Thursday, July 15, 2004
Frightened of New Ideas?
"I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones." ~John Cage
via hitched to everything
via hitched to everything
"Ashamed to be an American...where I see what pride can bring..."
The Memory Hole > Photos of Iraqis Being Abused by US Personnel
WARNING: GRAPHIC PHOTOS OF AMERICANS TORTURING IRAQIS
WARNING: GRAPHIC PHOTOS OF AMERICANS TORTURING IRAQIS
Greg Palast on C-SPAN today
The Writings of Greg Palast:
"PALAST TO TESTIFY AT US CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION THURSDAY JULY 15TH"
Stay tuned to C-SPAN...who should be covering it.
"PALAST TO TESTIFY AT US CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION THURSDAY JULY 15TH"
Stay tuned to C-SPAN...who should be covering it.
John Edwards condemns Bush. Says he should accept responsibiliy, like Tony Blair.
Edwards: Bush is no Blair
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards assailed President Bush for lacking the courage of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who on Wednesday took full responsibility for the intelligence failures that led both nations into war in Iraq.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards assailed President Bush for lacking the courage of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who on Wednesday took full responsibility for the intelligence failures that led both nations into war in Iraq.
But are we "better off" without those killed to remove Saddam?
:: But are we "better off" without those killed to remove Saddam?
Sure...America is better off without Saddam in power. Maybe. We shall see. The jury is still out, and thousands are still going to die...while Saddam still lives.
But is America better off without the thousands of soldiers, contractors, and innocents that have died in order to remove Saddam? I submit the answer is a resounding NO!
To have lost even one life in exchange for Saddam is too many. And yet Bush keeps hurling our boys and girls into the fire.
Time to fire Bush. He is a killer president...whose presidency is bogus and illegitimate. Do the math.
Another Bush term would spell the end of America. The world simply cannot sustain another blundering four years of this buffoon. Send him back to Crawford. There he can do little harm.
Sure...America is better off without Saddam in power. Maybe. We shall see. The jury is still out, and thousands are still going to die...while Saddam still lives.
But is America better off without the thousands of soldiers, contractors, and innocents that have died in order to remove Saddam? I submit the answer is a resounding NO!
To have lost even one life in exchange for Saddam is too many. And yet Bush keeps hurling our boys and girls into the fire.
Time to fire Bush. He is a killer president...whose presidency is bogus and illegitimate. Do the math.
Another Bush term would spell the end of America. The world simply cannot sustain another blundering four years of this buffoon. Send him back to Crawford. There he can do little harm.
From Saddam to Sodomy : How Bush is screwing Iraq
EdCone.com: "Seymour Hersh says the US government has videotapes of boys being sodomized at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.
'The worst is the soundtrack of the boys shrieking,' the reporter told an ACLU convention last week. Hersh says there was 'a massive amount of criminal wrongdoing that was covered up at the highest command out there, and higher.'"
'The worst is the soundtrack of the boys shrieking,' the reporter told an ACLU convention last week. Hersh says there was 'a massive amount of criminal wrongdoing that was covered up at the highest command out there, and higher.'"
FOX smells it's own hole, Part 3
33 internal FOX editorial memos reviewed by MMF ... [Media Matters for America]
David Brock and Media Matters picks up on the Fox memos I was discussing yesterday...
Memos issued by FOX News Senior Vice President, News Editorial John Moody and Los Angeles Bureau Chief Ken LaCoste between May 9 and June 3, 2003 and March 12 and May 5, 2004.
David Brock and Media Matters picks up on the Fox memos I was discussing yesterday...
Memos issued by FOX News Senior Vice President, News Editorial John Moody and Los Angeles Bureau Chief Ken LaCoste between May 9 and June 3, 2003 and March 12 and May 5, 2004.
Barack Obama - Illinois Senate Race - Candidate Profile
Barack Obama - Illinois Senate Race - Candidate Profile (via ScrutinyHooligans)
A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Harvard Law School, Obama earned the honor of being the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review and was a member of the Executive Board of the Black Law Students Association.
Too bad beer-drinking JD Hayworth/Rush Limbaugh lookalike, Mike Ditka, didn't go up again this accomplished gentleman. Woulda been a hoot!
Barak Obama will be the keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. Obama, who is African American, is a rising Democratic star and the campaign clearly hopes his prominent role will send a message about Kerry’s commitment to diversity.
(CBS News)
A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Harvard Law School, Obama earned the honor of being the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review and was a member of the Executive Board of the Black Law Students Association.
Too bad beer-drinking JD Hayworth/Rush Limbaugh lookalike, Mike Ditka, didn't go up again this accomplished gentleman. Woulda been a hoot!
Barak Obama will be the keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. Obama, who is African American, is a rising Democratic star and the campaign clearly hopes his prominent role will send a message about Kerry’s commitment to diversity.
(CBS News)
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Fox News Memos: The Whole Batch
Fox News Memos: The Whole Batch
MEMOS FROM FOX EXECS TO THEIR FOOTSTOOLS
Every one of these paragraphs contain something untoward and/or unbecoming for a news organization. See if you can spot it. I will help out in a few instances...
Nominees who both sides admit are qualified are being held up because of their POSSIBLE, not demonstrated, views on one issue -- abortion. This should be a trademark issue for FNC [Fox News Channel] today and in the days to come.
At the UN, Catherine Herridge will follow the US sponsored resolution calling for the lifting of sanctions against Iraq. Not surprisingly, we're facing resistance from our erstwhile European buddies, the French and Germans.
The terror alert continues to affect the way Americans live their lives, both as consumers, participants in public events and citizens. Let's explain to viewers that while prudent precautions need to be taken, the disruption of the American way of life is in itself a terrorist goal and should not be conceded to our enemies.
The tax cut passed last night by the Senate, though less than half what Bush originally proposed, contains some important victories for the administration. The DC crew will parse the bill and explain how it will fatten -- marginally -- your wallet.
Imagine the glee of Fox employees at the prospect of a fatter wallet!
Heads of state don't leave G-8 meetings early unless they have good reasons. President Bush has two: he has to get to Egypt, and he doesn't like the French. Let's explain to viewers that despite the tepid handshake, Bush and Chirac are far from reconciled, as are the US and Germany. The early departure from Evian should take the sparkle out of the bottled water spa.
Imagine Brokaw, Jennings or Rather telling their underlings: "Remember...we don't like the French and Germans."
Adolescents leading the infantile...
We have good perp walk video of Eric Rudolph which we should use. We should NOT assume that anyone who supported or helped Eric Rudolph is a racist. No one's in favor of murder or bombing of public places. But feelings in North Carolina may just be more complicated than the NY Times can conceive. Two style notes: Rudolph is charged with bombing an abortion clinic, not a "health clinic."
Abortion bad. Health good.
It's a distinctly skeptical crowd that Bush faces. His political courage and tactical cunning are worth noting in our reporting through the day.
FOX: A Republican Propaganda Machine
The national forest as pot field story is pure Fox.
That's right, FOX. Go after those evil National Parks!
For our purposes, as a story, it's very important to know whether ETA or Al Qaeda was responsible for the Madrid bombings. For the victims the distinction is minimal. Terrorism is international, and the United States is the leader of the coalition to stamp it out. That's the tone we want to impart throughout the day.
Or is that what the White House told you to tell them to say?
Scary thought of the day: what if it's a consortium of terrorist groups working together?
Fear-mongering again? Oh yeah...fear sells news and products. Who cares that it diminishes one's quality of life...and health?
Spain's neighbor, the ever-superior France, had its own spate of railway terrorist warnings last week, though it's not clear that those were in any way related to the Madrid bombings.
Ever-superior France? Got an attitude problem?
Gas prices are at all time highs in the US. There are reasons for the surge, some economic, some mere business tactics. Remember: US prices, while they seem high to us, are a half or less the cost of gasoline elsewhere.
Why is gas so high? Business tactics of course! But will you tell US this? In memos maybe, but not in the news.
Kerry, starting to feel the heat for his flip-flop voting record, is in West Virginia. There's a near-meaningless primary in Illinois.
The birth of the flip-flop talking point?
Attention mice: the cat is back.
(My thanks to Ken and David for filling in.)
Fox employees are not even rats. They are merely mice! Well done!
The so-called 9/11 commission has already been meeting. In fact, this is the eighth session. The fact that former Clinton and both frmer and current Bush administration officials are testifying gives it a certain tension, but this is not "what did he know and when did he know it" stuff. Do not turn this into Watergate. Remember the fleeting sense of national unity that emerged from this tragedy. Let's not desecrate that.
For everyone's information, the hotel where our Baghdad bureau is housed was hit by some kind of explosive device overnight. ALL FOX PERSONNEL ARE OK. The incident is a reminder of the danger our colleagues in Baghdad face, day in and day out. Please offer a prayer of thanks for their safety to whatever God you revere (and let the ACLU stick it where the sun don't shine).
Offer a prayer?
To whatever God you revere? Really? Allah even?
As the witness list indicates, today is likely to be the apex of the so-called 9/11 commission hearings. Tenet, Clarke, and Clinton NSC advisor Berger all testify. We will carry their statements, along with he Q&A, live. Remember that while there are obvious political implications for Bush, the commission is looking at eight years of the Clinton Administration versus eight months (the time prior to 9/11 that Bush was in office) for the incumbent.
We also have an interview with chief of staff Andrew Card from Fox and Friends, where he makes the administration's case on the hearings and other things.
Blame it on Clinton!
SCOTUS considers if students can be required to say the pledge of allegiance, including the words "under God." The case is on of the more significant ones the court will have before it this session.
Priorities, kids! Priorities!
Five American GIs killed in Iraq in a bomb and an attack represent one of the grimmest days there in months. There is also footage of a mutilated body being dragged down a road which WE WILL NOT AIR UNTIL IT HAS BEEN CLEARED.
The US military has said its response to the Fallujah massacre will be measured but forceful. Be prepared to get on this when it happens.
MONDAY UPDATE: Into Fallujah: It's called Operation Vigilant Resolve and it began Monday morning (NY time) with the US and Iraqi military surrounding Fallujah. We will cover this hour by hour today, explaining repeatedly why it is happening. It won't be long before some people start to decry the use of "excessive force." We won't be among that group.
...whatever happens, it is richly deserved.
Even a hundred nuclear bombs? Anything?
The Sharon interview with Israeli Army radio leaves little doubt that Yasser Arafat should not buy any green bananas. It's going to be a tricky road for Sharon who has previously promised not to harm the Palestinian figurehead
By the way, Israel will also be extra vigilant today as Passover begins. To all our collegues about to celebrate it, Zissen Pesach.
I wonder if they wish their employees a Happy Kwanzaa or Happy Ramadan?
Do not fall into the easy trap of mourning the loss of US lives and asking out loud why are we there?
Indeed! That would mean that you have a conscience, and we know we screen you better than that!
We'll start to preview Dr. Rice's testimony before congress on Thursday. Angle is the point man for this story.
Point man? So they score points for flawless cheerleading?
Kerry's speech on the economy at Georgetown is likely to move onto the topic of Iraq. We should take the beginning of KErry's speech, see if it contains new information (aside from a promise to create 10 million jobs) and see if other news at the time is more compelling. It is not required to take it start to finish.
Yawn! Show economy. Busy Iraq.
The hearing on Rush Limbaugh's medical records could be a death blow to the case against him. If the 3 judge panel rules that his doctor's records cannot be used bythe prosecution, the case is likely to go away.
Today is Patriots' Day. Let's be very alert to the events that have occurred on this day in past years: Ruby Ridge, OKC, Waco, and, one day later, Columbine.
Patriots magnetize misfortune.
The time for talking in Fallujah is nearly up. Let's follow this as long as possible before talk turns to a new firefight.
Yeeeeehi! Shoot 'em up!
If Michael Jackson is indicted on sex charges, it's a big story for us...
Priorities, children!
THURSDAY UPDATE: let's rock n roll with the korean train explosion. korean websites are speculating freely that it was a mistimed hit on kim. that gives us the right to quote them, and let guests etc speculate. it is eerie that it happened just hours after the dear leader finished his business in china and pointedly took the train home.
Ooh! Rock n Roll! How 50s!
Let's not get lost in breast-beating about the sadness of the loss of life. They had a chance.
Conscience? What conscience?
Ribbons or medals? Which did John Kerry throw away after he returned from Vietnam. This may become an issue for him today. His perceived disrespect for the military could be more damaging to the candidate than questions about his actions in uniform.
And so it was!
TUESDAY UPDATE: Let's not overdo the appearances by Kerry's swiftboat mate John O'Neil. While his appearances so far have been OK, he represents one side of the 30 year recollections of what Kerry did, or didn't do, in uniform. Other people have different recollections.
Do not ignore the Oil for Food story, please. Fox News is making steady progress in investigating what could be, without exaggeration, the biggest ripoff of all time, the House Intl Relations committee holds more hearings today.
The president and VP are MEETING with the 9/11 commission. They are NOT testifying before it as did witnesses last week. It is an important distinction that we need to make.
We'll get to the electronic voting machine debate, making the point that it has the POTENTIAL to delay elections in many states.
A delay of the election? Imagine that!
And in Oregon, Dennis Kucinich is making his final stand -- so he says -- in his quest for Democratic party respect. Springer is there.
Thursday update: the pictures from Abu Graeb prison are disturbing. They have rightly provoked outrage. Today we have a picture -- aired on Al Arabiya -- of an American hostage being held with a scarf over his eyes, clearly against his will. Who's outraged on his behalf?
It is important that we keep the Abu Graeb situation in perspective. The story is beginning to live on itw own momentum. The facts of the story may develop into the need to do much more in the days ahead. For the moment, however, the focus appears to be changing to finger pointing within the administration and how it plays out as an issue in the presidential campaign.
Learn to spell. And talk. And think. And feel.
Every one of these paragraphs contain something untoward and/or unbecoming for a news organization. See if you can spot it. I will help out in a few instances...
Nominees who both sides admit are qualified are being held up because of their POSSIBLE, not demonstrated, views on one issue -- abortion. This should be a trademark issue for FNC [Fox News Channel] today and in the days to come.
At the UN, Catherine Herridge will follow the US sponsored resolution calling for the lifting of sanctions against Iraq. Not surprisingly, we're facing resistance from our erstwhile European buddies, the French and Germans.
The terror alert continues to affect the way Americans live their lives, both as consumers, participants in public events and citizens. Let's explain to viewers that while prudent precautions need to be taken, the disruption of the American way of life is in itself a terrorist goal and should not be conceded to our enemies.
The tax cut passed last night by the Senate, though less than half what Bush originally proposed, contains some important victories for the administration. The DC crew will parse the bill and explain how it will fatten -- marginally -- your wallet.
Imagine the glee of Fox employees at the prospect of a fatter wallet!
Heads of state don't leave G-8 meetings early unless they have good reasons. President Bush has two: he has to get to Egypt, and he doesn't like the French. Let's explain to viewers that despite the tepid handshake, Bush and Chirac are far from reconciled, as are the US and Germany. The early departure from Evian should take the sparkle out of the bottled water spa.
Imagine Brokaw, Jennings or Rather telling their underlings: "Remember...we don't like the French and Germans."
Adolescents leading the infantile...
We have good perp walk video of Eric Rudolph which we should use. We should NOT assume that anyone who supported or helped Eric Rudolph is a racist. No one's in favor of murder or bombing of public places. But feelings in North Carolina may just be more complicated than the NY Times can conceive. Two style notes: Rudolph is charged with bombing an abortion clinic, not a "health clinic."
Abortion bad. Health good.
It's a distinctly skeptical crowd that Bush faces. His political courage and tactical cunning are worth noting in our reporting through the day.
FOX: A Republican Propaganda Machine
The national forest as pot field story is pure Fox.
That's right, FOX. Go after those evil National Parks!
For our purposes, as a story, it's very important to know whether ETA or Al Qaeda was responsible for the Madrid bombings. For the victims the distinction is minimal. Terrorism is international, and the United States is the leader of the coalition to stamp it out. That's the tone we want to impart throughout the day.
Or is that what the White House told you to tell them to say?
Scary thought of the day: what if it's a consortium of terrorist groups working together?
Fear-mongering again? Oh yeah...fear sells news and products. Who cares that it diminishes one's quality of life...and health?
Spain's neighbor, the ever-superior France, had its own spate of railway terrorist warnings last week, though it's not clear that those were in any way related to the Madrid bombings.
Ever-superior France? Got an attitude problem?
Gas prices are at all time highs in the US. There are reasons for the surge, some economic, some mere business tactics. Remember: US prices, while they seem high to us, are a half or less the cost of gasoline elsewhere.
Why is gas so high? Business tactics of course! But will you tell US this? In memos maybe, but not in the news.
Kerry, starting to feel the heat for his flip-flop voting record, is in West Virginia. There's a near-meaningless primary in Illinois.
The birth of the flip-flop talking point?
Attention mice: the cat is back.
(My thanks to Ken and David for filling in.)
Fox employees are not even rats. They are merely mice! Well done!
The so-called 9/11 commission has already been meeting. In fact, this is the eighth session. The fact that former Clinton and both frmer and current Bush administration officials are testifying gives it a certain tension, but this is not "what did he know and when did he know it" stuff. Do not turn this into Watergate. Remember the fleeting sense of national unity that emerged from this tragedy. Let's not desecrate that.
For everyone's information, the hotel where our Baghdad bureau is housed was hit by some kind of explosive device overnight. ALL FOX PERSONNEL ARE OK. The incident is a reminder of the danger our colleagues in Baghdad face, day in and day out. Please offer a prayer of thanks for their safety to whatever God you revere (and let the ACLU stick it where the sun don't shine).
Offer a prayer?
To whatever God you revere? Really? Allah even?
As the witness list indicates, today is likely to be the apex of the so-called 9/11 commission hearings. Tenet, Clarke, and Clinton NSC advisor Berger all testify. We will carry their statements, along with he Q&A, live. Remember that while there are obvious political implications for Bush, the commission is looking at eight years of the Clinton Administration versus eight months (the time prior to 9/11 that Bush was in office) for the incumbent.
We also have an interview with chief of staff Andrew Card from Fox and Friends, where he makes the administration's case on the hearings and other things.
Blame it on Clinton!
SCOTUS considers if students can be required to say the pledge of allegiance, including the words "under God." The case is on of the more significant ones the court will have before it this session.
Priorities, kids! Priorities!
Five American GIs killed in Iraq in a bomb and an attack represent one of the grimmest days there in months. There is also footage of a mutilated body being dragged down a road which WE WILL NOT AIR UNTIL IT HAS BEEN CLEARED.
The US military has said its response to the Fallujah massacre will be measured but forceful. Be prepared to get on this when it happens.
MONDAY UPDATE: Into Fallujah: It's called Operation Vigilant Resolve and it began Monday morning (NY time) with the US and Iraqi military surrounding Fallujah. We will cover this hour by hour today, explaining repeatedly why it is happening. It won't be long before some people start to decry the use of "excessive force." We won't be among that group.
...whatever happens, it is richly deserved.
Even a hundred nuclear bombs? Anything?
The Sharon interview with Israeli Army radio leaves little doubt that Yasser Arafat should not buy any green bananas. It's going to be a tricky road for Sharon who has previously promised not to harm the Palestinian figurehead
By the way, Israel will also be extra vigilant today as Passover begins. To all our collegues about to celebrate it, Zissen Pesach.
I wonder if they wish their employees a Happy Kwanzaa or Happy Ramadan?
Do not fall into the easy trap of mourning the loss of US lives and asking out loud why are we there?
Indeed! That would mean that you have a conscience, and we know we screen you better than that!
We'll start to preview Dr. Rice's testimony before congress on Thursday. Angle is the point man for this story.
Point man? So they score points for flawless cheerleading?
Kerry's speech on the economy at Georgetown is likely to move onto the topic of Iraq. We should take the beginning of KErry's speech, see if it contains new information (aside from a promise to create 10 million jobs) and see if other news at the time is more compelling. It is not required to take it start to finish.
Yawn! Show economy. Busy Iraq.
The hearing on Rush Limbaugh's medical records could be a death blow to the case against him. If the 3 judge panel rules that his doctor's records cannot be used bythe prosecution, the case is likely to go away.
Today is Patriots' Day. Let's be very alert to the events that have occurred on this day in past years: Ruby Ridge, OKC, Waco, and, one day later, Columbine.
Patriots magnetize misfortune.
The time for talking in Fallujah is nearly up. Let's follow this as long as possible before talk turns to a new firefight.
Yeeeeehi! Shoot 'em up!
If Michael Jackson is indicted on sex charges, it's a big story for us...
Priorities, children!
THURSDAY UPDATE: let's rock n roll with the korean train explosion. korean websites are speculating freely that it was a mistimed hit on kim. that gives us the right to quote them, and let guests etc speculate. it is eerie that it happened just hours after the dear leader finished his business in china and pointedly took the train home.
Ooh! Rock n Roll! How 50s!
Let's not get lost in breast-beating about the sadness of the loss of life. They had a chance.
Conscience? What conscience?
Ribbons or medals? Which did John Kerry throw away after he returned from Vietnam. This may become an issue for him today. His perceived disrespect for the military could be more damaging to the candidate than questions about his actions in uniform.
And so it was!
TUESDAY UPDATE: Let's not overdo the appearances by Kerry's swiftboat mate John O'Neil. While his appearances so far have been OK, he represents one side of the 30 year recollections of what Kerry did, or didn't do, in uniform. Other people have different recollections.
Do not ignore the Oil for Food story, please. Fox News is making steady progress in investigating what could be, without exaggeration, the biggest ripoff of all time, the House Intl Relations committee holds more hearings today.
The president and VP are MEETING with the 9/11 commission. They are NOT testifying before it as did witnesses last week. It is an important distinction that we need to make.
We'll get to the electronic voting machine debate, making the point that it has the POTENTIAL to delay elections in many states.
A delay of the election? Imagine that!
And in Oregon, Dennis Kucinich is making his final stand -- so he says -- in his quest for Democratic party respect. Springer is there.
Thursday update: the pictures from Abu Graeb prison are disturbing. They have rightly provoked outrage. Today we have a picture -- aired on Al Arabiya -- of an American hostage being held with a scarf over his eyes, clearly against his will. Who's outraged on his behalf?
It is important that we keep the Abu Graeb situation in perspective. The story is beginning to live on itw own momentum. The facts of the story may develop into the need to do much more in the days ahead. For the moment, however, the focus appears to be changing to finger pointing within the administration and how it plays out as an issue in the presidential campaign.
Learn to spell. And talk. And think. And feel.
Bush: "The first President to try to write bigotry back into the constitution"
Bush: "The first President to try to write bigotry back into the constitution"
5-Minute Video of George W. Bush on the Morning of 9/11
5-Minute Video of George W. Bush on the Morning of 9/11
4 minutes and 35 seconds after learning of the 2nd plane crash
If only HE could be President!
FROM THE WEBSITE:
This footage, obtained and presented exclusively by The Memory Hole, shows President Bush sitting in a Florida classroom for 5 minutes after he was told that the second Twin Tower has been hit and that America was being attacked. A truncated version of this footage that has been available online since June 2002 shows Bush for only 2 minutes, 10 seconds after being told. This new footage more than doubles this length of time.
Immediately below, you'll find still-frames from the video, one every 5 seconds starting when Chief of Staff Andrew Card gives Bush the news and ending when the scene abruptly ends. Below that is a longer introduction and explanation of this footage, including how you can get it yourself. [Jump to the introduction]
Please feel free to mirror this footage anywhere and everywhere. We would appreciate a mention and a link, though.
4 minutes and 35 seconds after learning of the 2nd plane crash
If only HE could be President!
FROM THE WEBSITE:
This footage, obtained and presented exclusively by The Memory Hole, shows President Bush sitting in a Florida classroom for 5 minutes after he was told that the second Twin Tower has been hit and that America was being attacked. A truncated version of this footage that has been available online since June 2002 shows Bush for only 2 minutes, 10 seconds after being told. This new footage more than doubles this length of time.
Immediately below, you'll find still-frames from the video, one every 5 seconds starting when Chief of Staff Andrew Card gives Bush the news and ending when the scene abruptly ends. Below that is a longer introduction and explanation of this footage, including how you can get it yourself. [Jump to the introduction]
Please feel free to mirror this footage anywhere and everywhere. We would appreciate a mention and a link, though.
Bush Considered "Arrogant". So what is Arrogance?
From ABC News
AP Poll: Voters See President Bush As Decisive and Arrogant; More See John Kerry As Intelligent
Of course, the headlines all say "Decisive" not "Arrogant"...although none seem to think arrogance is all that negative. They are wrong. Dead wrong...
Here's why:
Reprinted from Anonymoses 11/26/2003.
The Yin and Yang of Conservatism
The 7 States of Sickness
(from "Natural Healing Through Macrobiotics" by Michio Kushi)
1. Fatigue or Tiredness
2. Aches and Pains
3. Blood Diseases
4. Emotional Disorders
5. Organ Diseases
6. Nerve Diseases
7. Arrogance
FURTHER EXPLANATION
1. Fatigue or Tiredness - The major causes are lack of physical exercise plus over-eating and over-drinking, particularly meat and sugar.
2. Aches and Pains - The nervous system starts to weaken.
3. Blood Diseases - Thought incurable, these can often be cured by proper diet.
4. Emotional Disorders - This category includes problems such as irritability, impatience, upset, anger, anxiety, worry, fear, and uneasiness. A healthy person is not bothered by negative emotional states. If we become angry even once a year, we are not completely healthy. Ideally, we should not become angry even once during an entire lifetime.
(This was written before The Great Dewakening; The Current Unpleasantness. It could be argued that anger,as a defense mechanism, should be reserved for such times as these...although I much prefer Gandhean Satyagraha to vehemence and anger. Besides, there is always the Butterfly Effect to consider, as well as the even more subtle Taoist notion that one need not lift a finger, or make any ripple in the material world. A vision, well-wrought, can change minds and worlds effortlessly, internally. I digress...)
5. Organ Diseases - Organs begin to degenerate.
6. Nerve Diseases - Dullness, forgetfulness, social crimes.
7. Arrogance - This occurs when we try to separate ourselves from nature and the universe, and happens in one of two ways. The first is yang arrogance, and it appears in the form of a domineering, conquering, or self-insistent personality which tends to drive others away.
This yang arrogance is what George W. Bush, and many on the flagrant right-conservative site of the dial, have digested...although it occasionally takes root among those left of center...at which point they become neo-cons, after having passed through Dennis Miller.
"The yin type of arrogance shows itself in the form of withdrawal or a refusal to listen. Many of the elderly and and those who consider themselves devout or religious suffer from this form of arrogance. This type of person is usually not open to the opinions or suggestions of others."
Kushi continues: " Arrogance is actually the underlying cause of all human sickness and unhappiness and is at the same time the end point of the first six stages. Ultimately, all people who suffer from arrogance commit suicide by dying an unnatural death, either through sickness, war, accident, or other causes. The basic purpose of macrobiotic healing is to cure arrogance."
So here we have it. The explanation of what is today called "Conservatism"...although the only thing these folks are concerned about conserving is their ego; their arrogance -- whether it be in the form of Bush-style brashness, or the quieter, more obscurantistic hard-headed self-righteousness exhibited by the more reposed.
Arrogance is a killer...of self and others. It incorrectly places the ego where God, the Tao, the spirit, Stewardship, Magnanimity, or whatever name you call it, should be.
An image came to me last night which made me laugh. It was of a party where the brashest, most arrogant person arrives first...and every succeeding person had to one-up every preceding person. Imagine a Foghorn Leghorn, an Ahnold...followed by increasing degrees of Ahnoldness or Fogginess, if you will. How obnoxious can one party get?
Could such a party bear any fruit? Would any come out alive?
Arrogance is a perennial problem among those in power. We see it in the upper chambers of government and business...and we see the rotten fruit.
Arrogance is not to be confused with confidence. Post-docs are confident. Those with lesser degrees are arrogant...if I were to draw an analogy from the Academy. Those with a little education tend to be the know-it-alls, while the truly educated...continue learning. No room for arrogance when one is so outwardly focused.
arrogance and posterity
There is, I believe, a type of arrogance which might not be unhealthy, and it was discussed in Schoenhauer's essay, "On Genius". Here Schopenhauer talks about the "arrogance" of the writer or artist whose work is intended for posterity...or as some have said...that for whom one writes after having been rejected by the commercial presses. The "genius", as Schopenhauer says, may try to adjust himself to his times, and to the "artists" and critics of the day...but he will never attain greatness for having done so. His or her "arrogance" allows this de-gravitation, so to speak, from the chauvinism of contemporaneity.
Such folks are not in competition with one's regulars, but are rather in league with the guiding lights of the ages. Fixed stars, not shooting stars.
If one must be arrogant, let it be the kind of arrogance borne of having moved beyond one's own mere life or lifetime. The Mr. Creasotes of the world will eventually eat themselves to death. Not our concern.
I'll end with a quote that could well describe most liberals. It is from a book called, "How to be a Gentleman", by John Bridges.
"A gentleman never makes himself the center of attention. His goal is to make life easier, not just for himself, but for his friends, his acquaintences, and the world at large."
While a Conservative may succeed in getting to the point where friends and acquaintences are included within their sphere of concern...they always, always, fall flat on the last point. It is this point where Liberals go far beyond the current crop of Conservatives...at least among the more outspoken of them (there are always exceptions, of course) and shine as the true gentlemen and gentlewomen of our age, and, at times, all ages.
So rather than try and out-arrogate the RepCons...we can simply continue being the worldly gentlemen and women we are. Win or lose, we set the example, and live it. Simply living it will make for a better world. Is this not a worthy goal? Need we really be in some public driver's seat? The driver's seat is overrated...
The "Driver's Seat" is Overrated
At the end of "Beelezebub's Tales to his Grandson", Gurdjieff makes the following analogy of who and what we are:
Picture a Stagecoach. It is the body, and optimally we will keep it in good working condition...but this is not who we are. Sorry Ahnold!
There is also a Horse which moves the Coach forward. The Horse is our Will and Emotions. But it is not who we are. Sorry Adolph and George!
Then there is the Driver. He tells the Horse where to take the Coach.
The Driver is our brain. But it is not who we are. Sorry, Mr. Roverer!
Say what? We are not our brains either?? What gives?
The West, according to Mr. Gurdjieff -- who, after all had at least a double-digit IQ -- has forgotten the Passenger: The one who tells the Driver where to take him. When the Passenger gets to his destination...he gets out. And we mourn the carriage!
But there will be more carriages. Count on it. SUVs even...especially here in The United States of Biggie-Size-it. But we are not our cars, our carriages, our horses, or our brains. We are, as they say, souls who happen to have a body...not the other way around. For these few...when they die...they really die. But we are the animation; the passenger. And it is here where we all meet and interpenetrate within the supraphenomenal goo; the Eternal Thou; Ethernal Tao; Jones.
The passenger knows no arrogance. Arrogance is reserved for the carriage, the horse and the driver. Drive Miss Lazy! Time is but a material concern.
AP Poll: Voters See President Bush As Decisive and Arrogant; More See John Kerry As Intelligent
Of course, the headlines all say "Decisive" not "Arrogant"...although none seem to think arrogance is all that negative. They are wrong. Dead wrong...
Here's why:
Reprinted from Anonymoses 11/26/2003.
The 7 States of Sickness
(from "Natural Healing Through Macrobiotics" by Michio Kushi)
1. Fatigue or Tiredness
2. Aches and Pains
3. Blood Diseases
4. Emotional Disorders
5. Organ Diseases
6. Nerve Diseases
7. Arrogance
FURTHER EXPLANATION
1. Fatigue or Tiredness - The major causes are lack of physical exercise plus over-eating and over-drinking, particularly meat and sugar.
2. Aches and Pains - The nervous system starts to weaken.
3. Blood Diseases - Thought incurable, these can often be cured by proper diet.
4. Emotional Disorders - This category includes problems such as irritability, impatience, upset, anger, anxiety, worry, fear, and uneasiness. A healthy person is not bothered by negative emotional states. If we become angry even once a year, we are not completely healthy. Ideally, we should not become angry even once during an entire lifetime.
(This was written before The Great Dewakening; The Current Unpleasantness. It could be argued that anger,as a defense mechanism, should be reserved for such times as these...although I much prefer Gandhean Satyagraha to vehemence and anger. Besides, there is always the Butterfly Effect to consider, as well as the even more subtle Taoist notion that one need not lift a finger, or make any ripple in the material world. A vision, well-wrought, can change minds and worlds effortlessly, internally. I digress...)
5. Organ Diseases - Organs begin to degenerate.
6. Nerve Diseases - Dullness, forgetfulness, social crimes.
7. Arrogance - This occurs when we try to separate ourselves from nature and the universe, and happens in one of two ways. The first is yang arrogance, and it appears in the form of a domineering, conquering, or self-insistent personality which tends to drive others away.
This yang arrogance is what George W. Bush, and many on the flagrant right-conservative site of the dial, have digested...although it occasionally takes root among those left of center...at which point they become neo-cons, after having passed through Dennis Miller.
"The yin type of arrogance shows itself in the form of withdrawal or a refusal to listen. Many of the elderly and and those who consider themselves devout or religious suffer from this form of arrogance. This type of person is usually not open to the opinions or suggestions of others."
Kushi continues: " Arrogance is actually the underlying cause of all human sickness and unhappiness and is at the same time the end point of the first six stages. Ultimately, all people who suffer from arrogance commit suicide by dying an unnatural death, either through sickness, war, accident, or other causes. The basic purpose of macrobiotic healing is to cure arrogance."
So here we have it. The explanation of what is today called "Conservatism"...although the only thing these folks are concerned about conserving is their ego; their arrogance -- whether it be in the form of Bush-style brashness, or the quieter, more obscurantistic hard-headed self-righteousness exhibited by the more reposed.
Arrogance is a killer...of self and others. It incorrectly places the ego where God, the Tao, the spirit, Stewardship, Magnanimity, or whatever name you call it, should be.
An image came to me last night which made me laugh. It was of a party where the brashest, most arrogant person arrives first...and every succeeding person had to one-up every preceding person. Imagine a Foghorn Leghorn, an Ahnold...followed by increasing degrees of Ahnoldness or Fogginess, if you will. How obnoxious can one party get?
Could such a party bear any fruit? Would any come out alive?
Arrogance is a perennial problem among those in power. We see it in the upper chambers of government and business...and we see the rotten fruit.
Arrogance is not to be confused with confidence. Post-docs are confident. Those with lesser degrees are arrogant...if I were to draw an analogy from the Academy. Those with a little education tend to be the know-it-alls, while the truly educated...continue learning. No room for arrogance when one is so outwardly focused.
arrogance and posterity
There is, I believe, a type of arrogance which might not be unhealthy, and it was discussed in Schoenhauer's essay, "On Genius". Here Schopenhauer talks about the "arrogance" of the writer or artist whose work is intended for posterity...or as some have said...that for whom one writes after having been rejected by the commercial presses. The "genius", as Schopenhauer says, may try to adjust himself to his times, and to the "artists" and critics of the day...but he will never attain greatness for having done so. His or her "arrogance" allows this de-gravitation, so to speak, from the chauvinism of contemporaneity.
Such folks are not in competition with one's regulars, but are rather in league with the guiding lights of the ages. Fixed stars, not shooting stars.
If one must be arrogant, let it be the kind of arrogance borne of having moved beyond one's own mere life or lifetime. The Mr. Creasotes of the world will eventually eat themselves to death. Not our concern.
I'll end with a quote that could well describe most liberals. It is from a book called, "How to be a Gentleman", by John Bridges.
"A gentleman never makes himself the center of attention. His goal is to make life easier, not just for himself, but for his friends, his acquaintences, and the world at large."
While a Conservative may succeed in getting to the point where friends and acquaintences are included within their sphere of concern...they always, always, fall flat on the last point. It is this point where Liberals go far beyond the current crop of Conservatives...at least among the more outspoken of them (there are always exceptions, of course) and shine as the true gentlemen and gentlewomen of our age, and, at times, all ages.
So rather than try and out-arrogate the RepCons...we can simply continue being the worldly gentlemen and women we are. Win or lose, we set the example, and live it. Simply living it will make for a better world. Is this not a worthy goal? Need we really be in some public driver's seat? The driver's seat is overrated...
The "Driver's Seat" is Overrated
At the end of "Beelezebub's Tales to his Grandson", Gurdjieff makes the following analogy of who and what we are:
Picture a Stagecoach. It is the body, and optimally we will keep it in good working condition...but this is not who we are. Sorry Ahnold!
There is also a Horse which moves the Coach forward. The Horse is our Will and Emotions. But it is not who we are. Sorry Adolph and George!
Then there is the Driver. He tells the Horse where to take the Coach.
The Driver is our brain. But it is not who we are. Sorry, Mr. Roverer!
Say what? We are not our brains either?? What gives?
The West, according to Mr. Gurdjieff -- who, after all had at least a double-digit IQ -- has forgotten the Passenger: The one who tells the Driver where to take him. When the Passenger gets to his destination...he gets out. And we mourn the carriage!
But there will be more carriages. Count on it. SUVs even...especially here in The United States of Biggie-Size-it. But we are not our cars, our carriages, our horses, or our brains. We are, as they say, souls who happen to have a body...not the other way around. For these few...when they die...they really die. But we are the animation; the passenger. And it is here where we all meet and interpenetrate within the supraphenomenal goo; the Eternal Thou; Ethernal Tao; Jones.
The passenger knows no arrogance. Arrogance is reserved for the carriage, the horse and the driver. Drive Miss Lazy! Time is but a material concern.
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Monday, July 12, 2004
Bush squanders lives, treasure and allies, and must be fired.
Bush squanders lives, treasure and allies, and must be fired.
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Kerry accuses Bush of losing lives and allies:
"'They were wrong and soldiers lost their lives because they were wrong. And America's paying billions of dollars because they were wrong. And allies are not with us because they were wrong,' "
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Kerry accuses Bush of losing lives and allies:
"'They were wrong and soldiers lost their lives because they were wrong. And America's paying billions of dollars because they were wrong. And allies are not with us because they were wrong,' "
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