIN, RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

Such a provocative action significantly complicates the situation around Korea's nuclear programme. We can say that the missile launches obviously run counter to moves to build trust in the region.

MARGARET BECKETT, BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY

These tests are provocative, and only serve to raise tensions in the region. We strongly urge the government of DPRK [Democratic Peoples Public of Korea] to adhere to its commitment to a moratorium on missile testing.

Continued...

** BBC Daily E-mail **
Choose the news and sport headlines you want - when you want them, all
in one daily e-mail

To the Space Shuttle's Heroic Crew

Peace & safe journey to the crew of the space shuttle, Discovery...

Countdown Continues - 1:30 p.m. Update
The astronauts are buckled into their seats inside Discovery's cabin. The closeout crew has closed the hatch, but not before wishing the astronauts a successful flight. The STS-121 crew is going through final checks inside the orbiter to prepare for launch.

The launch countdown is progressing as planned, with launch expected today at 2:37:51 p.m.

NASA's Freedom Star and Liberty Star are in position for launch. Both recovery ships are currently stationed out in the Atlantic Ocean prepared to tow the solid rocket boosters back to Kennedy. The boosters will then be recycled and put back into service for another shuttle launch.

Steven Lindsey commands a crew of five American astronauts, Pilot Mark Kelly and Mission Specialists Michael Fossum, Lisa Nowak, Stephanie Wilson and Piers Sellers, and one astronaut from the European Space Agency, Thomas Reiter. This is the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station and the 32nd flight for Space Shuttle Discovery.

In Discovery's payload bay, the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, built by the Italian Space Agency, will deliver supplies, equipment and tools on its fourth trip to the station.

While docked, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as make repairs to the station. Reiter will remain with the Expedition 13 crew on the station.

Live Coverage
NASA TV coverage of the launch and live countdown updates from NASA's Launch Blog began at 8:30 a.m. EDT this morning.
+ Watch NASA TV
+ NASA Launch Blog

"Connecting the Dots" by Amnesty International

"Connecting the Dots"
How you and I are connected to torture.
a flash animation movie
by
Amnesty International

Tell the truth about torture, Mr. President

Please join me in signing the "Tell the truth about torture, Mr. President" petition.

Numerous allegations of torture committed by agents of the United States government have been reported since President Bush declared the "war on terror" in 2001. It's time for the torture to end.

Please join me in demanding the truth about torture and accountability for past acts, so that torture in our names never happens again.

Follow This Link to visit the website.

As it is on this the 4th day of July 2006

as we all struggle this Independence Day with a myriad of different issues...

economically...

intellectually...
change...

or evil demons...
sometimes, it's good to laugh at ourselves...

*a personal struggle that I have been going through...whether or not to go to the annual 4th of July Parade in my hometown. I always go...I have a child and he loves to go...but, I'm angry with my country. I want to sit on the sidelines watching the parade with a huge sign hanging around my neck saying, "Peace NOW, Get out of Iraq!!!". I didn't think I would be able too because I am wicked sick, but; I'm starting to feel better...if I do actually get to the parade, and get the guts up to utilize my right to free speech, by wearing the sign...i'll have my partner and my son take pictures of me...it's been awhile since I've been able to protest...the urge is becoming much greater than giving in to physical illness. After all, so many people are dying everyday in the illegal and unjust war in Iraq...I surely can deal with a fever and a stomache ache.
peace & bright blessings to all,

To Our Troops this 4th of July...