Showing posts with label hypocrisy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hypocrisy. Show all posts
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Republicans, thanks for having your priorities straight...
They are very proud of their "We will fight anything Obama/Democrats try to do".. They don't care who suffers. They don't care if it was THEIR idea first. All they care about is sabotaging America for their own ego and desire to be in power.
Anal blockage. And lots of it.
What Republicans have blocked...
Anal blockage. And lots of it.
What Republicans have blocked...
Monday, October 18, 2010
So desperate, they don't even read their own reports
"For a single parent with two kids and an income of $20,000, that difference is even more pronounced. The jump is 8 percent (in after-tax income) under the Dem plan, and only 4.4 percent under the GOP one."
One of the promises made in the GOP's "Pledge to America" is that the party will make all legislation available for three days so that legislators can read it for clarity. One can hardly blame them for seeking to confront their own shortcomings! Perhaps they can take that promise further, and actually promise to read the studies that they circulate to the media, especially the ones that actually undermine their professed policies. This is just an idea I had!
See, yesterday morning, the Republican National Committee really wanted to stick it to Democratic legislators for that time they totally punted on holding a vote on the future of the Bush-era tax cuts. And so, they armed themselves with a shiny new study from the Tax Foundation that they thought really aided their criticism. "What excuse will the Democrats use now?"
Hey, who knows the answer to that question, right? Nevertheless, as Greg Sargent pointed out, the RNC really miscalculated:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/08...
One of the promises made in the GOP's "Pledge to America" is that the party will make all legislation available for three days so that legislators can read it for clarity. One can hardly blame them for seeking to confront their own shortcomings! Perhaps they can take that promise further, and actually promise to read the studies that they circulate to the media, especially the ones that actually undermine their professed policies. This is just an idea I had!
See, yesterday morning, the Republican National Committee really wanted to stick it to Democratic legislators for that time they totally punted on holding a vote on the future of the Bush-era tax cuts. And so, they armed themselves with a shiny new study from the Tax Foundation that they thought really aided their criticism. "What excuse will the Democrats use now?"
Hey, who knows the answer to that question, right? Nevertheless, as Greg Sargent pointed out, the RNC really miscalculated:
As it happens, the study compared the actual Dem plan with the GOP one. And it found that for a family of four with an income of $40,000, the Dem plan -- continuing the low end tax cuts, plus the stimulus measures -- would cause a 7.8 percent jump in after-tax income. That jump would only be 6.8 percent under the GOP plan to continue all the Bush tax cuts.
For a single parent with two kids and an income of $20,000, that difference is even more pronounced. The jump is 8 percent under the Dem plan, and only 4.4 percent under the GOP one.In fairness to the RNC, the study is good for the GOP in one sense. It confirms that the Bush tax cuts were helpful to the poor, despite popular belief that they only helped the rich. But the author of the study, Nick Kasprak, confirms that this finding isn't directly relevant to what Dems have proposed."Our study shows that the Bush tax cuts helped the poor a lot more than the popular perception, so the RNC is right to send it around for that reason," Kasprak tells me. "But the study also shows that the Congressional Democrats' plan is more generous to the poor, because it extends certain stimulus provisions into 2011, which the Republican plan does not. That isn't what the RNC wants to show."
Guess they really, really should have read that study, all the way to the end. But now you know whose tax cut plans are more generous to ordinary Americans.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Blasphemy...
I hope most people who really know me are aware I feel I have close personal relationship with my God. I say "my" God because sometimes when I hear others describe what "their" God demands from us, I do not recognize "their" God. My God loves ALL of His children... like any good parent, He provides love, sustenance, guidance, rules, and natural consequences. Some of His children do not listen to Him, do not follow His teachings, and basically just do their own thing. I think any parent can relate to that...
I believe, as a loving parent, God does not wish harm upon any of His children. He may be disappointed in our behaviors, hurt when we do not listen to Him as He tries to talk to us, and angry when we fight with our siblings (His other children).
I believe God has told us not to judge one another-- it is His responsibility to deal with our misbehaviors and poor choices. I am not referring to the judicial system of punishment, but the spiritual kind. Who are we to decide which one of His children are not true followers of God?
I do not pretend to be a Biblical scholar... I more or less follow the basics of His Word. I will even admit publicly I question the true accuracy of the Bible. (Hold on, I'm waiting to be struck by lightening... wait for it... wait for it... hmmm... okay, I'm still here, so I'll continue...) Why do I doubt the accuracy of the teachings of the Bible? Because over the past thousands of years, it has been rewritten and translated multiple times by imperfect children of God who have had their own bias and opinions. And I don't think any rational human being can state with all certainty these representatives of God are without imperfections. All we have to do is look at society's current population of God's "chosen leaders" to see they are as vulnerable to sin and mistakes as you and I.
But I do believe in my heart that God has certain expectations from us...
So why this rant? Because I am tired of being embarrassed by certain fellow "Christians". Those who thrive on hate and foster it in others. Those who use fear and intimidation to force others to stay silent in the face of evil, to use religion to divide us into "them" and "us", and to claim use God as a reason to be cruel and hurtful to our brothers and sisters. Most don't see how their actions scream "hypocrisy" to others.
The final straw is a "joke" that is going around on Facebook. I know my friends who are posting it strive to follow God's teachings. I just don't understand how they can justify, even as a JOKE, a prayer to our Lord asking for the death of another one of His children. I don't see them joking about abortions or molesting young children... but somehow they've justified this in their souls. I can't picture one of my friends joking to their own children to murder a classmate who he/she doesn't like... because they know that would be wrong. How is this different?
I would like to ignore it and just pass it off as another example of ignorance. But I can't. I don't intend to offend or insult people who I really do like and care about, but I feel that God expects me... no, He DEMANDS me to speak up and say:
"Enough is enough, do not let them use My name in such a manner, do not let them abuse My will to amuse one another, do not let them disrespect My power."
No, I don't hear "voices"... but I do feel God speaks to me. It is His voice which gives me strength and guidance. And it is His voice which is telling me to not let this occur without defending His name.
It is not funny, people. It is blasphemy. And it needs to stop.
[I can picture my Agnostic and Atheist friends using this as yet another example of how hypocritical "Christians" are... they don't need God to tell them that wanting someone to die, even in jest, is just WRONG.]
I believe, as a loving parent, God does not wish harm upon any of His children. He may be disappointed in our behaviors, hurt when we do not listen to Him as He tries to talk to us, and angry when we fight with our siblings (His other children).
I believe God has told us not to judge one another-- it is His responsibility to deal with our misbehaviors and poor choices. I am not referring to the judicial system of punishment, but the spiritual kind. Who are we to decide which one of His children are not true followers of God?
I do not pretend to be a Biblical scholar... I more or less follow the basics of His Word. I will even admit publicly I question the true accuracy of the Bible. (Hold on, I'm waiting to be struck by lightening... wait for it... wait for it... hmmm... okay, I'm still here, so I'll continue...) Why do I doubt the accuracy of the teachings of the Bible? Because over the past thousands of years, it has been rewritten and translated multiple times by imperfect children of God who have had their own bias and opinions. And I don't think any rational human being can state with all certainty these representatives of God are without imperfections. All we have to do is look at society's current population of God's "chosen leaders" to see they are as vulnerable to sin and mistakes as you and I.
But I do believe in my heart that God has certain expectations from us...
- LOVE GOD... which means respect Him and obey Him... I personally do not need the Bible or a church representative to tell me what He wants... it's mostly common sense, don't you think? The Bible and my pastor are loving guides for me, but when it comes right down to it, God directly tells me what He wants me to do. I don't need an interpreter...
- LOVE ONE ANOTHER... that doesn't mean we get to pick and choose which children we get to love. Cliques are so junior high, don't you think?? We are to love His children of color, His children who have challenges, His children who live in different countries (or states, if you are an Idahoan who has a particular animosity toward Californians!), His children who know Him by different names, His children who live in ways which are unlike the way you are living... I do not believe He has a clause that tells us to love all of His children except X, Y, and Z.
- DO UNTO OTHERS as you shall have them do unto you... that really shouldn't be that difficult. Do you want affordable health care? So do others. Do you want to be able to work at a safe job and be fairly compensated for your labor? So do others. Do you want your family and children to live in a safe neighborhood? So do others. Do you want the freedom to worship (OR NOT) in accordance to your personal beliefs? So do others. Do you want to have the freedom to marry the partner of your choice? So do others. And so on. It isn't rocket surgery... it's common sense. And God expects it of us.
So why this rant? Because I am tired of being embarrassed by certain fellow "Christians". Those who thrive on hate and foster it in others. Those who use fear and intimidation to force others to stay silent in the face of evil, to use religion to divide us into "them" and "us", and to claim use God as a reason to be cruel and hurtful to our brothers and sisters. Most don't see how their actions scream "hypocrisy" to others.
The final straw is a "joke" that is going around on Facebook. I know my friends who are posting it strive to follow God's teachings. I just don't understand how they can justify, even as a JOKE, a prayer to our Lord asking for the death of another one of His children. I don't see them joking about abortions or molesting young children... but somehow they've justified this in their souls. I can't picture one of my friends joking to their own children to murder a classmate who he/she doesn't like... because they know that would be wrong. How is this different?
I would like to ignore it and just pass it off as another example of ignorance. But I can't. I don't intend to offend or insult people who I really do like and care about, but I feel that God expects me... no, He DEMANDS me to speak up and say:
"Enough is enough, do not let them use My name in such a manner, do not let them abuse My will to amuse one another, do not let them disrespect My power."
No, I don't hear "voices"... but I do feel God speaks to me. It is His voice which gives me strength and guidance. And it is His voice which is telling me to not let this occur without defending His name.
It is not funny, people. It is blasphemy. And it needs to stop.
[I can picture my Agnostic and Atheist friends using this as yet another example of how hypocritical "Christians" are... they don't need God to tell them that wanting someone to die, even in jest, is just WRONG.]
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Reason #1969 to vote "NO" for McCain
We do NOT need a third Bush term!!
We do not need more LIES!
We do not need more WAR!
We need the TRUTH!
We need HONESTY!
We need to say ENOUGH is ENOUGH!
END THE WAR... NOW!!!
Vote OBAMA!Reason #1968 to vote "NO" for McCain
America cannot afford more of the same.
America cannot afford to continue Bush's administration.
America cannot afford to continue Bush's war.
America cannot allow our military men and women
to continue paying the price for our ignorance.
America cannot afford to continue Bush's administration.
America cannot afford to continue Bush's war.
America cannot allow our military men and women
to continue paying the price for our ignorance.
Ask yourself:
How can we continue to fund the war, but not the casualties?
How can we continue to allow defense contractors to profit even beyond their OWN expectations? Especially after all of the misuse of the funds they've been given so far?
How can we pretend that the war in Iraq is about OIL and not 9/11?
How can we allow the war based upon lies to continue for the next ten years?
How can we continue to demand we "win" in Iraq... when we can't even define "win", are NOT winning, and have never even been CLOSE to winning?
How can we continue to send our damaged and broken soldiers back to the war zone? (At least the ones who haven't committed suicide...)
How can we continue to allow this administration to lie to us and bury information?
How can we continue to pretend that the financial and human price that we are paying for the war in Iraq is keeping America safe?
How can we afford the price we will be paying (and NEED to pay) to take care of our veterans?
How can we continue to say the surge is working when our troops still can't come home and are still being killed at alarming numbers?
How can we even consider a "pause" in troop reductions... haven't we been lied to enough?
How can we continue to deny that we are in another Vietnam?
How can we even THINK about starting another war?
How can we continue to allow defense contractors to profit even beyond their OWN expectations? Especially after all of the misuse of the funds they've been given so far?
How can we pretend that the war in Iraq is about OIL and not 9/11?
How can we allow the war based upon lies to continue for the next ten years?
How can we continue to demand we "win" in Iraq... when we can't even define "win", are NOT winning, and have never even been CLOSE to winning?
How can we continue to send our damaged and broken soldiers back to the war zone? (At least the ones who haven't committed suicide...)
How can we continue to allow this administration to lie to us and bury information?
How can we continue to pretend that the financial and human price that we are paying for the war in Iraq is keeping America safe?
How can we afford the price we will be paying (and NEED to pay) to take care of our veterans?
How can we continue to say the surge is working when our troops still can't come home and are still being killed at alarming numbers?
How can we even consider a "pause" in troop reductions... haven't we been lied to enough?
How can we continue to deny that we are in another Vietnam?
How can we even THINK about starting another war?
When will America say "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!"?
In November 2008... VOTE OBAMA!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Why the waving of the flag doesn't impress me anymore...
It breaks my heart... I feel like I'm letting down people who I respect and admire deeply... but I can't stand the hypocrisy anymore...
"Support the troops" means "sacrifice more Americans"...
"God is on our side" means "I don't care if the government lied..."
"Look, I am wearing a flag pin!" means "I don't have to do anything else!"
"I'm a Republican" means "My head is up my tailpipe and I don't have to pay attention!"
Is anybody paying attention??? Idahoans don't seem to give a rat's ass about our Congressmen and how they FAIL to support our veterans...
Good grief, Senator Larry Craig (formerly Chair of Veterans Affairs) was given consistently FAILING grades by various veterans' associations for the past ten years... did anybody notice?? NO! As long as he was a Republican, Idaho trusted him... as offensive as his betrayal to our veterans should have been, people supported him... until he started playing footsie in a mens' restroom!
And now... their President who shall only be spoken of in reverent tones (or one shall be not "supporting our troops" or is "unAmerican") has committed yet another betrayal to the men and women who are risking their lives for his war...
During the State of the Union, to thunderous applause, Bush fed out more BS to America by stating that:
That would be wonderful... IF HE ACTUALLY MEANT IT!!
He said that in reference to his proposal to allow our military men and women the ability to transfer their unused educational benefits to their family members.
Does anybody care that he neglected to include it in the budget he sent to Congress? How about a press conference where he can explain this to America, okay?? (He can add it to his explanation of all of the lies, where is bin Laden, and how does he define "Mission Accomplished" today.)
May I suggest that you contact your representives and ask them "WTF?"
No, don't do that...
Just ask them if how they plan on addressing this issue... if at all.
If you are an Idahoan, you know you're just going through the motions... but do it anyway!! Save their response letter for their next campaign!
"Support the troops" means "sacrifice more Americans"...
"God is on our side" means "I don't care if the government lied..."
"Look, I am wearing a flag pin!" means "I don't have to do anything else!"
"I'm a Republican" means "My head is up my tailpipe and I don't have to pay attention!"
Is anybody paying attention??? Idahoans don't seem to give a rat's ass about our Congressmen and how they FAIL to support our veterans...
Good grief, Senator Larry Craig (formerly Chair of Veterans Affairs) was given consistently FAILING grades by various veterans' associations for the past ten years... did anybody notice?? NO! As long as he was a Republican, Idaho trusted him... as offensive as his betrayal to our veterans should have been, people supported him... until he started playing footsie in a mens' restroom!
And now... their President who shall only be spoken of in reverent tones (or one shall be not "supporting our troops" or is "unAmerican") has committed yet another betrayal to the men and women who are risking their lives for his war...
During the State of the Union, to thunderous applause, Bush fed out more BS to America by stating that:
"Our military families serve our nation,
they inspire our nation,
and tonight our nation honors them."
they inspire our nation,
and tonight our nation honors them."
That would be wonderful... IF HE ACTUALLY MEANT IT!!
He said that in reference to his proposal to allow our military men and women the ability to transfer their unused educational benefits to their family members.
Does anybody care that he neglected to include it in the budget he sent to Congress? How about a press conference where he can explain this to America, okay?? (He can add it to his explanation of all of the lies, where is bin Laden, and how does he define "Mission Accomplished" today.)
May I suggest that you contact your representives and ask them "WTF?"
No, don't do that...
Just ask them if how they plan on addressing this issue... if at all.
If you are an Idahoan, you know you're just going through the motions... but do it anyway!! Save their response letter for their next campaign!
Hypocrites Need Not Apply
Here on my blog and out in the real world, some people keep talking about Obama's faith... he isn't Christian enough for them or something. One comment here on my blog stated that Obama should have his picture taken holding a Bible in order to prove his Christianity.
I want to remind these "Christians" about what the Bible says about "hypocrites":
Luke 11:39
And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.
Ezekiel 33:31-32
And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.
Isaiah 29:13
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.
Matthew 15:8
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Matthew 23:27-28
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Matthew 6:1-61
Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
5And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:16
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
If you really think about it, Obama is following God's law... and following Christ. He doesn't need to carry a Bible around as a photo op to remind people ... he is following Christian Principles by through his actions.... and that is what matters.
I want to remind these "Christians" about what the Bible says about "hypocrites":
Luke 11:39
And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.
Ezekiel 33:31-32
And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.
Isaiah 29:13
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.
Matthew 15:8
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Matthew 23:27-28
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Matthew 6:1-61
Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
5And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:16
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
If you really think about it, Obama is following God's law... and following Christ. He doesn't need to carry a Bible around as a photo op to remind people ... he is following Christian Principles by through his actions.... and that is what matters.
Friday, February 08, 2008
If JESUS ran for President...
I posted this two years ago, I'm sure it's been around even longer. But with the current chatter about which Presidential nominee is the best "Christian" for the job... I felt the need to re-post...
Click the image for a bigger picture...
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
"God's Politics: Why the right gets it wrong, and the left doesn't get it."
It's been over two years since I clipped this review from BushFlash.com ... has anything really changed??? Just a thought...
The republicans have been able to lay claim to being the "party of God, faith, and family values", while at the same time, they wage illegal wars, punish the poor, exalt the rich, ignore the true value of human life, despoil our environment, and promote lining the pockets of massive corporations, while the least of us suffer the results of their hubris.Wallis asks us important questions:
"When did Jesus become pro-war?"
Indeed- the right wing claims to be "pro-life"- it rails against abortion, stem cell research, and works itself into a froth over a brain-dead woman in Florida, yet it aggressively persues the death penalty, promotes wars against nations that never attacked, nor threatened us, and condemns universal health care as "socialist." How did this come to be?
"When did Jesus become pro-rich?"
Indeed- the right wing loves tax breaks for the rich, cutting of social programs for the poor, and social infrastructure, in favor of the aforementioned. How did this come to be?
"When did Jesus become a selective moralist?"
Indeed- the right wing loves to condemn those on welfare, those who happen to have been born gay or lesbian, and those who suffer from the great racial divide that still exists in this country. How did this come to be?
It came to be, because we on the left are quick to condemn, and slow to understand. Wallis breaks it down, for anyone who is willing to read, and learn.
Would the Jesus that opened up a can of whoop-ass on the money changers in the temple condone Bush's coddling of Ken Lay, and Enron, who robbed thousands of their pensions and life savings?
Would the Jesus who said "blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God" condone the Bush Bowl's war in Iraq?
Would the Jesus who said "That which you have done to the least of these, you have done to me", condone the Bush administration's cuts to programs aimed at aiding the poor, the starving, and the homeless?
I think you know the answer...Wallis sounds a clarion call in his book, reminding us that the principles that he, and the millions of other progressive people of faith across this nation are fighting for, are not unique to christianity- they are universal. The only reason that Bush, Frist, and DeLay have been able to co-opt christianity, and bend it to their corrupt will in the poilitical sphere, is that we on the left have been silent, for far too long.
Wallis constantly reminds us that the greatest christian prophetic voice that ever appeared in our nation, Martin Luther King, spent his life fighting poverty, racism, and war. When we turn our backs on the foundations that he built, we let Bush, and his ilk, define the moral paradigm of our country.
The one qualm I have about Wallis' work is that he boasts about the meetings he's had with the Bush Bowl, and the letters that he's sent to the white house. He doesn't seem to realize that in the few times that he's had face time with Bush, his pleas have fallen on deaf ears, and that whatever letters he's sent to Bush were most likely shipped off to the local landfill, after being put through the nearest paper shredder, without even being read.
Wallis doesn't seem to understand the true nature of the beast that we're all fighting against.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
More Republican family values
So what will Luna do? Make excuses or throw him under the bus? I guess the days of "compassionate conservatism" are long over... I must have slept through them or something...
A Nampa man is on the run, charged with inappropriately touching a child and the suspect is related to the state leader for Idaho's education system.
James D. Luna is charged with lewd conduct of a child under 16-years-old. Court documents filed in Canyon County, show the victim told police Luna began touching her in 2000, to quote: "Make her feel better."
The victim says that sexual conduct happened more than 20 times during a five year span from when she was nine, until she was 14-years-old.Police say in those documents Luna admitted the crimes during a taped phone call between him and the victim.
He is the brother of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna.
CBS 2 Eyewitness News talked to one mom who says Superintendent Luna needs to help protect kids but what his brother is accused of shouldn't make a difference on his role as a state educational leader.
"What his brother is involved in I don't think he should be, you know, necessarily held responsible for that, I mean it wasn't something he specifically did," said Susan Faulkner as she waited to pick up her daughter from middle school.
Police say James Luna admitted to touching the girl and allegedly said he had a problem and needs help, but isn't sure there is anyone who can help him. Luna was last seen driving a Beige/white Mazda M3 with Idaho license plate 2CDA064.
They say Luna could be armed. You are urged to call Nampa Police at #465-2257 if you have any information.
CBS 2 Eyewitness News called Superintendent Tom Luna's office but so far no one has called back.
Additional Links
Man Wanted for Sexual Conduct with Child
Story Created: Oct 25, 2007 at 5:09 PM MST
By Kiersten Throndsen
A Nampa man is on the run, charged with inappropriately touching a child and the suspect is related to the state leader for Idaho's education system.
James D. Luna is charged with lewd conduct of a child under 16-years-old. Court documents filed in Canyon County, show the victim told police Luna began touching her in 2000, to quote: "Make her feel better."
The victim says that sexual conduct happened more than 20 times during a five year span from when she was nine, until she was 14-years-old.Police say in those documents Luna admitted the crimes during a taped phone call between him and the victim.
He is the brother of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna.
CBS 2 Eyewitness News talked to one mom who says Superintendent Luna needs to help protect kids but what his brother is accused of shouldn't make a difference on his role as a state educational leader.
"What his brother is involved in I don't think he should be, you know, necessarily held responsible for that, I mean it wasn't something he specifically did," said Susan Faulkner as she waited to pick up her daughter from middle school.
Police say James Luna admitted to touching the girl and allegedly said he had a problem and needs help, but isn't sure there is anyone who can help him. Luna was last seen driving a Beige/white Mazda M3 with Idaho license plate 2CDA064.
They say Luna could be armed. You are urged to call Nampa Police at #465-2257 if you have any information.
CBS 2 Eyewitness News called Superintendent Tom Luna's office but so far no one has called back.
Additional Links
...After a grand jury indictment, 43-year-old Luna was arraigned on charges that he allegedly sexually abused a female family member from the time she was 9 years old until she was 14.
"By having manual to genital contact, and or oral to genital contact with the intent to arouse, appeal to, and or gratify lust, passion, and or desire of the defendant, and or the minor child. Do you understand that charge sir?" asked the judge.
"Yes sir," replied Luna.
Many of the details involved in the indictment come from a recorded conversation between Luna and the victim in which he allegedly admits to the abuse, and even tells the girl that he needs help, but isn't sure anyone can offer him the help he needs...
Bad Larry! No more bones for you!
I don't have much to say regarding the Larry Craig incident... which is a good thing, since so many others have already said as much or more than I could (and so much better as well!)... but my main frustration is that, as a mother, I'm sick to death of the criticism of law enforcement and their "sting operation".
If law enforcement is aware of public sexual behavior in places which my children can access--whether in a men's bathroom or in the bushes at the park, whether homosexual or heterosexual -- then I sure as hell expect them to do whatever they need to do in order to get it stopped. I cannot be everywhere with my kids and I do not appreciate ANYBODY having sexual activities in a public area.
This is not about homosexuality... it's about common decency and appropriate behavior. It is my expectation that law enforcement would act upon citizen complaints about illegal behavior... and I would be furious if my children were exposed to public sex and I learned that the authorities had prior knowledge and hadn't done anything.
Can people please get their priorities straight? How can someone say that homosexuality and gay marriage threatens "family values" but get their panties in a twist because their good ol' boy got busted by our LAW ENFORCEMENT doing their jobs???
To the police officer: THANK YOU.
To Larry: GET A ROOM!
If law enforcement is aware of public sexual behavior in places which my children can access--whether in a men's bathroom or in the bushes at the park, whether homosexual or heterosexual -- then I sure as hell expect them to do whatever they need to do in order to get it stopped. I cannot be everywhere with my kids and I do not appreciate ANYBODY having sexual activities in a public area.
This is not about homosexuality... it's about common decency and appropriate behavior. It is my expectation that law enforcement would act upon citizen complaints about illegal behavior... and I would be furious if my children were exposed to public sex and I learned that the authorities had prior knowledge and hadn't done anything.
Can people please get their priorities straight? How can someone say that homosexuality and gay marriage threatens "family values" but get their panties in a twist because their good ol' boy got busted by our LAW ENFORCEMENT doing their jobs???
To the police officer: THANK YOU.
To Larry: GET A ROOM!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Today is Gold Star Mother's Day
Please take a moment to comfort and honor the families of those who have given their lives in the name of the United States of America...
Proclamation by the President of the United States
I have to ask myself... why is America not aware of this day of honor? Why is there no media coverage? Why are those who claim to "support the troops" by supporting this war not also supporting the Gold Star Mothers (and the widows and orphans...) by honoring them today?
Because it's easier for America to look away from our pain and ignore their role in causing it...
Proclamation by the President of the United States
Whereas the preamble to Public Resolution 123, 74th Congress, approved June 23, 1936 (40 Stat. 1895), recites:
Whereas the service rendered the United States by the American mother is the greatest source of the Country’s strength and inspiration; and
“Whereas we honor ourselves and the mothers of America when we revere and give emphasis to the home as the fountainhead of the State; and
“Whereas the American mother is doing so much for the home and for the moral and spiritual uplift of the people of the United States and hence so much for good government and humanity; and
“Whereas the American Gold Star Mothers suffered the supreme sacrifice of motherhood in the loss of their sons and daughters in World Wars”and
Whereas the said Public Resolution 12 provides:
“That the President of the United States is hereby authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the Government officials to display the United States flag on all Government buildings, and the people of the United States to display the flag and to hold appropriate meetings in their homes, churches, or other suitable places, on the last Sunday in September, as public expression of the love, sorrow and reverence of the people of the United States for the American Gold Star Mothers."
“Sec. 2. That the last Sunday in September shall hereafter be designated and known as “Gold Star Mother’s Day,” and it shall be the duty of the President to request its observance as provided for in this resolution.”
I have to ask myself... why is America not aware of this day of honor? Why is there no media coverage? Why are those who claim to "support the troops" by supporting this war not also supporting the Gold Star Mothers (and the widows and orphans...) by honoring them today?
Because it's easier for America to look away from our pain and ignore their role in causing it...
Friday, August 17, 2007
A lot of talk, a lot of BS
Support the troops, support the troops, support the troops...
It's on bumper stickers and car magnets, t-shirts and hometown banners...
I even see it on corporate advertisements... "We Support The Troops!!!"
When certain individuals want to condemn me for my beliefs and opinions, one of the "bullets" they shoot me with is how THEY support the troops and I don't... (Of course, these are the same people who elect representatives like Larry Craig, Mike Simpson, and Mike Crapo (who SAY they support our veterans but have failed them miserably!) ...
And now this...
I won't hold my breath waiting for mainstream media to provide coverage... not when "Support the Troops" is such a popular bumper sticker... but doesn't really mean anything real to the average American... who seem to follow the mindset of Barbara Bush:
It's on bumper stickers and car magnets, t-shirts and hometown banners...
I even see it on corporate advertisements... "We Support The Troops!!!"
When certain individuals want to condemn me for my beliefs and opinions, one of the "bullets" they shoot me with is how THEY support the troops and I don't... (Of course, these are the same people who elect representatives like Larry Craig, Mike Simpson, and Mike Crapo (who SAY they support our veterans but have failed them miserably!) ...
And now this...
{Thank you, Caro from MakeThemAccountable.com, for sharing this...}Army Suicides Highest in 26 Years
WASHINGTON -- Army soldiers committed suicide last year at the highest rate in 26 years, and more than a quarter did so while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a new military report… Last year, "Iraq was the most common deployment location for both (suicides) and attempts," the report said.
Why Isn’t the Press on a Suicide Watch?
You’d never know that at least 3% of all American deaths in Iraq are due to self-inflicted wounds. And that doesn’t include the many vets who have killed themselves after returning home.
I won't hold my breath waiting for mainstream media to provide coverage... not when "Support the Troops" is such a popular bumper sticker... but doesn't really mean anything real to the average American... who seem to follow the mindset of Barbara Bush:
“Why should we hear about body bags and deaths and how many, what day it’s going to happen, and how many this or what do you suppose? Oh, I mean, it’s, not relevant. So why should I waste my beautiful mind on something like that?” (ABC/Good Morning America)
UPDATE 8/17/07
The Times-News (local Magic Valley regional daily paper) DID insert an AP article in today's issue. Section C, Page 6.
On one hand, KUDOS for publishing this article and informing Americans about the tragic and painful consequences experienced by our brave men and women for serving our country.
On the other hand, SECTION C?? PAGE 6?? Personally, I consider our military men and women and their issues a HUGE priority for America, considering we are AT WAR and they are risking and sacrificing their lives for our country. Put the four losers who murdered their friend in the back pages -- they are NOT worthy of front page news. Yes, they are also someone's loved ones, but they chose to rob and murder others rather than bravely serve our country. Who do YOU think deserves the front page?
My opinion: If it has to do with our troops, it needs to be on the front page. Every time. No matter what.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Journalism is a joke anymore...
Are there any REAL journalists out there?
I'm not the only one who feels frustrated that there is little to no coverage of the real issues...
I'm sick to death of the Paris/Anna Nicole/Brittany sagas (like that is NEWS??) and the glossing over real issues (like what may have caused the Utah mine to collapse?).
There is no coverage of veteran associations' evaluations of Craig/Simpson/Crapo so Idahoans keep re-electing them (thinking they are supporting the troops by electing these Republicans... HA!).
It's not just a local issue... there have been questions about credible media coverage for years... from Colin Powell's son being appointed as the head of FCC ... Jeff Gannon's fake reporting ... Fox News altering Wikipedia ... Fox News and their misleading headlines ...
So what is going on?
One retired news reporter told me that:
I'm not the only one who feels frustrated that there is little to no coverage of the real issues...
I'm sick to death of the Paris/Anna Nicole/Brittany sagas (like that is NEWS??) and the glossing over real issues (like what may have caused the Utah mine to collapse?).
There is no coverage of veteran associations' evaluations of Craig/Simpson/Crapo so Idahoans keep re-electing them (thinking they are supporting the troops by electing these Republicans... HA!).
It's not just a local issue... there have been questions about credible media coverage for years... from Colin Powell's son being appointed as the head of FCC ... Jeff Gannon's fake reporting ... Fox News altering Wikipedia ... Fox News and their misleading headlines ...
So what is going on?
One retired news reporter told me that:
Are we willing to allow this to go on??“The media are in their usual hurry to put this GOP embarrassment to rest. This is the result of decades of abuse heaped on the media every time they print or broadcast a story that is not 100% complimentary to Republican candidates and office holders.
From the late 1970s, it was a predictable pattern. Find out something negative about a Republican, go with the story and you could expect a flurry of letters and phone calls accusing you of deep bias and outright incompetence. They often went to your bosses threatening that they could get you fired. You worried about it because you knew your station manager or executive editor belonged to the same golf club or the Arid club or whatever elite organization as the GOP leadership.
After awhile, reporters had to spend so much time justifying their work, they’d just back away from anything negative about the Rs. And, don’t forget: television news is in it for the ratings. If TV reporters believe the Rs are the huge majority, who do you think they’ll play to?
Democrats haven’t figured out how to push back. I’m not suggesting they push for suppression of the truth. But they’re certainly going to lose the perception wars if they don’t push for even-handed coverage. The message has to go to Idaho media that nobody is fooled by their acrobatics to please the Republican extremists.
Sali’s bigoted comments will go deep underground and stay forgotten come Election Day. In the meantime, several newspapers will do puff pieces, or as we used to put it crudely, ‘blow jobs’ on Sali describing a kinder, gentler and more palatable to the mainstream kind of guy. On Election Day, the very people who should be horrified by his comments will blithely cast their votes for him completely unaware of his deep seated bigotry.
And Idaho’s reputation as a backwater full of George-Wallace-style-knuckle-draggers will be intact.”
Faux Noise at it again...
Fox Caught Changing Competitors’ Wikipedia Entries
It’s been uncovered that Fox News has been making changes to the Wikipedia entries of their competitors and critics. Edits made to author Al Franken’s Wikipedia entry was tracked back to a Fox News IP address. One of the changes to Franken’s Wikipedia entry about the lawsuit against him, brought on by Fox, clearly reflects Fox News’ desire to avoid any bad press or misgivings about itself as a brand.
{Thank you AGAIN, Caro from MakeThemAccountable.com, for sharing this! I highly encourage everyone to sign up for Make Them Accountable mailings... you will find out about things from Caro that aren't covered in most MSM outlets...}
It’s been uncovered that Fox News has been making changes to the Wikipedia entries of their competitors and critics. Edits made to author Al Franken’s Wikipedia entry was tracked back to a Fox News IP address. One of the changes to Franken’s Wikipedia entry about the lawsuit against him, brought on by Fox, clearly reflects Fox News’ desire to avoid any bad press or misgivings about itself as a brand.
{Thank you AGAIN, Caro from MakeThemAccountable.com, for sharing this! I highly encourage everyone to sign up for Make Them Accountable mailings... you will find out about things from Caro that aren't covered in most MSM outlets...}
Underestimating his small brain and big mouth...
Last November, I posted the following...
"If you voted for Larry Grant for Congress, don't worry that Bill Sali was elected instead. He can't do any damage. Residents of Idaho's 1st Congressional District might as well have sent a potted plant to Washington."
Mr. Henderson is basically right... poor stupid Billy-Boy is such a flaming idiot, he's not accomplishing anything in DC (see ID-01: Bill Sali, even worse than we expected).
The only thing he is seems to be able to do successfully is make Idaho look as stupid as he is... because Idaho voters elected him into office...
Are we going to sit back and let America believe we approve of his message...? I truly hope not...
"Interview with God"
{Originally posted in 2001 from Theonion.com but worth re-posting as idiots like Bill Sali and Trish and Hallie and all of these other so-called "Christian" extremists still have their heads inserted in their posteriors... }
NEW YORK—Responding to recent events on Earth, God, the omniscient creator-deity worshipped by billions of followers of various faiths for more than 6,000 years, angrily clarified His longtime stance against humans killing each other Monday.
"Look, I don't know, maybe I haven't made myself completely clear, so for the record, here it is again," said the Lord, His divine face betraying visible emotion during a press conference near the site of the fallen Twin Towers.
"Somehow, people keep coming up with the idea that I want them to kill their neighbor. Well, I don't. And to be honest, I'm really getting sick and tired of it. Get it straight. Not only do I not want anybody to kill anyone, but I specifically commanded you not to, in really simple terms that anybody ought to be able to understand."
Worshipped by Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike, God said His name has been invoked countless times over the centuries as a reason to kill in what He called "an unending cycle of violence."
"I don't care how holy somebody claims to be," God said. "If a person tells you it's My will that they kill someone, they're wrong. Got it? I don't care what religion you are, or who you think your enemy is, here it is one more time: No killing, in My name or anyone else's, ever again."
The press conference came as a surprise to humankind, as God rarely intervenes in earthly affairs. As a matter of longstanding policy, He has traditionally left the task of interpreting His message and divine will to clerics, rabbis, priests, imams, and Biblical scholars. Theologians and laymen alike have been given the task of pondering His ineffable mysteries, deciding for themselves what to do as a matter of faith. His decision to manifest on the material plane was motivated by the deep sense of shock, outrage, and sorrow He felt over the Sept. 11 violence carried out in His name, and over its dire potential ramifications around the globe.
"I tried to put it in the simplest possible terms for you people, so you'd get it straight, because I thought it was pretty important," said God, called Yahweh and Allah respectively in the Judaic and Muslim traditions.
"I guess I figured I'd left no real room for confusion after putting it in a four-word sentence with one-syllable words, on the tablets I gave to Moses. How much more clear can I get?"
"But somehow, it all gets twisted around and, next thing you know, somebody's spouting off some nonsense about, 'God says I have to kill this guy, God wants me to kill that guy, it's God's will,'" God continued.
"It's not God's will, all right? News flash: 'God's will' equals 'Don't murder people.'"
Worse yet, many of the worst violators claim that their actions are justified by passages in the Bible, Torah, and Qur'an.
"To be honest, there's some contradictory stuff in there, okay?" God said. "So I can see how it could be pretty misleading. I admit it—My bad. I did My best to inspire them, but a lot of imperfect human agents have misinterpreted My message over the millennia. Frankly, much of the material that got in there is dogmatic, doctrinal bullshit. I turn My head for a second and, suddenly, all this stuff about homosexuality gets into Leviticus, and everybody thinks it's God's will to kill gays. It absolutely drives Me up the wall."
God praised the overwhelming majority of His Muslim followers as "wonderful, pious people," calling the perpetrators of the Sept. 11 attacks rare exceptions.
"This whole medieval concept of the jihad, or holy war, had all but vanished from the Muslim world in, like, the 10th century, and with good reason," God said. "There's no such thing as a holy war, only unholy ones. The vast majority of Muslims in this world reject the murderous actions of these radical extremists, just like the vast majority of Christians in America are pissed off over those two bigots on The 700 Club."
Continued God, "Read the book: 'Allah is kind, Allah is beautiful, Allah is merciful.' It goes on and on that way, page after page. But, no, some assholes have to come along and revive this stupid holy-war crap just to further their own hateful agenda. So now, everybody thinks Muslims are all murderous barbarians. Thanks, Taliban: 1,000 years of pan-Islamic cultural progress down the drain."
God stressed that His remarks were not directed exclusively at Islamic extremists, but rather at anyone whose ideological zealotry overrides his or her ability to comprehend the core message of all world religions.
"I don't care what faith you are, everybody's been making this same mistake since the dawn of time," God said. "The Muslims massacre the Hindus, the Hindus massacre the Muslims. The Buddhists, everybody massacres the Buddhists. The Jews, don't even get me started on the hardline, right-wing, Meir Kahane-loving Israeli nationalists, man. And the Christians? You people believe in a Messiah who says, 'Turn the other cheek,' but you've been killing everybody you can get your hands on since the Crusades."
Growing increasingly wrathful, God continued: "Can't you people see? What are you, morons? There are a ton of different religious traditions out there, and different cultures worship Me in different ways. But the basic message is always the same: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Shintoism... every religious belief system under the sun, they all say you're supposed to love your neighbors, folks! It's not that hard a concept to grasp."
"Why would you think I'd want anything else? Humans don't need religion or God as an excuse to kill each other—you've been doing that without any help from Me since you were freaking apes!" God said. "The whole point of believing in God is to have a higher standard of behavior. How obvious can you get?"
"I'm talking to all of you, here!" continued God, His voice rising to a shout. "Do you hear Me? I don't want you to kill anybody. I'm against it, across the board. How many times do I have to say it? Don't kill each other anymore—ever! I'm f***ing serious!"
Upon completing His outburst, God fell silent, standing quietly at the podium for several moments. Then, witnesses reported, God's shoulders began to shake, and He wept.
NEW YORK—Responding to recent events on Earth, God, the omniscient creator-deity worshipped by billions of followers of various faiths for more than 6,000 years, angrily clarified His longtime stance against humans killing each other Monday.
"Look, I don't know, maybe I haven't made myself completely clear, so for the record, here it is again," said the Lord, His divine face betraying visible emotion during a press conference near the site of the fallen Twin Towers.
"Somehow, people keep coming up with the idea that I want them to kill their neighbor. Well, I don't. And to be honest, I'm really getting sick and tired of it. Get it straight. Not only do I not want anybody to kill anyone, but I specifically commanded you not to, in really simple terms that anybody ought to be able to understand."
Worshipped by Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike, God said His name has been invoked countless times over the centuries as a reason to kill in what He called "an unending cycle of violence."
"I don't care how holy somebody claims to be," God said. "If a person tells you it's My will that they kill someone, they're wrong. Got it? I don't care what religion you are, or who you think your enemy is, here it is one more time: No killing, in My name or anyone else's, ever again."
The press conference came as a surprise to humankind, as God rarely intervenes in earthly affairs. As a matter of longstanding policy, He has traditionally left the task of interpreting His message and divine will to clerics, rabbis, priests, imams, and Biblical scholars. Theologians and laymen alike have been given the task of pondering His ineffable mysteries, deciding for themselves what to do as a matter of faith. His decision to manifest on the material plane was motivated by the deep sense of shock, outrage, and sorrow He felt over the Sept. 11 violence carried out in His name, and over its dire potential ramifications around the globe.
"I tried to put it in the simplest possible terms for you people, so you'd get it straight, because I thought it was pretty important," said God, called Yahweh and Allah respectively in the Judaic and Muslim traditions.
"I guess I figured I'd left no real room for confusion after putting it in a four-word sentence with one-syllable words, on the tablets I gave to Moses. How much more clear can I get?"
"But somehow, it all gets twisted around and, next thing you know, somebody's spouting off some nonsense about, 'God says I have to kill this guy, God wants me to kill that guy, it's God's will,'" God continued.
"It's not God's will, all right? News flash: 'God's will' equals 'Don't murder people.'"
Worse yet, many of the worst violators claim that their actions are justified by passages in the Bible, Torah, and Qur'an.
"To be honest, there's some contradictory stuff in there, okay?" God said. "So I can see how it could be pretty misleading. I admit it—My bad. I did My best to inspire them, but a lot of imperfect human agents have misinterpreted My message over the millennia. Frankly, much of the material that got in there is dogmatic, doctrinal bullshit. I turn My head for a second and, suddenly, all this stuff about homosexuality gets into Leviticus, and everybody thinks it's God's will to kill gays. It absolutely drives Me up the wall."
God praised the overwhelming majority of His Muslim followers as "wonderful, pious people," calling the perpetrators of the Sept. 11 attacks rare exceptions.
"This whole medieval concept of the jihad, or holy war, had all but vanished from the Muslim world in, like, the 10th century, and with good reason," God said. "There's no such thing as a holy war, only unholy ones. The vast majority of Muslims in this world reject the murderous actions of these radical extremists, just like the vast majority of Christians in America are pissed off over those two bigots on The 700 Club."
Continued God, "Read the book: 'Allah is kind, Allah is beautiful, Allah is merciful.' It goes on and on that way, page after page. But, no, some assholes have to come along and revive this stupid holy-war crap just to further their own hateful agenda. So now, everybody thinks Muslims are all murderous barbarians. Thanks, Taliban: 1,000 years of pan-Islamic cultural progress down the drain."
God stressed that His remarks were not directed exclusively at Islamic extremists, but rather at anyone whose ideological zealotry overrides his or her ability to comprehend the core message of all world religions.
"I don't care what faith you are, everybody's been making this same mistake since the dawn of time," God said. "The Muslims massacre the Hindus, the Hindus massacre the Muslims. The Buddhists, everybody massacres the Buddhists. The Jews, don't even get me started on the hardline, right-wing, Meir Kahane-loving Israeli nationalists, man. And the Christians? You people believe in a Messiah who says, 'Turn the other cheek,' but you've been killing everybody you can get your hands on since the Crusades."
Growing increasingly wrathful, God continued: "Can't you people see? What are you, morons? There are a ton of different religious traditions out there, and different cultures worship Me in different ways. But the basic message is always the same: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Shintoism... every religious belief system under the sun, they all say you're supposed to love your neighbors, folks! It's not that hard a concept to grasp."
"Why would you think I'd want anything else? Humans don't need religion or God as an excuse to kill each other—you've been doing that without any help from Me since you were freaking apes!" God said. "The whole point of believing in God is to have a higher standard of behavior. How obvious can you get?"
"I'm talking to all of you, here!" continued God, His voice rising to a shout. "Do you hear Me? I don't want you to kill anybody. I'm against it, across the board. How many times do I have to say it? Don't kill each other anymore—ever! I'm f***ing serious!"
Upon completing His outburst, God fell silent, standing quietly at the podium for several moments. Then, witnesses reported, God's shoulders began to shake, and He wept.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Where was this DICK when my family needed him?
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