Today's edition included 8 pages dedicated to the celebration of both papers that made-up U-T over the years, journalism in general and the 1st Amendment's Freedom of the Press. The copy of the original front page has interesting content - more stories that news itself. There are journalism explained, constitutional references, and more than a dozen quotes on truth.
Here (http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/) is the link to the on-line version of this article. Since this is the front page story, I'm not sure how long this link would get you to today's content. So, I'm providing another link here (http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sd-our-journalism-explained-htmlstory.html) that will get you to some of the content tomorrow and beyond.
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Monday, August 20, 2018
FREE PRESS FIGHTS BACK - San Diego, CA
Publishers across the US - large & small, liberal & conservative - are banding together to push back against Trump's anti-media attacks.
Even though each of the articles will be unique, they'll all share a common message: "Journalists are NOT the enemy!" https://t.co/amSssnzKQI
More than 300 newspapers committed to publishing editorials Thursday (08/16/18) that lambaste President Trump's "war against the free press." https://t.co/7JCRHZ1JhF
Check you papers (online, cause I am so late getting this out)! The San Diego Union-Tribune had an editorial and 2 OpEds.
"The Holocaust was legal. Slavery was legal. Segregation was legal. The brave woman who cared for and hid my 6 year-old aunt in an attic in Budapest was a criminal. She broke the law by sheltering Juden. LEGALITY IS NOT A GUIDE FOR MORALITY." @misterbumface on Twitter
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Even though each of the articles will be unique, they'll all share a common message: "Journalists are NOT the enemy!" https://t.co/amSssnzKQI
More than 300 newspapers committed to publishing editorials Thursday (08/16/18) that lambaste President Trump's "war against the free press." https://t.co/7JCRHZ1JhF
Check you papers (online, cause I am so late getting this out)! The San Diego Union-Tribune had an editorial and 2 OpEds.
"The Holocaust was legal. Slavery was legal. Segregation was legal. The brave woman who cared for and hid my 6 year-old aunt in an attic in Budapest was a criminal. She broke the law by sheltering Juden. LEGALITY IS NOT A GUIDE FOR MORALITY." @misterbumface on Twitter
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Home Sweet Home - San Diego, CA
Well, our traveling days (via RV anyway) are over and we are settled here in San Diego. We closed on our house at the first of the year and got everything (such as it is) moved in by the end of January. After 10 years with moves at least every 6 months (in the last few years), it was a little strange to not be making plans for our departure at the end of April. There was a ritual of sorts for the moves leaving a place and then entering a new place.
LEAVING: The stocking of foods/liquids/propane/air (tires), emptying/disconnecting various items (TV, water, gas, electricity, sewer), planning the camp ground exit and travel, mapping of the trip to the next stop. Note: reservations were always made much in advance even 12 months in some cases.
ARRIVING: Moving things back into place, reconnecting TV, hoses, leveling, etc etc etc
But now we have replaced those activities with miscellaneous repairs, new flooring, interior painting, getting estimates/scheduling skirting replacement and deck surface/railings, exterior painting and finally attacking weeds & ugly overgrown vegetation left by the previous owners. So, still lots to do either way (RVing or settled) but maybe there will be an end or slow down as a home owner. LMAO!!!!
We brought our bed (Sleep Number) from the RV and they left us 2 living room chairs (very ugly but functional) and 2 stools (ditto) for furniture. So, we can make the interior improvements slowly. Kitchen and bathrooms will need to wait but are definitely on the list for major improvements/replacements.
We are in the process of getting our new driver's licenses. And, if you haven't had to experience DMV in a while; it was/is as much fun here in California as it was in Illinois, New Jersey, and Alaska. Not sure about other states but Alaska did not have the option of setting up appointments like California does. That helped considerably. Another helpful factor was the online manual and various phone apps with practice tests. We both passed on our first try. I'm trying to get other endorsements (motorcycle, 5th wheel, and trailer licenses) but haven't passed all of the hoops for those.
Unlike Alaska, my mono-vision contacts (right does distance and left does near vision) didn't get pass the agent. So, I needed to go to my ophthalmologist for sign-off. In Alaska, the agent understood the concept and passed me on both eyes seeing 20/40. My doc said that if I had said I only had 1 eye I would have passed without a problem. So, now we just need to return all the paper work and get our licenses in hand.
Our health insurance with Medicare has been adjusted and we are registered to vote in next Tuesday's primary. With the option to vote via mail (great improvement IMHO), we have already researched all the candidates/issues and submitted our ballots. Now, we just need to await the results.
Here are some pictures of the "old" . . .
Later when we have made progress on our improvements we'll post "new" photos.
LEAVING: The stocking of foods/liquids/propane/air (tires), emptying/disconnecting various items (TV, water, gas, electricity, sewer), planning the camp ground exit and travel, mapping of the trip to the next stop. Note: reservations were always made much in advance even 12 months in some cases.
ARRIVING: Moving things back into place, reconnecting TV, hoses, leveling, etc etc etc
But now we have replaced those activities with miscellaneous repairs, new flooring, interior painting, getting estimates/scheduling skirting replacement and deck surface/railings, exterior painting and finally attacking weeds & ugly overgrown vegetation left by the previous owners. So, still lots to do either way (RVing or settled) but maybe there will be an end or slow down as a home owner. LMAO!!!!
We brought our bed (Sleep Number) from the RV and they left us 2 living room chairs (very ugly but functional) and 2 stools (ditto) for furniture. So, we can make the interior improvements slowly. Kitchen and bathrooms will need to wait but are definitely on the list for major improvements/replacements.
We are in the process of getting our new driver's licenses. And, if you haven't had to experience DMV in a while; it was/is as much fun here in California as it was in Illinois, New Jersey, and Alaska. Not sure about other states but Alaska did not have the option of setting up appointments like California does. That helped considerably. Another helpful factor was the online manual and various phone apps with practice tests. We both passed on our first try. I'm trying to get other endorsements (motorcycle, 5th wheel, and trailer licenses) but haven't passed all of the hoops for those.
Unlike Alaska, my mono-vision contacts (right does distance and left does near vision) didn't get pass the agent. So, I needed to go to my ophthalmologist for sign-off. In Alaska, the agent understood the concept and passed me on both eyes seeing 20/40. My doc said that if I had said I only had 1 eye I would have passed without a problem. So, now we just need to return all the paper work and get our licenses in hand.
Our health insurance with Medicare has been adjusted and we are registered to vote in next Tuesday's primary. With the option to vote via mail (great improvement IMHO), we have already researched all the candidates/issues and submitted our ballots. Now, we just need to await the results.
Here are some pictures of the "old" . . .
Later when we have made progress on our improvements we'll post "new" photos.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Karma & the Subaru - San Diego, CA
We really like the car. Well, us humans do. Karma on the other hand is having a problem learning how to get into the back seat to be harnessed for travel. Commands and treats are not working out. We have discovered that she is more likely to get into the car while it’s in the carport, from the passenger’s side than the driver’s. Sometimes we have to pull the car out of the carport totally to get her in.
Ten years ago, when we first got the truck it took a couple of week-ends with continual practice getting in and out of the truck before Karma was comfortable. We are thinking that at 12 years old, maybe Karma’s eyesight is such that the darkness on 1 side of the carport makes it more difficult for her to see where she needs to jump to get into the back seat.
Finally we have reached the perfect combination of commands, practice, and treats (bacon bits) to get Karma into the car’s back seat each and every time! We really think the addition of the special treats (bacon bits) was the turning point for Karma. She has always been food focused – she’s half lab, so it’s understandable. Now, going anywhere has become less of a battle!
Ten years ago, when we first got the truck it took a couple of week-ends with continual practice getting in and out of the truck before Karma was comfortable. We are thinking that at 12 years old, maybe Karma’s eyesight is such that the darkness on 1 side of the carport makes it more difficult for her to see where she needs to jump to get into the back seat.
Finally we have reached the perfect combination of commands, practice, and treats (bacon bits) to get Karma into the car’s back seat each and every time! We really think the addition of the special treats (bacon bits) was the turning point for Karma. She has always been food focused – she’s half lab, so it’s understandable. Now, going anywhere has become less of a battle!
Friday, March 9, 2018
La Quinta - Irvine, CA
We went up to Orange County to see our daughter, Susan. We stayed at this very unique hotel in Irvine. The Old Town Historic La Quinta Inn & Suites Irvine Spectrum is in a league of its own. This four-story hotel is listed in the National Registry of Historical Sites.
In 1986, La Quinta Motor Inns converted the grain silos of Irvine's former bean and grain warehouse into an inn; making it the most creative re-adaptive use of a building in the historic district. The concrete structure was made to hold 16,000,000 lbs. of beans and barley in each of the 32 hexagonal silos. They were capable of loading a railroad car in ten minutes!
La Quinta Inns decided to keep the industrial look of the granary to preserve it as a historical landmark. They have accomplished this by keeping the original tin roof and leaving the cement walls unpainted in accordance with the standards set by the Irvine Historical Society.
In the silo lobby, there are picture displays, as well as the original main lift. It is really an interesting hotel.
In 1986, La Quinta Motor Inns converted the grain silos of Irvine's former bean and grain warehouse into an inn; making it the most creative re-adaptive use of a building in the historic district. The concrete structure was made to hold 16,000,000 lbs. of beans and barley in each of the 32 hexagonal silos. They were capable of loading a railroad car in ten minutes!
La Quinta Inns decided to keep the industrial look of the granary to preserve it as a historical landmark. They have accomplished this by keeping the original tin roof and leaving the cement walls unpainted in accordance with the standards set by the Irvine Historical Society.
In the silo lobby, there are picture displays, as well as the original main lift. It is really an interesting hotel.
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Our New Car - National City
After selling the RV, we took steps to sell the truck (2008 Ford F350 Crew Cab Long Bed). We had it washed and detailed before taking it to Car Max for an independent appraisal. They offered $14,000 cash.
Next we went to the dealers for our top 2 choices in the replacement vehicle – Honda CRV or Subaru Forester. The local Honda dealer is also the Ford dealer so we thought we might get a better trade value than Car Max’s offer or even Subaru’s. Since we had each had Subaru Loyales for almost 20 years prior to our RV adventure, were leaning that way. So began the difficult decision process – Honda CRV or Subaru Forester???? Test driving wasn’t really very helpful, as they were pretty comparable. Nor, was the comparison of amenities/options. Finally, it came down to the trade-in value offered by the dealers. AND, they both agreed that $16,000 was a value they could do! The process was not working out in favor of 1 or the other, damn!
Finally, we went with our history of Subaru and got a red ’18 Forester! The car is smaller than the truck both inside and outside. From the INSIDE perspective, we are learning what we really need to keep inside and where to put it all. Since the car is not like our truck was a home away from home, there are a number of things we don’t need – like a full 1st aid kit, Karma’s dog park paraphernalia bag, emergency items (no longer travelling in/on unimproved roadways), etc. etc. etc.
With respect to the OUTSIDE perspective, the biggest advantage is that we can now park the vehicle in any standard space in any standard parking area. With the truck it was always a challenge to 1) find a parking area we could navigate and then 2) find a parking space wide and long enough to safely leave the truck without obstructing others or worse yet being hit by another.
Next we went to the dealers for our top 2 choices in the replacement vehicle – Honda CRV or Subaru Forester. The local Honda dealer is also the Ford dealer so we thought we might get a better trade value than Car Max’s offer or even Subaru’s. Since we had each had Subaru Loyales for almost 20 years prior to our RV adventure, were leaning that way. So began the difficult decision process – Honda CRV or Subaru Forester???? Test driving wasn’t really very helpful, as they were pretty comparable. Nor, was the comparison of amenities/options. Finally, it came down to the trade-in value offered by the dealers. AND, they both agreed that $16,000 was a value they could do! The process was not working out in favor of 1 or the other, damn!
Finally, we went with our history of Subaru and got a red ’18 Forester! The car is smaller than the truck both inside and outside. From the INSIDE perspective, we are learning what we really need to keep inside and where to put it all. Since the car is not like our truck was a home away from home, there are a number of things we don’t need – like a full 1st aid kit, Karma’s dog park paraphernalia bag, emergency items (no longer travelling in/on unimproved roadways), etc. etc. etc.
With respect to the OUTSIDE perspective, the biggest advantage is that we can now park the vehicle in any standard space in any standard parking area. With the truck it was always a challenge to 1) find a parking area we could navigate and then 2) find a parking space wide and long enough to safely leave the truck without obstructing others or worse yet being hit by another.
Saturday, February 10, 2018
RV For Sale - San Diego
After emptying and extensive cleaning, we moved our Alpenlite 5th wheel out of the Santee Lakes RV Park about 10 miles into a storage area. For the month of January we had had 1 call on the Craigslist ad (bullet points of functions included/improved by us). That individual was looking for a week-ender with room to sleep a few adults and many kids. That isn't what this particular RV was built for or remodeled for by us. So, we were not hopeful of a quick sale.
We re-posted the Craigslist ad with some wording changes and new pictures of an empty RV ready for new owners to make it theirs. We explained how this was a full-time unit and built for multiple open/closing of cabinets, storage space that would allow for full-time living, etc. etc. etc. And, then we waited.
On Tuesday afternoon (02-06), Jeremy called and wanted to be able to see the RV. Since he worked full-time, we agreed that he would call on Friday night and we'd set a time for Saturday. A side note, the RV is stored about 30 miles northeast of our new home. So we want to be sure that someone is truly interested before we set an appointment to drive up there and show it.
On Wednesday morning (02-07), Tara called and was excited about seeing the RV. I told her she was second in line but that we weren't showing it until Saturday but I would be ok with setting a time for her after I heard back from #1 (Jeremy). She agreed to await my call back on Friday. I was looking at her number and the notes I had for Jeremy and noticed that they had the same area code (San Diego's 619 or 858) and the same 3 number exchange. So, I asked her if she knew a Jeremy Beck. AND, they are married!!! She agreed to talk with her husband and we'd 3 arrange a time to see the RV.
Later that same day (Wednesday), Tara called back. She and her father were out looking at another RV. Due to an error in the entry of the address they were looking for; they ended up at the RV storage area where we have the rig. Since there was a posted sign on the front, they could see the phone number from the road. Thinking that I lived in the mobile home park that manages the storage area, they called hoping I could show it right then. Tara and I agreed that her finding the RV because of an error entering another address was serendipity. This RV was meant for them. We arranged to meet the following day for them to really check out the RV.
She and her father arrived on time and repeated that they were very interested in this particular RV. After about an hour of inspecting all the nooks and crannies of the RV (her father even crawled under the rig), they made an offer with a caveat. So much cash right now and the rest in 24 hours - if they could take the rig home for extensive examinations of all functions and mechanical items. We felt pretty sure that the rig would pass the inspection as we had been very diligent in annual inspections/fixes and made improvement over the 10 years we were on the road.
We believe in the innate honesty of the people we have encountered over our lives. Have we been suckered or scammed over the years? Yes, but have we lost our belief in people? No, never! So, we agreed, hooked up the RV to our truck and let her father drive our truck while Ruthi followed in his car. Tara and Jeremy live another 20 miles NE of the storage (a grand total of 50 miles from us in the SW corner of San Diego county).
They live on a ranch on the outskirts of Ramona. There is an RV pad with utilities built between the main house and the apartment where Tara and Jeremy currently live. Her dad backed the RV into position (in seconds – never works that well for us) and began connecting everything. Ruthi helped and answered any remaining questions before driving back home to await their decision.
The next day (Friday), Tara called and said they were very pleased with the RV and would like to close the deal as soon as possible. We agreed to meet Saturday morning halfway between us and them at a branch of their bank to complete the transaction. YEAH!!!!! We were so happy, we even gave them the Reese Hitch from the back of the truck – if Jeremy could get it disconnected and out of our truck. Ruthi was able to separate the components for ease of removal but there were tracks bolted to the bed of the truck that she couldn’t reach nor had the strength to unscrew.
This morning, we met as planned and traded money for the title and registration. Ruthi removed the Craigslist ads as soon as we got back home. Now on to selling the truck and buying a smaller vehicle!!!
We re-posted the Craigslist ad with some wording changes and new pictures of an empty RV ready for new owners to make it theirs. We explained how this was a full-time unit and built for multiple open/closing of cabinets, storage space that would allow for full-time living, etc. etc. etc. And, then we waited.
On Tuesday afternoon (02-06), Jeremy called and wanted to be able to see the RV. Since he worked full-time, we agreed that he would call on Friday night and we'd set a time for Saturday. A side note, the RV is stored about 30 miles northeast of our new home. So we want to be sure that someone is truly interested before we set an appointment to drive up there and show it.
On Wednesday morning (02-07), Tara called and was excited about seeing the RV. I told her she was second in line but that we weren't showing it until Saturday but I would be ok with setting a time for her after I heard back from #1 (Jeremy). She agreed to await my call back on Friday. I was looking at her number and the notes I had for Jeremy and noticed that they had the same area code (San Diego's 619 or 858) and the same 3 number exchange. So, I asked her if she knew a Jeremy Beck. AND, they are married!!! She agreed to talk with her husband and we'd 3 arrange a time to see the RV.
Later that same day (Wednesday), Tara called back. She and her father were out looking at another RV. Due to an error in the entry of the address they were looking for; they ended up at the RV storage area where we have the rig. Since there was a posted sign on the front, they could see the phone number from the road. Thinking that I lived in the mobile home park that manages the storage area, they called hoping I could show it right then. Tara and I agreed that her finding the RV because of an error entering another address was serendipity. This RV was meant for them. We arranged to meet the following day for them to really check out the RV.
She and her father arrived on time and repeated that they were very interested in this particular RV. After about an hour of inspecting all the nooks and crannies of the RV (her father even crawled under the rig), they made an offer with a caveat. So much cash right now and the rest in 24 hours - if they could take the rig home for extensive examinations of all functions and mechanical items. We felt pretty sure that the rig would pass the inspection as we had been very diligent in annual inspections/fixes and made improvement over the 10 years we were on the road.
We believe in the innate honesty of the people we have encountered over our lives. Have we been suckered or scammed over the years? Yes, but have we lost our belief in people? No, never! So, we agreed, hooked up the RV to our truck and let her father drive our truck while Ruthi followed in his car. Tara and Jeremy live another 20 miles NE of the storage (a grand total of 50 miles from us in the SW corner of San Diego county).
They live on a ranch on the outskirts of Ramona. There is an RV pad with utilities built between the main house and the apartment where Tara and Jeremy currently live. Her dad backed the RV into position (in seconds – never works that well for us) and began connecting everything. Ruthi helped and answered any remaining questions before driving back home to await their decision.
The next day (Friday), Tara called and said they were very pleased with the RV and would like to close the deal as soon as possible. We agreed to meet Saturday morning halfway between us and them at a branch of their bank to complete the transaction. YEAH!!!!! We were so happy, we even gave them the Reese Hitch from the back of the truck – if Jeremy could get it disconnected and out of our truck. Ruthi was able to separate the components for ease of removal but there were tracks bolted to the bed of the truck that she couldn’t reach nor had the strength to unscrew.
This morning, we met as planned and traded money for the title and registration. Ruthi removed the Craigslist ads as soon as we got back home. Now on to selling the truck and buying a smaller vehicle!!!
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
The Federal Reserve - Video
While not focused on the 1st Amendment, I found this explanation of The Federal Reserve very good. You might want to check this out. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe0fGXzKb1o&sns=em) The video is a bit outdated (2010) as to numbers but the concepts seem accurate!
“America was never white, & never will be. There's only one race: the human race.” Dr Willie Parker
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
“America was never white, & never will be. There's only one race: the human race.” Dr Willie Parker
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
More - Tax Reform
FYI – More Trump Tax Bill Facts –
Small business owners, did you know that under the #TrumpTaxScam you will NOT be able to DEDUCT business expenses?
You might want to check this out.
“America was never white, & never will be. There's only one race: the human race.” Dr Willie Parker
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Small business owners, did you know that under the #TrumpTaxScam you will NOT be able to DEDUCT business expenses?
You might want to check this out.
“America was never white, & never will be. There's only one race: the human race.” Dr Willie Parker
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Friday, November 24, 2017
Tax Reform
FYI – I sent the message below to my Congressional Delegation (Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan and Representative Young). I am copying you that you might use this for your communication with your Senators/Representative. Remember you can contact all of YOUR Members of Congress. Call 202-224-3121, enter your Zip Code and you will be directed to the right office. You can leave messages.
I believe the House version of Tax Reform is disappointing! I want my opinion to be heard across Congress in the hopes that the tax changes really do help the 99% and not the 1%!
The Trump Tax Reform bill has a few terrible ideas:
1) guts Medicare to the tune of $23 billion-as a 71yo retiree this directly impacts my healthcare options; while I have excellent health, I love the Medicare benefits that allow me to continue a healthy life
2) eliminates the Affordable Care Act Mandate, which in essence destroys health care for millions of Alaskans/Americans-this impacts my family but not me personally
3) attacks a woman’s right to determine her own reproductive health issues-again this impacts my family but not me personally
4) removes deductions for:
a) mortgage interest-will have an adverse impact on the housing industry and discourage home purchases/sales (depending on which side of the deal you are on)
b) charitable contributions-can have a devastating impact on organizations that are picking up the slack as a result of defunding form the Trump administration
c) state taxes (income and sales)-Alaskans currently do not have state-wide sales tax nor an income tax but the state legislature has been toying with income tax in recent sessions. So, the elimination of that deduction could impact Alaskans in the future.
None of these directly address the fact that the bill is designed for the 1% not the 99%. You might be in an upper income bracket and personally benefit from these “reforms.” But 99% of Alaskans/Americans will not benefit.
Please do not vote for any tax reforms that include the items above! Please protect us, your constituents, from a greater tax burden under the fake heading of “tax reform.”
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
I believe the House version of Tax Reform is disappointing! I want my opinion to be heard across Congress in the hopes that the tax changes really do help the 99% and not the 1%!
The Trump Tax Reform bill has a few terrible ideas:
1) guts Medicare to the tune of $23 billion-as a 71yo retiree this directly impacts my healthcare options; while I have excellent health, I love the Medicare benefits that allow me to continue a healthy life
2) eliminates the Affordable Care Act Mandate, which in essence destroys health care for millions of Alaskans/Americans-this impacts my family but not me personally
3) attacks a woman’s right to determine her own reproductive health issues-again this impacts my family but not me personally
4) removes deductions for:
a) mortgage interest-will have an adverse impact on the housing industry and discourage home purchases/sales (depending on which side of the deal you are on)
b) charitable contributions-can have a devastating impact on organizations that are picking up the slack as a result of defunding form the Trump administration
c) state taxes (income and sales)-Alaskans currently do not have state-wide sales tax nor an income tax but the state legislature has been toying with income tax in recent sessions. So, the elimination of that deduction could impact Alaskans in the future.
None of these directly address the fact that the bill is designed for the 1% not the 99%. You might be in an upper income bracket and personally benefit from these “reforms.” But 99% of Alaskans/Americans will not benefit.
Please do not vote for any tax reforms that include the items above! Please protect us, your constituents, from a greater tax burden under the fake heading of “tax reform.”
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
What Are You Thankful For?
In keeping with my year long emails. . . This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the fact that I live in a country where I can:
1) send these emails out to each of you,
2) call my Congressional Delegation (on almost a daily basis),
3) march for changes that I believe will truly make us a better people,
4) petition the government for actions/changes without threat or danger exactly because of the 1st Amendment to the US Constitution!
I’m thankful that I can support Net Neutrality. Here are some twitter entries that helped me (a techie) to understand what Net Neutrality really means for each of us.
“Without #NetNeutrality your ISP can:
1. Charge you extra to reach certain websites.
2. Slow down streaming services like Netflix that compete with their streaming services.
3. Block some websites altogether.
This is the end of the free and open Internet.
(https://twitter.com/billprady/status/933023707135582208?s=03)”
“Let me explain net neutrality in the most horrific way:
if FCC dismantles it, and you get internet from Verizon, they may force you to use YAHOO as your search engine (because they own it), but PAY to use GOOGLE. Would you like that? If not, you SUPPORT #NetNeutrality.
(https://twitter.com/Tom_Nikl/status/933080543352070144?s=03)”
Net Neutrality protects our 1st Amendment rights to freedom of speech. Think about it! If you feel the same way, you can contact all of YOUR Members of Congress. Call 202-224-3121, enter your Zip Code and you will be directed to the right office. You can leave messages.
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
1) send these emails out to each of you,
2) call my Congressional Delegation (on almost a daily basis),
3) march for changes that I believe will truly make us a better people,
4) petition the government for actions/changes without threat or danger exactly because of the 1st Amendment to the US Constitution!
I’m thankful that I can support Net Neutrality. Here are some twitter entries that helped me (a techie) to understand what Net Neutrality really means for each of us.
“Without #NetNeutrality your ISP can:
1. Charge you extra to reach certain websites.
2. Slow down streaming services like Netflix that compete with their streaming services.
3. Block some websites altogether.
This is the end of the free and open Internet.
(https://twitter.com/billprady/status/933023707135582208?s=03)”
“Let me explain net neutrality in the most horrific way:
if FCC dismantles it, and you get internet from Verizon, they may force you to use YAHOO as your search engine (because they own it), but PAY to use GOOGLE. Would you like that? If not, you SUPPORT #NetNeutrality.
(https://twitter.com/Tom_Nikl/status/933080543352070144?s=03)”
Net Neutrality protects our 1st Amendment rights to freedom of speech. Think about it! If you feel the same way, you can contact all of YOUR Members of Congress. Call 202-224-3121, enter your Zip Code and you will be directed to the right office. You can leave messages.
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Journalist Last Column
One of my college jobs was as a “gofer” for my hometown printing company. The owner/boss was Fred Dickey. I had various tasks that I was assigned. On Wednesdays, I would drive to a larger printing office in Princeton with the newly engraved plates for the weekly edition of the newspaper, wait for the run to be completed and then return to distribute the papers. I also babysat Fred’s children on week-end nights. Fred sold me my first car – Dodge with push button transmission (does anyone remember those cars?). There were enough redeemable bottles in the trunk to pay for the car (purchase price $20).
Fast forward to Anchorage – After teaching for 10 years, I went back to school and got a degree in Computer Science. Then I got my first job with a local company, Computer Consultants of Alaska (CCA). The company put a “new hire” announcement in one of the local papers. A few days later, I got a congratulatory call from Fred Dickey. He was now Managing Editor of the Anchorage Times.
Fast forward again to San Diego – We have been staying here on and off annually since we first discovered this park (Santee Lakes Regional Park) in 2008. The local paper is the Union-Tribune. Lo and behold, Fred Dickey had a weekly column about people around the San Diego area. I always meant to get in touch with him and reminisce about our history. When we got back here at the end of October, I noticed that his Monday column was missing. I soon discovered this, his last column. Since its focus is on the 1st Amendment, I wanted to share it and validate the author’s credibility! (http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sd-me-fred-dickey-20170920-story.html)
So, it really is “a small world after all”, just like the song says!
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Fast forward to Anchorage – After teaching for 10 years, I went back to school and got a degree in Computer Science. Then I got my first job with a local company, Computer Consultants of Alaska (CCA). The company put a “new hire” announcement in one of the local papers. A few days later, I got a congratulatory call from Fred Dickey. He was now Managing Editor of the Anchorage Times.
Fast forward again to San Diego – We have been staying here on and off annually since we first discovered this park (Santee Lakes Regional Park) in 2008. The local paper is the Union-Tribune. Lo and behold, Fred Dickey had a weekly column about people around the San Diego area. I always meant to get in touch with him and reminisce about our history. When we got back here at the end of October, I noticed that his Monday column was missing. I soon discovered this, his last column. Since its focus is on the 1st Amendment, I wanted to share it and validate the author’s credibility! (http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sd-me-fred-dickey-20170920-story.html)
So, it really is “a small world after all”, just like the song says!
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Skies Over - Santee, CA
After getting unhooked and settled in for the long winter's night, so to speak. Ruthi began to notice the various cloud formations against the blue sky. You know walking the dog can be pretty boring some days. Walk, smell a few blades of grass, walk a little farther, pee, repeat with an occasional poop.
Anyway, here are some of the shots she got with her phone!
Anyway, here are some of the shots she got with her phone!
Monday, November 6, 2017
Republican’s Congressional Tax Reform Effects:
The information below came from others review and interpretation of the current suggested income tax changes being considered. Interesting . . . some good but too much bad!
1) Yesterday, the House Ways and Means Committee released its initial tax plan which proposes several changes to current tax laws. We want to caution that this is an initial proposal and many changes may be made through negotiations in Congress. We would not suggest any action at this time due to uncertainty over what a final plan will look like, but wanted to pass along the initial details that are being proposed.
• Reduce tax brackets from seven to four. A summary of the now proposed brackets are below:
Income Tax Rate Income Levels
Current Tax Act Single Married-Joint
10 - 15% 12% $0-$44,999 $0-$89,999
25 - 28% 25% $45,000-$199,999 $90,000-$259,999
28 - 39.6% 35% $200,000-$499,999 $260,000-$999,999
39.60% 39.60% $500,000+ $1M+
• Eliminates itemized deductions except for charitable contributions, mortgage interest, property taxes, and retirement savings. Allows the mortgage deduction for new mortgages of $500,000 or less.
• Eliminates deduction for state and local taxes
• State property tax deduction limited to $10,000
• Doubles the standard deduction from $6,300 to $12,000
• Doubles the estate tax deduction from $5.49M to $11M, with the estate tax being phased out in six years
• Eliminates the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
• Increase child tax credit from $1,000 to $1,600
• Lowers corporate tax rates from 35% to 20%
Again, this is an initial proposal and details may change significantly. We will continue to monitor the situation and communicate updates as they are reported. If you have any questions, please let us know.
2) This list has some important differences from one I saw that was explained in detail yesterday. This one doesn’t show important deductions we now have that will be eliminated. As an example, it doesn’t show that we will no longer be allowed deductions for medical expenses, that those paying student loans will no longer be allowed deductions. For those of us living in states that have taxes on incomes, the Federal now allows us a deduction for that. That deduction will also be eliminated. Wish I could remember the other deductions being phased out......all of which would adversely affect lower and middle class folks.
However.............notice the Estate Tax being phased out, and from the way it was explained yesterday, this will benefit the very wealthy. Same with the corporate taxes being LOWERED.
The assessment is that the middle and lower class will be helping to pay for the high income bracket to get even more tax breaks.
Although the paragraph below talks about negotiations, it appears that this Republican congress is trying to rush the bill through, just as they did with the Health Care Bill.
There were no Democrats allowed to be part of the framing of this latest tax reform bill.
3) http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc-news/watch/gop-tax-reform-plan-breaking-down-its-biggest-goals-1056128067761
"You lose nothing when fighting for a cause. In my mind the losers are those who don't have a cause they care about." Muhammad Ali
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
1) Yesterday, the House Ways and Means Committee released its initial tax plan which proposes several changes to current tax laws. We want to caution that this is an initial proposal and many changes may be made through negotiations in Congress. We would not suggest any action at this time due to uncertainty over what a final plan will look like, but wanted to pass along the initial details that are being proposed.
• Reduce tax brackets from seven to four. A summary of the now proposed brackets are below:
Income Tax Rate Income Levels
Current Tax Act Single Married-Joint
10 - 15% 12% $0-$44,999 $0-$89,999
25 - 28% 25% $45,000-$199,999 $90,000-$259,999
28 - 39.6% 35% $200,000-$499,999 $260,000-$999,999
39.60% 39.60% $500,000+ $1M+
• Eliminates itemized deductions except for charitable contributions, mortgage interest, property taxes, and retirement savings. Allows the mortgage deduction for new mortgages of $500,000 or less.
• Eliminates deduction for state and local taxes
• State property tax deduction limited to $10,000
• Doubles the standard deduction from $6,300 to $12,000
• Doubles the estate tax deduction from $5.49M to $11M, with the estate tax being phased out in six years
• Eliminates the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
• Increase child tax credit from $1,000 to $1,600
• Lowers corporate tax rates from 35% to 20%
Again, this is an initial proposal and details may change significantly. We will continue to monitor the situation and communicate updates as they are reported. If you have any questions, please let us know.
2) This list has some important differences from one I saw that was explained in detail yesterday. This one doesn’t show important deductions we now have that will be eliminated. As an example, it doesn’t show that we will no longer be allowed deductions for medical expenses, that those paying student loans will no longer be allowed deductions. For those of us living in states that have taxes on incomes, the Federal now allows us a deduction for that. That deduction will also be eliminated. Wish I could remember the other deductions being phased out......all of which would adversely affect lower and middle class folks.
However.............notice the Estate Tax being phased out, and from the way it was explained yesterday, this will benefit the very wealthy. Same with the corporate taxes being LOWERED.
The assessment is that the middle and lower class will be helping to pay for the high income bracket to get even more tax breaks.
Although the paragraph below talks about negotiations, it appears that this Republican congress is trying to rush the bill through, just as they did with the Health Care Bill.
There were no Democrats allowed to be part of the framing of this latest tax reform bill.
3) http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc-news/watch/gop-tax-reform-plan-breaking-down-its-biggest-goals-1056128067761
"You lose nothing when fighting for a cause. In my mind the losers are those who don't have a cause they care about." Muhammad Ali
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Monday, October 30, 2017
Welcome to the New World - The New York Times
The true story of a Syrian family’s journey to America in a series of cartoons. It starts in January 2017; with the latest entry on September 29, 2017. Really good information for understanding their experiences. I found it heartwarming. (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/01/26/opinion/syrian-refugee-family.html?rref=collection%2Fseriescollection%2Fsyrian-refugee-family-welcome-america&action=click&contentCollection=opinion®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlace)
I often wonder what my Italian and German immigrant grandparents must have experienced when they arrived here in the early early 1900’s. How did they get here, how did they learn the language (or not, depending on their children to pick it up), how did they aclimate to such new and different country/climate/language/customs, etc etc etc.
“Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so that we may fear less.” – Marie Curie
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
I often wonder what my Italian and German immigrant grandparents must have experienced when they arrived here in the early early 1900’s. How did they get here, how did they learn the language (or not, depending on their children to pick it up), how did they aclimate to such new and different country/climate/language/customs, etc etc etc.
“Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so that we may fear less.” – Marie Curie
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
I Tried to Defend Colin Kaepernik and This is What I Learned
Another essay (https://m.dailykos.com/stories/2017/9/23/1513170/-I-Tried-to-Defend-Colin-Kaepernik-and-This-is-What-I-Learned?detail=emaildkbn) on elements of the 1st Amendment in the real world! If one of us is denied our 1st Amendment rights/obligations then we are all denied them! I didn’t watch any football games today ‘cause I’m really a Super Bowl Only fan but I have read a number of reports about how other players, coaching staff, owners, and fans are in support of Mr Kaepernik’s 1st Amendment right no matter what the president might say!
I am continually amazed that the president doesn’t understand/remember the oath of office that he took on January 20th, 2017 - "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
“Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.” John F. Kennedy
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
I am continually amazed that the president doesn’t understand/remember the oath of office that he took on January 20th, 2017 - "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
“Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.” John F. Kennedy
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Sunday, September 10, 2017
FYI - DACA: Dream Act Details
The Dream Act of 2017 is bipartisan legislation that would allow around 1.5 million U.S.-raised immigrant youth to earn lawful permanent residence and American citizenship if they:
• Are longtime residents who came to the U.S. as children;
• Graduate from high school or obtain a GED;
• Pursue higher education, work lawfully for at least three years, or serve in the military;
• Pass security and law enforcement background checks and pay a reasonable application fee;
• Demonstrate proficiency in the English language and a knowledge of United States history; and
• Have not committed a felony or other serious crimes and do not pose a threat to our country.
Versions of the Dream Act have been introduced at least ten times before, starting in 2001. They have passed either the House or Senate, but not both in the same Congressional session.
“Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or soften the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.”-Franklin Delano Roosevelt
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
• Are longtime residents who came to the U.S. as children;
• Graduate from high school or obtain a GED;
• Pursue higher education, work lawfully for at least three years, or serve in the military;
• Pass security and law enforcement background checks and pay a reasonable application fee;
• Demonstrate proficiency in the English language and a knowledge of United States history; and
• Have not committed a felony or other serious crimes and do not pose a threat to our country.
Versions of the Dream Act have been introduced at least ten times before, starting in 2001. They have passed either the House or Senate, but not both in the same Congressional session.
“Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or soften the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.”-Franklin Delano Roosevelt
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Saturday, September 9, 2017
Essay From Twitter
Below are @GothamGirlBlue ’s tweets, in order (edited for ease of reading, no content/meaning was changed). I felt that her essay came very close to how I have felt since November. With HRC’s book coming out these feelings have come up again!
Enjoy, I hope you appreciate it as much as I did!
“I've been seething all day about the response to Hillary's book, and I feel like I've finally channeled it into a coherent thread. Every last thing we're experiencing now was predicted by Hillary during the campaign. And like Cassandra, we refused to believe her. I shouldn't use the word "we" because I was a member of her coalition. I believed her and I believed in her. She represented her coalition ably, if not perfectly. She talked about issues that mattered to us. She made sure to express empathy.
For that, she was heckled, harassed, attacked, dismissed, ignored and mocked by the very people who were supposed to inform us. And every time someone wrote about how unlikeable she was, or how she didn't talk about what really mattered, or how it's her fault... They were really saying it about our coalition. *We* were unlikeable. *We* didn't really matter. It's *our* fault that Trump won.
This backlash is really about the idea that neither Hillary as a person nor the coalition she represented has any right to public life. She was supposed to stand for white supremacy and patriarchy. She was supposed to put the priorities of white rural voters above all. She was supposed to back down when shouted at. She was supposed to mold herself into something likeable.
It goes without saying that white men determine what is likeable. They say its voters, but they mean white male voters. And we are seeing the backlash of not placating those who want our silence, our submission, our obeisance in their presence. Y'all get distracted when a GOP presidential candidate retweets white supremacists, but you can find all the time to harass Hillary. Trump is out here weaponizing the ICE into the goddamn Gestapo, but you can find time to tell Hillary her voice isn't wanted.
You ignored Cassandra as she begged and pleaded with you to listen, but she carries all the blame for your closed hearts and minds. And us, those who shared in her warnings and now feel the brunt of the brutality, we're told that we had our shot and we wasted it. White men can make a president from a treasonous sexual predator who dreams of being a half-wit, and we ask what they want and need.
But POC, women, urban voters who are responsible for 2/3 of the American economy? We should shut up and go home. No one wants us here. It's very clear that the storytellers of this age are interested in protecting the narrative of white-dominated Americana. That it's a myth, a cruel one devised to obscure crimes of blood and death that cannot be absolved, is precisely why it's so beloved. And anything that would puncture that myth, or their gutless, cretinous protection of it, must be assaulted and destroyed.
Hillary is speaking about what it felt to be on the ramming end of that myth. She's speaking *our* truth, the one of her coalition. She's taking on the very narratives that people are using to shield themselves from their ignorance and poor judgment. And she's reminding us that likeability is a damn lie. You never would have liked her no matter what she did because she challenged you.
Just as we, the coalition, challenge what priorities should be at the forefront of politics and what America looks and sounds like. You want us to go away. You want us to internalize her loss as our inferiority. You want our silence, our return to the back. We will not return. Neither will she. We deserved to win that election; we deserve her Presidency; we deserve *your* silence. You, who downplayed white supremacists. You, who accepted Trump's lies and stupidity. You, who would accept our debasement.
It is your fault that she's got the time to write a book instead of leading our nation. You're going to listen to us now, damn it. And maybe, mercifully, there will be the self-awareness to accept your portion of culpability and double your portion of silence. /fin”
“Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or soften the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.”-Franklin Delano Roosevelt
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Enjoy, I hope you appreciate it as much as I did!
“I've been seething all day about the response to Hillary's book, and I feel like I've finally channeled it into a coherent thread. Every last thing we're experiencing now was predicted by Hillary during the campaign. And like Cassandra, we refused to believe her. I shouldn't use the word "we" because I was a member of her coalition. I believed her and I believed in her. She represented her coalition ably, if not perfectly. She talked about issues that mattered to us. She made sure to express empathy.
For that, she was heckled, harassed, attacked, dismissed, ignored and mocked by the very people who were supposed to inform us. And every time someone wrote about how unlikeable she was, or how she didn't talk about what really mattered, or how it's her fault... They were really saying it about our coalition. *We* were unlikeable. *We* didn't really matter. It's *our* fault that Trump won.
This backlash is really about the idea that neither Hillary as a person nor the coalition she represented has any right to public life. She was supposed to stand for white supremacy and patriarchy. She was supposed to put the priorities of white rural voters above all. She was supposed to back down when shouted at. She was supposed to mold herself into something likeable.
It goes without saying that white men determine what is likeable. They say its voters, but they mean white male voters. And we are seeing the backlash of not placating those who want our silence, our submission, our obeisance in their presence. Y'all get distracted when a GOP presidential candidate retweets white supremacists, but you can find all the time to harass Hillary. Trump is out here weaponizing the ICE into the goddamn Gestapo, but you can find time to tell Hillary her voice isn't wanted.
You ignored Cassandra as she begged and pleaded with you to listen, but she carries all the blame for your closed hearts and minds. And us, those who shared in her warnings and now feel the brunt of the brutality, we're told that we had our shot and we wasted it. White men can make a president from a treasonous sexual predator who dreams of being a half-wit, and we ask what they want and need.
But POC, women, urban voters who are responsible for 2/3 of the American economy? We should shut up and go home. No one wants us here. It's very clear that the storytellers of this age are interested in protecting the narrative of white-dominated Americana. That it's a myth, a cruel one devised to obscure crimes of blood and death that cannot be absolved, is precisely why it's so beloved. And anything that would puncture that myth, or their gutless, cretinous protection of it, must be assaulted and destroyed.
Hillary is speaking about what it felt to be on the ramming end of that myth. She's speaking *our* truth, the one of her coalition. She's taking on the very narratives that people are using to shield themselves from their ignorance and poor judgment. And she's reminding us that likeability is a damn lie. You never would have liked her no matter what she did because she challenged you.
Just as we, the coalition, challenge what priorities should be at the forefront of politics and what America looks and sounds like. You want us to go away. You want us to internalize her loss as our inferiority. You want our silence, our return to the back. We will not return. Neither will she. We deserved to win that election; we deserve her Presidency; we deserve *your* silence. You, who downplayed white supremacists. You, who accepted Trump's lies and stupidity. You, who would accept our debasement.
It is your fault that she's got the time to write a book instead of leading our nation. You're going to listen to us now, damn it. And maybe, mercifully, there will be the self-awareness to accept your portion of culpability and double your portion of silence. /fin”
“Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or soften the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.”-Franklin Delano Roosevelt
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Sunday, September 3, 2017
FACEBOOK Commentary
I don’t personally utilize Facebook for a number of personal reasons and concerns about privacy/security. That being said, I may be a bit more worried about this review than others. But, I thought any of you that are Facebook’ers might want to check this out! Note: it is not about “FAKE NEWS” on Facebook. (https://www.lrb.co.uk/v39/n16/john-lanchester/you-are-the-product)
You will have to enter your email address to read the complete book review. That means you will be getting some “junk mail” that you will need to unsubscribe to at a later point. I think it’s worth it but then I’m an anti-Facebook-er. (https://www.lrb.co.uk/v39/n16/john-lanchester/you-are-the-product)
Facebook (FB) is now acknowledging how much Russian advertising was placed on the site but not how many Americans (possibly as many as 23 million) might have seen/been influenced by these FAKE ads spreading false information, mostly on Hillary Rodham Clinton. (http://www.thedailybeast.com/russias-facebook-fake-news-could-have-reached-70-million-americans) Additional reporting external to FB provides more scary information/facts. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/07/us/politics/russia-facebook-twitter-election.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur)
“Either America will destroy ignorance or ignorance will destroy the United States." W.E.B. Du Bois
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
You will have to enter your email address to read the complete book review. That means you will be getting some “junk mail” that you will need to unsubscribe to at a later point. I think it’s worth it but then I’m an anti-Facebook-er. (https://www.lrb.co.uk/v39/n16/john-lanchester/you-are-the-product)
Facebook (FB) is now acknowledging how much Russian advertising was placed on the site but not how many Americans (possibly as many as 23 million) might have seen/been influenced by these FAKE ads spreading false information, mostly on Hillary Rodham Clinton. (http://www.thedailybeast.com/russias-facebook-fake-news-could-have-reached-70-million-americans) Additional reporting external to FB provides more scary information/facts. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/07/us/politics/russia-facebook-twitter-election.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur)
“Either America will destroy ignorance or ignorance will destroy the United States." W.E.B. Du Bois
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Declaration of PEACE
Declaration of Peace
Perception
We are concerned citizens
We are not expecting a monetary award
Exaltment
We will not engage in violence
We will not engage in destruction of property
Accord
We support the Republic before party
We support the factual truth, even if it hurts
Composure
We will not support acts of violence
We will not call for acts of violence
Expression
We will not don masks in public
We will not burn effigies
“I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” Helen Keller
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Perception
We are concerned citizens
We are not expecting a monetary award
Exaltment
We will not engage in violence
We will not engage in destruction of property
Accord
We support the Republic before party
We support the factual truth, even if it hurts
Composure
We will not support acts of violence
We will not call for acts of violence
Expression
We will not don masks in public
We will not burn effigies
“I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” Helen Keller
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
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