Hey all. Long time no speak.
I don't know if I mentioned this before, but my friend Al did a large portion of the banner ads for the Barack Obama campaign, online. He got amazing click-throughs for the ads he created. You can look at them, and the stats, here:
BarackObamaDesign.com
I hope all of you are well, and happy with the outcome of this last election. Wow, it has been a while since I've been here!
Happy New Year!
John
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
sigh
Some people laugh at this woman. I think that's the wrong response.
I am very concerned when people are this blind to faith and it's 'ability' to fix all. Wouldn't God just fix things for her, being a Christian and all, anyway? Won't the power of prayer help her family, regardless of who's in office?
The bottom line is she's just a racist. Forget about her faith, forget about her devotion. You know, initially you'd think that her, and others like her, were harmless. But you'd be wrong. That they don't understand the separation of church and state is a fundamental right, and becoming more and more a problem.
Scenarios should be explained to these people. Imagine if senators and representatives were more faith based than anything else. It's too far reaching to really get into, but then just imagine all of the different sects of religion. Who would be right? Who would be prosecuted because of their beliefs? I'm not sure it would be possible for there to be more than one faith under this kind of rule. And we've all heard about how religion has made for some of the deadliest times in human history.
Is God really going to help America, only? And is he going to punish us if Obama gets elected?
This reminds me of those lunatics that said that the California lightning strikes that caused all of the fires were due to the fact of California lifting the ban on gay marriage. You can tie all of these types of people in with those who murder doctors who perform abortions. Bombers who strike clinics. Racists who tie black men with chains up to trucks and drag them for miles. All things that have happened in the last decade.
Just imagine what's going to happen to this country when the first crisis unfolds under an Obama presidency, and who these people are going to blame.
The ramifications of an Obama presidency, in the eyes of these types of individuals, brings to my mind some very nasty scenarios. I think that flipping from faith based to radical won't be too difficult, for some people, come November 5th, and I worry about this a great deal. All it takes is one idiot, who will set in motion events that will get many people killed.
I hope it doesn't come to that. I was going to say 'pray', but I don't think that's going to help.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Congresswoman Michele Bachmann
Michele Bachmann is one of those people who most Americans fear is in a position of power. She's completely out of touch with most Americans who don't use religion as a crutch, and is perfectly at home in her state of Minnesota.
Here, she goes on to say that Obama is anti-American. This is how far we've come. Forget the racism that's obviously rampant in this country, forget all the smear campaigns. Now we have a Congresswoman going so far as to accuse one of her peers of being anti-American.
Make sure you watch both videos.
I've mentioned Bachmann before on this site. I think, for me, the creepiest part about her is she doesn't blink. And when she does blink, I think that's her brain pressing the rewind button so she can repeat what's been programmed into her.
Here, she goes on to say that Obama is anti-American. This is how far we've come. Forget the racism that's obviously rampant in this country, forget all the smear campaigns. Now we have a Congresswoman going so far as to accuse one of her peers of being anti-American.
Make sure you watch both videos.
I've mentioned Bachmann before on this site. I think, for me, the creepiest part about her is she doesn't blink. And when she does blink, I think that's her brain pressing the rewind button so she can repeat what's been programmed into her.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
back
Hi all.
Back from a little hiatus. So much to talk about. I won't get into the debates, or into the SNL Palin/Fey thingies. You've probably heard about it all and talked about it all ad nauseum.
So, let's see what I have for you today.
Oh, hey, let's talk about Joe the Plumber. Is this guy a douche, or what? It is impossible to get away from the internet, when you get thrust into the spotlight as this guy has. First, he was complaining about purchasing a busin... wait, watch the clip.
So, from this clip you'd have to believe that he's either close to making $250,000 a year... or he is.
Well, he's not. And now, word is, he's not even a licensed plumber.
If you saw last night's debate, you'll remember the two dozen or so 'Joe the Plumber' references. Well, the news is, now, that this guy's just a moron, and anything of substance that he tried to say has gone down the toilet.
DOWN THE TOILET!
Ahhh... that was funny.
It's very difficult to look at this situation, and this man, in a different light than the one I'm living under at the moment. At the most, in my life, I've made, in one year's salary, about one quarter of $250,000. That's the most I've ever made, in one year. And I have a marketable skill which should, in a better economy, be making me at least $90k. I've been looking for work now, steady, full time graphic design work, for over 1 year. I have sent out over 300 resumes in that time. Way over, in fact. I have three different head hunters working for me. And the fact is that there just isn't enough around.
The other fact is, there are more graphic designers and web designers in NYC than there are lawyers. I recently got an email from a company that has taken almost one month to go through the resumes they received for a part-time designer position. And I'm one of 12 people who fit the bill. We'll see how that goes.
But my problem with Joe is that, when the video first came out, he was concerned with paying an additional 3% in taxes on what would amount to $20,000 dollars. I say $20k because he initially said his business would be making about $270k or so.
So, from 36% to 39%, he's concerned about paying about $600 additional on that $20,000.
Well. First off, the majority of the people in this country don't even take home $600 a week! Secondly, he wouldn't get taxed any different for the $250k. Third... he's living in OHIO! He's not living in NYC, or LA, or some other city where the cost of living is so high that it would affect him thus... and I have news for you, I'm in NYC, and that $600 would not affect me one single bit. If I was making $250k a year, I would consider myself rich. Not to mention my girlfriend could lose her job and we'd still be ok, AND I could help my mom and sister out with the family business.
See, all of this is pre-information on Joe. Now we find out he's not making even remotely that much money, he was just bragging and talking out of his ass. Then we find out he's not even a licensed plumber. And then we find that the plumbers union is pissed at him... I mean, jesus christ. Can anyone make this stuff up? It's a joke!
Forget this guy. He's a blip, and it backfired severely, except for middle America, where they obviously don't know or care about the internet. Like these people that Al-Jazeera interviewed:
Or these people in Ohio:
Jesus, Ohio. What the hell happened to you?
Sometimes it's great to be an American. And sometimes it's embarrassing.
For those of you who are still paying ridiculous prices for gas, well guess what? Oil is down to $70 a barrel.. PLEASE, contact your local government officials and tell them that enough is enough.
Links are on the left. No excuse not to use them.
Back from a little hiatus. So much to talk about. I won't get into the debates, or into the SNL Palin/Fey thingies. You've probably heard about it all and talked about it all ad nauseum.
So, let's see what I have for you today.
Oh, hey, let's talk about Joe the Plumber. Is this guy a douche, or what? It is impossible to get away from the internet, when you get thrust into the spotlight as this guy has. First, he was complaining about purchasing a busin... wait, watch the clip.
So, from this clip you'd have to believe that he's either close to making $250,000 a year... or he is.
Well, he's not. And now, word is, he's not even a licensed plumber.
If you saw last night's debate, you'll remember the two dozen or so 'Joe the Plumber' references. Well, the news is, now, that this guy's just a moron, and anything of substance that he tried to say has gone down the toilet.
DOWN THE TOILET!
Ahhh... that was funny.
It's very difficult to look at this situation, and this man, in a different light than the one I'm living under at the moment. At the most, in my life, I've made, in one year's salary, about one quarter of $250,000. That's the most I've ever made, in one year. And I have a marketable skill which should, in a better economy, be making me at least $90k. I've been looking for work now, steady, full time graphic design work, for over 1 year. I have sent out over 300 resumes in that time. Way over, in fact. I have three different head hunters working for me. And the fact is that there just isn't enough around.
The other fact is, there are more graphic designers and web designers in NYC than there are lawyers. I recently got an email from a company that has taken almost one month to go through the resumes they received for a part-time designer position. And I'm one of 12 people who fit the bill. We'll see how that goes.
But my problem with Joe is that, when the video first came out, he was concerned with paying an additional 3% in taxes on what would amount to $20,000 dollars. I say $20k because he initially said his business would be making about $270k or so.
So, from 36% to 39%, he's concerned about paying about $600 additional on that $20,000.
Well. First off, the majority of the people in this country don't even take home $600 a week! Secondly, he wouldn't get taxed any different for the $250k. Third... he's living in OHIO! He's not living in NYC, or LA, or some other city where the cost of living is so high that it would affect him thus... and I have news for you, I'm in NYC, and that $600 would not affect me one single bit. If I was making $250k a year, I would consider myself rich. Not to mention my girlfriend could lose her job and we'd still be ok, AND I could help my mom and sister out with the family business.
See, all of this is pre-information on Joe. Now we find out he's not making even remotely that much money, he was just bragging and talking out of his ass. Then we find out he's not even a licensed plumber. And then we find that the plumbers union is pissed at him... I mean, jesus christ. Can anyone make this stuff up? It's a joke!
Forget this guy. He's a blip, and it backfired severely, except for middle America, where they obviously don't know or care about the internet. Like these people that Al-Jazeera interviewed:
Or these people in Ohio:
Jesus, Ohio. What the hell happened to you?
Sometimes it's great to be an American. And sometimes it's embarrassing.
For those of you who are still paying ridiculous prices for gas, well guess what? Oil is down to $70 a barrel.. PLEASE, contact your local government officials and tell them that enough is enough.
Links are on the left. No excuse not to use them.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Jack Cafferty tells it straight
Here's the Palin interview with Couric. I'm not sure if this is the first part of two, or both parts... but it's eye opening.
more videos and articles
Republican Thaddeus McCotter talks about the bailout.
An article on Palin about how she accepted $25,000 in gifts as Alaskan Governor.
A continuing article on Palin, about her returning donations from 'tainted' politicians.
Here's an article on McCain's aide, Rick Davis. McCain had mentioned that Davis had no connection with Freddie Mac for the past several years, even though he'd been receiving $15,000 a month since the end of 2005. It's a NY Times online article, you might have to sign up (takes less than a minute).
Oh, here's a fun article from Forbes, about how a treasury rep said that the $700 billion number actually has no basis in data, they just wanted to choose a really large number.
Anyone else think that these companies should just roll over and die, just like any other company? This seems to be just another situation where the Bush Administration has decided to use fear to get what they want, more money for their friends. I'm sure that the ramifications of these companies going under will shake the economy some, but this looks like a blank check scenario, and the losers are going to be the taxpayers, again. I guess something that costs more than the war in Iraq is worth fighting, whatever side of the aisle you're on.
People going to die? Yeah, whatever.
$700 billion? We have to talk about this!
Not to mention the fact that over the last 8 years there have been countless programs that the government has calculatedly decided were not worth it (like insuring poor children), because we just didn't have the money.
Not to mention, now, that McCain has cancelled the debate scheduled for this evening*, because he thinks we should be concentrating on the economy (he also cancelled his appearance on Letterman, check out the video below)... seems to me that the longer this goes on, the more Republicans are to blame, the more it's hurting McCain. Dave makes a good point about how Palin should be pushing the campaign through, instead of hiding from reporters, as she has been.
Have to wait and see what unfolds.
* Edit - McCain has decided to debate Obama tonight.
An article on Palin about how she accepted $25,000 in gifts as Alaskan Governor.
A continuing article on Palin, about her returning donations from 'tainted' politicians.
Here's an article on McCain's aide, Rick Davis. McCain had mentioned that Davis had no connection with Freddie Mac for the past several years, even though he'd been receiving $15,000 a month since the end of 2005. It's a NY Times online article, you might have to sign up (takes less than a minute).
Oh, here's a fun article from Forbes, about how a treasury rep said that the $700 billion number actually has no basis in data, they just wanted to choose a really large number.
Anyone else think that these companies should just roll over and die, just like any other company? This seems to be just another situation where the Bush Administration has decided to use fear to get what they want, more money for their friends. I'm sure that the ramifications of these companies going under will shake the economy some, but this looks like a blank check scenario, and the losers are going to be the taxpayers, again. I guess something that costs more than the war in Iraq is worth fighting, whatever side of the aisle you're on.
People going to die? Yeah, whatever.
$700 billion? We have to talk about this!
Not to mention the fact that over the last 8 years there have been countless programs that the government has calculatedly decided were not worth it (like insuring poor children), because we just didn't have the money.
Not to mention, now, that McCain has cancelled the debate scheduled for this evening*, because he thinks we should be concentrating on the economy (he also cancelled his appearance on Letterman, check out the video below)... seems to me that the longer this goes on, the more Republicans are to blame, the more it's hurting McCain. Dave makes a good point about how Palin should be pushing the campaign through, instead of hiding from reporters, as she has been.
Have to wait and see what unfolds.
* Edit - McCain has decided to debate Obama tonight.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
some articles and videos
Last leg of my trip, I'm in San Francisco. Figured I would put some stuff down, get it off my screen here (it's how I save articles... instead of bookmarking each one, I leave a hundred windows open, and it sure does get crowded!)
First article is on one of the largest political gathering/protests in Alaska. Against Sarah Palin.
If you haven't been on Reddit, you're missing out on some amazing news articles. Here's a great page that I saw, where the poster found that some fact checking on Palin had been removed from the ABC news website, without any explanation, and so the google cached page (along with the text) can be found here.
Here's a letter from Anne Kilkenny, about Sarah Palin, and her experience as a citizen of Wasilla, AK.
Here's a great article on how Republicans are trying to prevent people who've lost their homes in Michigan from voting.
Here are some great videos on different perspectives on... lots of things.
McCain gets interviewed in Maine and can't really answer any direct questions...
Oh, and to round out this entry, here's a list of the 20 most corrupt members of congress.
First article is on one of the largest political gathering/protests in Alaska. Against Sarah Palin.
If you haven't been on Reddit, you're missing out on some amazing news articles. Here's a great page that I saw, where the poster found that some fact checking on Palin had been removed from the ABC news website, without any explanation, and so the google cached page (along with the text) can be found here.
Here's a letter from Anne Kilkenny, about Sarah Palin, and her experience as a citizen of Wasilla, AK.
Here's a great article on how Republicans are trying to prevent people who've lost their homes in Michigan from voting.
Here are some great videos on different perspectives on... lots of things.
McCain gets interviewed in Maine and can't really answer any direct questions...
Oh, and to round out this entry, here's a list of the 20 most corrupt members of congress.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Palin, articles, videos and more
Ok, so, last post I said I was going to go a bit more in depth on Palin. I am vacationing in Napa right now, so I won't be around to really go in depth on her, but here's something.
Here's an article on the whole 'troopergate' scandal (jesus, I hate those 'gate' words). It details about the lawsuit pending, the pressure on firings, who is culpable, what the trooper did, and so on and so forth.
After reading the article, I say we move away from TrooperGate. Who gives a shit.
Here is Fact Check.org's page on debunking some rumors on Palin.
More later.
Here's an article on the whole 'troopergate' scandal (jesus, I hate those 'gate' words). It details about the lawsuit pending, the pressure on firings, who is culpable, what the trooper did, and so on and so forth.
After reading the article, I say we move away from TrooperGate. Who gives a shit.
Here is Fact Check.org's page on debunking some rumors on Palin.
More later.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
so much to talk about
First off, I'd like to say that someone mentioned the possibility of the Palin 'scandal' of her trying to get her ex-brother-in-law fired was a bunch of bullshit. It's by someone I respect, so I'm going to spend some time next post trying to get to the bottom of it, and some more Palin stuff.
That is, unless she's not given the ticket at the RNC.
First, some news about that.
Seems her speech for Tuesday night was cancelled, without any explanation.
Not a good sign.
Also, a quick article on Palin's almost being recalled as a Mayor, for firing city employees who were not fully backing her efforts to govern.
Moving on.
Fucked up shit at the RNC, including a number of reporters being treated very poorly, with violence, pepper spray, and aggravated arrests.
The St. Paul police were given $50 million dollars for added security for the RNC. Seems they decided to go the old 'no tolerance' route this year, and basically said 'screw everyone who gets even remotely out of line, or looks at your weird.'
More than 280 people were arrest, and some were charged with felonies, including being charged with 'conspiracy to riot.'
And, of course, no post would be complete without some awesome videos.
Here's a video of an officer at the RNC dragging a guy he's arresting and... well, I won't spoil it for you.
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-73510
Here's a great video that, at the end of the day, made McCain cancel his appearance on Larry King, saying CNN went 'over the line'.
James Carville eats babies for breakfast.
Now, at first I was like... is this woman (Congresswoman Michele Bachmann of Minnesota) on crack? Look at her eyes! All of this 'anti woman' bullshit was really striking me as crazy, until I did, well, let's say twenty seconds of research on her, and found this wonderful tidbit. This is a direct quote said to OneNewsNow (warning, I am not responsible if you click on that link. You will go blind, unlike masturbating, and will also lose IQ points due to the blatant disregard of logic and reason):
"[Pelosi] is committed to her global warming fanaticism to the point where she has said that she's just trying to save the planet. We all know that someone did that over 2,000 years ago, they saved the planet -- we didn't need Nancy Pelosi to do that."
So, ummm, let me get this straight.
Sure, sure, go ahead.
Thank you. So, what she's saying is that Jesus saved the planet 2,000 years ago, and we no longer need his help?
Basically, yeah.
That's... well, that's just awesome!
I know! I've been so worried.
Me too. So, back then, they had global warming?
No, dude.
No? Were they running out of oil back then?
They didn't have cars back then, dude.
Really? How'd they get around?
They walked. And had, like, horses. And the wheel. And fire.
How about coal mining? Natural gas? Strip mining? Pollution? Toxic waste? Nuclear weapons? Oil spills? Chemical explosions? And all other kinds of shit I can't think of?
No, man. They had, like, hammers, maybe.
Wow. Did they have almost 7 billion people alive back then to help suck all our resources?
No, more like 20 million.
20 million.
Yeah. Lot of mouths to feed back then.
Lot of... what?
Nothing.
Well. Then he didn't save shit, did he.
I guess not.
Ok! Back to the videos.
Anyone who thinks that because someone sold a plane on ebay, it makes them qualified for the most powerful position on the planet should have their brain shoveled out and have it replaced with spam.
And, finally, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer on Palin as VP.
Steny Hoyer.
What a great name! That's not even a porn star name, that's like "just got out of prison and earned that name, cause he killed two guys named Steny and Hoyer."
That's it for now, kiddies.
That is, unless she's not given the ticket at the RNC.
First, some news about that.
Seems her speech for Tuesday night was cancelled, without any explanation.
Not a good sign.
Also, a quick article on Palin's almost being recalled as a Mayor, for firing city employees who were not fully backing her efforts to govern.
Moving on.
Fucked up shit at the RNC, including a number of reporters being treated very poorly, with violence, pepper spray, and aggravated arrests.
The St. Paul police were given $50 million dollars for added security for the RNC. Seems they decided to go the old 'no tolerance' route this year, and basically said 'screw everyone who gets even remotely out of line, or looks at your weird.'
More than 280 people were arrest, and some were charged with felonies, including being charged with 'conspiracy to riot.'
And, of course, no post would be complete without some awesome videos.
Here's a video of an officer at the RNC dragging a guy he's arresting and... well, I won't spoil it for you.
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-73510
Here's a great video that, at the end of the day, made McCain cancel his appearance on Larry King, saying CNN went 'over the line'.
James Carville eats babies for breakfast.
Now, at first I was like... is this woman (Congresswoman Michele Bachmann of Minnesota) on crack? Look at her eyes! All of this 'anti woman' bullshit was really striking me as crazy, until I did, well, let's say twenty seconds of research on her, and found this wonderful tidbit. This is a direct quote said to OneNewsNow (warning, I am not responsible if you click on that link. You will go blind, unlike masturbating, and will also lose IQ points due to the blatant disregard of logic and reason):
"[Pelosi] is committed to her global warming fanaticism to the point where she has said that she's just trying to save the planet. We all know that someone did that over 2,000 years ago, they saved the planet -- we didn't need Nancy Pelosi to do that."
So, ummm, let me get this straight.
Sure, sure, go ahead.
Thank you. So, what she's saying is that Jesus saved the planet 2,000 years ago, and we no longer need his help?
Basically, yeah.
That's... well, that's just awesome!
I know! I've been so worried.
Me too. So, back then, they had global warming?
No, dude.
No? Were they running out of oil back then?
They didn't have cars back then, dude.
Really? How'd they get around?
They walked. And had, like, horses. And the wheel. And fire.
How about coal mining? Natural gas? Strip mining? Pollution? Toxic waste? Nuclear weapons? Oil spills? Chemical explosions? And all other kinds of shit I can't think of?
No, man. They had, like, hammers, maybe.
Wow. Did they have almost 7 billion people alive back then to help suck all our resources?
No, more like 20 million.
20 million.
Yeah. Lot of mouths to feed back then.
Lot of... what?
Nothing.
Well. Then he didn't save shit, did he.
I guess not.
Ok! Back to the videos.
Anyone who thinks that because someone sold a plane on ebay, it makes them qualified for the most powerful position on the planet should have their brain shoveled out and have it replaced with spam.
And, finally, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer on Palin as VP.
Steny Hoyer.
What a great name! That's not even a porn star name, that's like "just got out of prison and earned that name, cause he killed two guys named Steny and Hoyer."
That's it for now, kiddies.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wow. Just... wow.
Well, McCain is either the stupidest smart person, or the smartest dumb person... or however it is that goes.
Usually you know this person, but I think it works here.
First off, if you haven't already heard, he has chosen the Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, as his running mate.
Sarah Palin, who has been in office, in total, one year, as a politician in a almost any capacity.
Sarah Palin, who is governor of a state that is younger than her running mate.
Sarah Palin, who allegedly, after getting into office, tried to get a state police trooper in good standing fired because he was his sister's ex-husband.
Sarah Palin, who has absolutely no experience and, by being chosen, in one fell swoop, completely destroyed the McCain camps ability to stand on the one platform they had.
Obama's 'inexperience' to become President of the United States.
What the fuck.
Ok, here goes.
Here's a video from FOX News, who continues to pay reporters, commentators and investigators, even though they spew things like this.
Here's a great video of McCain's choice putting down the job of Vice President one month before being chosen, because she has no idea what the VP does.
Here's the entire article.
It is impossible to listen to what she is saying and not hear the chalk board screeching of inexperience.
Truly unbelievable.
Usually you know this person, but I think it works here.
First off, if you haven't already heard, he has chosen the Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, as his running mate.
Sarah Palin, who has been in office, in total, one year, as a politician in a almost any capacity.
Sarah Palin, who is governor of a state that is younger than her running mate.
Sarah Palin, who allegedly, after getting into office, tried to get a state police trooper in good standing fired because he was his sister's ex-husband.
Sarah Palin, who has absolutely no experience and, by being chosen, in one fell swoop, completely destroyed the McCain camps ability to stand on the one platform they had.
Obama's 'inexperience' to become President of the United States.
What the fuck.
Ok, here goes.
Here's a video from FOX News, who continues to pay reporters, commentators and investigators, even though they spew things like this.
Here's a great video of McCain's choice putting down the job of Vice President one month before being chosen, because she has no idea what the VP does.
Here's the entire article.
It is impossible to listen to what she is saying and not hear the chalk board screeching of inexperience.
Truly unbelievable.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
an open letter to the Denver Mayor and City Council
And anyone else who'd like to read it. I mailed this off to them this evening, after reading about an incident at the DNC.
------
Mr. Mayor, and the Denver City Council,
I wanted to write to express my disappointment in the city of this year's Democratic National Convention.
Being a realist, I understand that, wherever there are protests, there will always be police involvement. Officers who do their jobs. Officers who are concerned about the safety and well being of the people they are sworn to protect.
And officers who are only interested in maintaining their definition of order.
As a realist, I also know there are officers who enjoy inflicting pain, as well. Officers who feel superior to ordinary citizens. And officers who believe that their badge gives them a wide threshold for violent behavior that will not result in a loss of their job.
It's individuals like this who get the '10-paid day' vacations of suspension, as a way of appeasing the local government that some action has been taken. It's a band-aid, unfortunately, and in this day and age, those bad apples have no place in what is quickly becoming a police state, rather than a free country.
I've decided to give you a record of numerous instances of some of your officers doing more than protecting and serving. I think it's important that someone share these with you (if they haven't done so already), and demand that more than the norm is done to make sure these officers don't think they can get away with violent behavior against protestors.
It would be easy for me to sight police brutality cases outside of protesting situations, but let's stick to the topic at hand.
Here is an article that details officers surrounding groups of protestors and shooting them with pepper spray, hitting them with batons and also with paint-ball like weapons.
Here's an article on Alicia Forrest, along with the youtube clip, on her getting pushed to the ground by a police officer, and then subsequently arrested for 'interfering with an arrest' which basically means, she pissed off an officer.
Here's an article and video about an ABC news investigator/producer that was, in the end, choked, cuffed, arrested and physically threatened by one of your city's police officers.
Here's a fantastic article about the ACLU that details how Denver's police have violated people's rights in their arresting procedures.
And this is just the surface. I'm sure if you went to youtube, you'd find dozens upon dozens of videos of commentaries and on-the-scene footage of Denver's police doing some pretty terrible things.
Of course, they also don't show the police officers who are just doing their job. That's not news worthy.
As I said, I am a realist, and I know it's not them all. But those officers who went out of their way to cause pain, to arrest people, trumping up charges so that it was 'legal', those officers who weren't concerned with people's safety, as much as they were concerned with having a good story to tell about how they busted some heads... You have got to do something about them.
I do not live in Denver. I was unable to afford the trip to the DNC this year, unfortunately. But had I been there, it's quite possible that I could have been one of those people who were hurt, arrested, or both. And that thought frightens me, because the idea of protesting, especially in this country, is, the majority of the time, a peaceful process, filled with passion and vehemence for corporations and politicians who are not the police.
I'm sorry this had to happen. I'm a Democrat, and I was happy to see the convention in Denver. But everything I've seen and read makes me think that the Denver Police Department decided to either not brief its officers on making sure that safety was the main concern, or these officers didn't care to listen to their superiors.
In this day and age, when every single protestor has a device that can record video, for these officers to just forgo rules of conduct outside on the streets of Denver and act only for themselves, well, that's more than a shame.
That's criminal.
John Painz
------
Mr. Mayor, and the Denver City Council,
I wanted to write to express my disappointment in the city of this year's Democratic National Convention.
Being a realist, I understand that, wherever there are protests, there will always be police involvement. Officers who do their jobs. Officers who are concerned about the safety and well being of the people they are sworn to protect.
And officers who are only interested in maintaining their definition of order.
As a realist, I also know there are officers who enjoy inflicting pain, as well. Officers who feel superior to ordinary citizens. And officers who believe that their badge gives them a wide threshold for violent behavior that will not result in a loss of their job.
It's individuals like this who get the '10-paid day' vacations of suspension, as a way of appeasing the local government that some action has been taken. It's a band-aid, unfortunately, and in this day and age, those bad apples have no place in what is quickly becoming a police state, rather than a free country.
I've decided to give you a record of numerous instances of some of your officers doing more than protecting and serving. I think it's important that someone share these with you (if they haven't done so already), and demand that more than the norm is done to make sure these officers don't think they can get away with violent behavior against protestors.
It would be easy for me to sight police brutality cases outside of protesting situations, but let's stick to the topic at hand.
Here is an article that details officers surrounding groups of protestors and shooting them with pepper spray, hitting them with batons and also with paint-ball like weapons.
Here's an article on Alicia Forrest, along with the youtube clip, on her getting pushed to the ground by a police officer, and then subsequently arrested for 'interfering with an arrest' which basically means, she pissed off an officer.
Here's an article and video about an ABC news investigator/producer that was, in the end, choked, cuffed, arrested and physically threatened by one of your city's police officers.
Here's a fantastic article about the ACLU that details how Denver's police have violated people's rights in their arresting procedures.
And this is just the surface. I'm sure if you went to youtube, you'd find dozens upon dozens of videos of commentaries and on-the-scene footage of Denver's police doing some pretty terrible things.
Of course, they also don't show the police officers who are just doing their job. That's not news worthy.
As I said, I am a realist, and I know it's not them all. But those officers who went out of their way to cause pain, to arrest people, trumping up charges so that it was 'legal', those officers who weren't concerned with people's safety, as much as they were concerned with having a good story to tell about how they busted some heads... You have got to do something about them.
I do not live in Denver. I was unable to afford the trip to the DNC this year, unfortunately. But had I been there, it's quite possible that I could have been one of those people who were hurt, arrested, or both. And that thought frightens me, because the idea of protesting, especially in this country, is, the majority of the time, a peaceful process, filled with passion and vehemence for corporations and politicians who are not the police.
I'm sorry this had to happen. I'm a Democrat, and I was happy to see the convention in Denver. But everything I've seen and read makes me think that the Denver Police Department decided to either not brief its officers on making sure that safety was the main concern, or these officers didn't care to listen to their superiors.
In this day and age, when every single protestor has a device that can record video, for these officers to just forgo rules of conduct outside on the streets of Denver and act only for themselves, well, that's more than a shame.
That's criminal.
John Painz
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
articles #4
Few things today...
A 'plot' to kill Obama was foiled. The Secret Service said that the threat wasn't creditable.
I found this quite interesting. The man in question was stopped by police after driving erratically. He had some meth on him and a high powered rifle.
From what I gathered, the only place they could have shot the man was from on top of a McDonalds roof, and only during the hours of 11:00am and 11:30am, just after they stop serving breakfast (they're very strict at that McDonalds) and just before the big lunch rush.
--------
Hey, moving on. Some Joe Biden info.
Article #1, this one against Joe Biden.
Article #2, this one about Biden's Amtrakfantasies stories.
Haven't made up my mind about the guy.
--------
Videos! Hey, what fun.
First we have a terrible interviewer calling Pelosi out on her double standard of minimum wage, and her use of non-payed interns.
In my opinion, interns have been around since god knows how long. People understand what they're going to receive as an intern. Either experience for a future job, or school credit.
I doubt there is a political office in this country, let alone at any large corporation or practice, without an intern of some kind. I'm sure most are paid lower than their counterparts with experience. But the majority are volunteers or inexperienced workers who are looking for a future wedge.
Whew.
I made it through that entire thing without one Clinton joke.
Here's John McCain offering people $50 an hour to pick lettuce.
Here's Kucinich placing blame for 9/11 and the failure of the government before, during and after Katrina on the Bush Administration.
Here we have Clinton supporters for McCain, with a huge amount of subterfuge when it comes to their sources of information.
And finally, Kucinich's speech during the DNC.
A 'plot' to kill Obama was foiled. The Secret Service said that the threat wasn't creditable.
I found this quite interesting. The man in question was stopped by police after driving erratically. He had some meth on him and a high powered rifle.
From what I gathered, the only place they could have shot the man was from on top of a McDonalds roof, and only during the hours of 11:00am and 11:30am, just after they stop serving breakfast (they're very strict at that McDonalds) and just before the big lunch rush.
--------
Hey, moving on. Some Joe Biden info.
Article #1, this one against Joe Biden.
Article #2, this one about Biden's Amtrak
Haven't made up my mind about the guy.
--------
Videos! Hey, what fun.
First we have a terrible interviewer calling Pelosi out on her double standard of minimum wage, and her use of non-payed interns.
In my opinion, interns have been around since god knows how long. People understand what they're going to receive as an intern. Either experience for a future job, or school credit.
I doubt there is a political office in this country, let alone at any large corporation or practice, without an intern of some kind. I'm sure most are paid lower than their counterparts with experience. But the majority are volunteers or inexperienced workers who are looking for a future wedge.
Whew.
I made it through that entire thing without one Clinton joke.
Here's John McCain offering people $50 an hour to pick lettuce.
Here's Kucinich placing blame for 9/11 and the failure of the government before, during and after Katrina on the Bush Administration.
Here we have Clinton supporters for McCain, with a huge amount of subterfuge when it comes to their sources of information.
And finally, Kucinich's speech during the DNC.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Bush Admin tries to solidify McCain presidency
with bullshit.
Completely reminds me of this part in Eddie Izzard's Dress to Kill:
But in America, it was different.
They said, "This is where our God has brought us to. We can practice our religion, raise a family.
"There's nobody here.
"Excuse me.
"Nobody here. Yes, a land empty of human existence.
"Who the fuck are these guys?
"What's all this, please?
"No, we don't want any of your food, thank you very much.
"Just put some clothes on."
Meanwhile, that winter...
"Excuse me, do you have any food?
"I love all this, lovely idea."
(Laughs nervously)
"I'm sorry we were a bit brusque when we first arrived. We didn't realize you owned the entire country. But you have no system
of ownership? Mm. lnteresting. That'll be useful later. Food, thank you very much. There's more of us coming but we'll keep our promises."
So the government lied to the Native Americans for many years.
Then President Clinton lied about a lover and everyone was surprised.
A little naive, I feel.
Sure, under a Republican Administration, we'll be out in 2011.
Hey, look over there at that big gorilla climbing that big building.
Completely reminds me of this part in Eddie Izzard's Dress to Kill:
But in America, it was different.
They said, "This is where our God has brought us to. We can practice our religion, raise a family.
"There's nobody here.
"Excuse me.
"Nobody here. Yes, a land empty of human existence.
"Who the fuck are these guys?
"What's all this, please?
"No, we don't want any of your food, thank you very much.
"Just put some clothes on."
Meanwhile, that winter...
"Excuse me, do you have any food?
"I love all this, lovely idea."
(Laughs nervously)
"I'm sorry we were a bit brusque when we first arrived. We didn't realize you owned the entire country. But you have no system
of ownership? Mm. lnteresting. That'll be useful later. Food, thank you very much. There's more of us coming but we'll keep our promises."
So the government lied to the Native Americans for many years.
Then President Clinton lied about a lover and everyone was surprised.
A little naive, I feel.
Sure, under a Republican Administration, we'll be out in 2011.
Hey, look over there at that big gorilla climbing that big building.
Fox news, VP, hookers and more
We'll start with FOX news.
-----
Biden.
People are polarized about his being chosen. I'm not impressed.
Here's an article on his past exploits that amount to "Ummm... there was no one better?"
Someone, somewhere, had mentioned that Biden was the appeasement choice for the Clinton's, due to his age. Meaning, that he would be too old in 2012 or 2016 to run against Hillary. Sigh.
The mediocre of politics. Not eve the 'joke' of politics, which could have been a funny little whatever.
-----
Here's a fun article on Senator David Vitter from Louisiana who was caught in the DC Madam scandal.
The man who committed a "very serious sin."
Is this any way to talk about having sex? While you're married? Using tax payers money?
Now he wants to use campaign funds to offset the cost of his legal fees, and 3 of his compatriots in Louisiana don't have a problem with that. And one of them is a woman.
Unreal.
Here's the About Dave page on his government web site. I guess if Hillary could get over a blowjob, Dave's wife Wendy, who he's had four kids with and lectures at St. Francis Xavier Church with, could get over him fucking hookers.
I suppose God will see them through this.
-----
Here's a video mishmash from Olbermann on... well, a few things.
------
And, finally, I prostate myself to you all...
Oh, I kill me.
... with this.
Next, boils and pus.
-----
Biden.
People are polarized about his being chosen. I'm not impressed.
Here's an article on his past exploits that amount to "Ummm... there was no one better?"
Someone, somewhere, had mentioned that Biden was the appeasement choice for the Clinton's, due to his age. Meaning, that he would be too old in 2012 or 2016 to run against Hillary. Sigh.
The mediocre of politics. Not eve the 'joke' of politics, which could have been a funny little whatever.
-----
Here's a fun article on Senator David Vitter from Louisiana who was caught in the DC Madam scandal.
The man who committed a "very serious sin."
Is this any way to talk about having sex? While you're married? Using tax payers money?
Now he wants to use campaign funds to offset the cost of his legal fees, and 3 of his compatriots in Louisiana don't have a problem with that. And one of them is a woman.
Unreal.
Here's the About Dave page on his government web site. I guess if Hillary could get over a blowjob, Dave's wife Wendy, who he's had four kids with and lectures at St. Francis Xavier Church with, could get over him fucking hookers.
I suppose God will see them through this.
-----
Here's a video mishmash from Olbermann on... well, a few things.
------
And, finally, I prostate myself to you all...
Oh, I kill me.
... with this.
Next, boils and pus.
Friday, August 22, 2008
articles #3
More stuff for you kiddies, to see how our politicians, reporters and the general public are either making asses of themselves, using the veneer to hide their true selves, or being just a plain nuisance.
First up, we have in our comical section, an op-ed piece by Maureen Dowd that is pretty much an insult to everyone who reads it.
So, read it here!
Sigh. People give this woman too much credit, too much money, and too much space in a paper that used to stand for something.
--------
Here's something. While corporate America deals with budding technology, firewalls, anti-spam stuff, and more things that I really don't care about... blech... The White House, with all of the resources of the free world at their disposal, has seemingly lost 225 days of email.
It's frightening how convenient this is, and how Americans are probably like "Well, Jebus, that's the kind of thing that happens to me on AOL."
Sorry. No. You don't lose email on AOL.
I have my own server, and I have never once lost an email. And I am not the US Government.
So, fuck them. This bullshit Administration has got to end.
--------
Here's an...
Wait, wait. Ok. The next few articles are going to be on the stupidity of McCain. I seriously can't help it. There is way too much material out there against the guy, to ignore.
Article 1 on how McCain wanted to go to war before Bush did.
Article 2 deals with McCain pissing off the entire state of Colorado. Well done.
Here's a phenomenal video of McCain agreeing that if we don't re-enact the draft, we'll never catch Osama Bin Laden.
And finally, Article 3, that gives details on torture during the Vietnam war that do not match the Bush Administrations definitions of torture during the Iraq War.
Fun stuff.
--------
Finally, two things on Obama.
First, here's a page where he called his 2,000,000 donor. Pretty neat.
Second, an early video of Obama, worth watching.
Anyone have any factual anti-Obama stuff out there? It's not for lack of trying, but I'm not going to post Coulter and Limbaugh crap every time they say something anti-Democrat. It's just recycled bullshit.
J
First up, we have in our comical section, an op-ed piece by Maureen Dowd that is pretty much an insult to everyone who reads it.
So, read it here!
Sigh. People give this woman too much credit, too much money, and too much space in a paper that used to stand for something.
--------
Here's something. While corporate America deals with budding technology, firewalls, anti-spam stuff, and more things that I really don't care about... blech... The White House, with all of the resources of the free world at their disposal, has seemingly lost 225 days of email.
It's frightening how convenient this is, and how Americans are probably like "Well, Jebus, that's the kind of thing that happens to me on AOL."
Sorry. No. You don't lose email on AOL.
I have my own server, and I have never once lost an email. And I am not the US Government.
So, fuck them. This bullshit Administration has got to end.
--------
Here's an...
Wait, wait. Ok. The next few articles are going to be on the stupidity of McCain. I seriously can't help it. There is way too much material out there against the guy, to ignore.
Article 1 on how McCain wanted to go to war before Bush did.
Article 2 deals with McCain pissing off the entire state of Colorado. Well done.
Here's a phenomenal video of McCain agreeing that if we don't re-enact the draft, we'll never catch Osama Bin Laden.
And finally, Article 3, that gives details on torture during the Vietnam war that do not match the Bush Administrations definitions of torture during the Iraq War.
Fun stuff.
--------
Finally, two things on Obama.
First, here's a page where he called his 2,000,000 donor. Pretty neat.
Second, an early video of Obama, worth watching.
Anyone have any factual anti-Obama stuff out there? It's not for lack of trying, but I'm not going to post Coulter and Limbaugh crap every time they say something anti-Democrat. It's just recycled bullshit.
J
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
articles #3
Moving, have all these windows open on articles, so I'll do this quick.
First is Ann Coulter sticking her foot in her mouth, chewing off her foot, spitting the toes on the floor, looking at them, shrugging, then eating them cause she's got nothing better to do than attack... Canada?
And then this...
She's fucking stupid. It's amazing though. We live in this free country where people who say the most outlandishing things, where a handful (only a handful) of people agree with her, and she gets notoriety.
Nancy Allen. Is she just the dumbest thing on television, or what? I have to post this because just the look on Amy Smart's face says it all.
Here's an article from the Phoenix New Times on McCain. A very interesting read.
And if you haven't been living under a rock, there is news that a top CIA official has confessed that there is a forged letter connecting Iraq to 9/11, so the Bush Administration could make their friends money and kill American soldiers and Iraqi and American civilians.
When I say 'living under a rock', this is assuming you get your news from online, and not the mainstream media, who not only didn't report on this, but also did not report on the 100,000 signatures that Congressman Kucinich gave to Pelosi.
Three more things.
One. David Duke, ex-Louisiana House of Representatives member and former leader of the KKK, believes that if Obama is elected, there will be a surge of membership for white supremacist groups.
This opinion is quite shocking, really*.
Two. Ohio is suing Diebold for losing votes in 11 of the 44 counties.
And finally, author Orson Scott Card, who wrote, most notably Ender's Game, has stated that equality for gays is the end of democracy in America.
See you in a few days!
*This opinion is not shocking. It was pretty predictable, actually.
First is Ann Coulter sticking her foot in her mouth, chewing off her foot, spitting the toes on the floor, looking at them, shrugging, then eating them cause she's got nothing better to do than attack... Canada?
And then this...
She's fucking stupid. It's amazing though. We live in this free country where people who say the most outlandishing things, where a handful (only a handful) of people agree with her, and she gets notoriety.
Nancy Allen. Is she just the dumbest thing on television, or what? I have to post this because just the look on Amy Smart's face says it all.
Here's an article from the Phoenix New Times on McCain. A very interesting read.
And if you haven't been living under a rock, there is news that a top CIA official has confessed that there is a forged letter connecting Iraq to 9/11, so the Bush Administration could make their friends money and kill American soldiers and Iraqi and American civilians.
When I say 'living under a rock', this is assuming you get your news from online, and not the mainstream media, who not only didn't report on this, but also did not report on the 100,000 signatures that Congressman Kucinich gave to Pelosi.
Three more things.
One. David Duke, ex-Louisiana House of Representatives member and former leader of the KKK, believes that if Obama is elected, there will be a surge of membership for white supremacist groups.
This opinion is quite shocking, really*.
Two. Ohio is suing Diebold for losing votes in 11 of the 44 counties.
And finally, author Orson Scott Card, who wrote, most notably Ender's Game, has stated that equality for gays is the end of democracy in America.
See you in a few days!
*This opinion is not shocking. It was pretty predictable, actually.
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