Sound Off!: May 2009

Friday, May 29, 2009

Man the Bullhorns!

Subject: What I Learned at Graduation: I Have No Rights

A few well-placed bullhorns at these graduation ceremonies would take care of the tyrannization of the PA system.

Scott H .
Michigan

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

A Woman's Courage

Subject: Aung San Suu Kyi: Courage in the Face of Tyranny

I just took time to review your website, and yes, I am impressed at your courageous contribution to the human race! I read your article about Suu Kyi—I confess I had never heard of her, but I am going to help spread your message! Based on my 13 years of original courage research, initially as a contemporary activist to awaken women to the feminine behaviors of courage and then courage leadership non gender, most people would not have the courage to sustain self-sacrifice much less self-discipline to change their lives or take a stand to be a voice above the crowd.... The journey to launch the value of personal and professional courage as not been easy—we want the damn courage pill!

Suu Kyi won a Nobel Peace Prize; yet, even with her current detention, her human spirit continues to step up and manifest a vision (“He/She who hesitates before each step spends his/her life on one leg.”—Chinese Proverb)

I loved reading this article! It always amazes me how men can write about courage—even a woman’s courage in the way I write about courage; yet, women do not perceive themselves as courageous! In my original research found in my first book, only 11% of women perceived themselves as courageous (which is why I struggle—men get it and women don’t!).

Courageously yours,
Sandra W.

Obama Needs to Wake Up

Subject: Obama and Transparency: Should He Release the Torture Photos?

Of course Obama should do as he said he would and release all the torture photos...and then he should direct the justice dep't to acquire all the evidence and try ALL the Gov't people involved in authorizing, carrying out and hiding the violations. This should not be an international matter but strictly inhouse. The criminal Bush and all officials involved including those, "in the know (i e Congress critters)" should be charged, tried and punished according to law. There should be no deals or pardons. Justice in our country is sorely lacking....there's what is called justice for the rich and connected and then there's justice for all the rest of us----and "there ain't no comparison"! The natives are getting mighty restless and this includes this one! Obama's acting as though he wants to become one of the protectors of the criminals. He needs to awaken! --Gary C.

Torture, Abuse of Authority, and Corruption Have Nothing to Do with Freedom and Democracy

Subject: Obama and Transparency: Should He Release the Torture Photos?

The first artcile I have EVER read by Mr. Whitehead that is disappointing. If he believes in what he writes, why not address the perception of America by the poor and dowtrodden in Middle East Muslim countries. They are our most formidable allies in any activty America's troops carry out have. The lack of transparency will do more damage than good. It is a golden opportunity for democratic efforts in the Middle East. What's more, a stance of non-toleration by the leaders of our country and its military says even more to those with an interest in operations there. The policy has been/is being amended; that COULD be the focus.You can't unring the bell; it just makes America look like the corruption they already have and revile in their own land. This is the time to align with the peoples, not alienate them. What's more, what's good for the goose is good for the gander. This actually encourages secrecy of improper actions/violations against American troops that are captured by foreign countries. I am terribly disappointed by your seemingly incomplete analysis on this issue and the further lack of concern for this type of thinking's application to our government's future actions with respect to its own citizenry. If this is a democratic country then the troops need sent home, because your position espouses the lack of importance for their endeavors to promote freedom and democracy to begin with. Essentially, what are they fighting and endangering their lives for to begin with? I would argue principles similar to those ombodied in our Constitution and laws. Torture, abuse of authority (executive or otherwise), and corruption have nothing to do with freedom and democracy. --PW

Thursday, May 14, 2009

The Internet is Our Last Holdout

Subject: Welcome to the New Total Security State

John says “And in the hands of government, technology is largely working against us now--except for the Internet, the freedom highway where democracy still lives. It remains, for now, our last holdout in this insidious slide towards totalitarianism.”

And that is exactly why the government must be jonesing to control the internet. Surely they understand the internet interferes with their utopia of government control. If they are not actively working to squash the internet, then they are fools. If we are not actively working to prevent it, then so are we. --Steve M.

Like Sheep to the Slaughter

Subject: Welcome to the New Total Security State

I just wanted to compliment you on the wonderful job you did regarding your article, "Welcome to the New Total Security State". We need more individuals such as yourself to make others aware of what is taking place at our doorstep. If others are not awakened as to their ignorance...then they like sheep and our country (and all others) will be slaughtered by the hands of the elite for the establishment of a NW0. May the Lord bless you and your work. I will remember to keep you in my prayers. -- Kevin N .

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Fix Our Own Problems First

Subject: Does the Afghanistan War Represent Graveyard Thinking?

Just read the article on the afghanstan war and the U. S. economics. I would like to add why are we giving money away to other countries when we are deeply in debt. We need to fix our financial problems here at home first before we help other countries.-- Joann

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Big Pharma

Subject: The Swine Flu or the FDA: Which Is More Dangerous to Your Health?

Its people like you that get the message out NOT to trust our government and its corporations into taking our well-being into consideration. Exposing these criminals and their illegal activities is what it will take to force people to wake up and hopefully take matters into their own control. I have read into the Big Pharma deception and I have watched several videos by Dr. John Breeding talking of the DSM inventing mental illness(with no actual statistic proof) as a marketing scam and ploy to keep consumers buying into the pharmaceutical companies. Have you heard of the book called Natural Health Solutions; the conspiracy to keep you from knowing about them by Mike Adams. One of my favourites, some excellent facts.

All around me I see people consuming genetically modified foods, stripped of their vital nutrients- only to turn to pharmaceuticals to fix problems directly associated with the products toxicity- when in reality all it takes is consumption of clean, and pure whole foods. We are so very uninformed and uneducated in the most crucial areas of life- just the way they want. We are feeding the dragon- Dumping money over the FDA making them stronger, and ironically us weaker.

I was one of those people indoctrinated into believing anti-depressants would reverse the negativity and believing the junk I filled my body with was not effecting me. I too stared blankly at a television to have my head filled with mainstream lies and underlying messages. I trusted what I viewed. Now at the age of 20 I have chosen the path of natural health and it has been one of the greatest decisions of my life. I hope to make a difference with what I know now, very much like yourself.

--Christy

The Slide Into Totalitarianism

Subject: Welcome to the New Total Security State

Does anyone seriously think John overstates the US "slide into totalitarianism?" I think he's on target. Amazing that its conservatives like Whitehead who are concerned with this, while liberals plead for safety at any cost, even if it means forgoing
privacy, freedom, and constitutional rights.

Has it sunk in yet that you and I and each person in America is but one typo away from being dragged from our home, imprisoned without charges, denied a lawyer or any outside contact including family, and yes, tortured by Americans who follow a handbook on torture produced by our government for use on us.

When government cannot be wrong, which is how Washington sees things, what can happen to anyone can happen to you. All it takes is a typo to convince them you are who they say you are, and a Top Secret stamp on a file to make you vanish.

It's worth noting that what separates humans from animals is the legal concept of due process, and our government can wipe your due process out anytime it chooses, turning you into an animal. The founding fathers gave us the greatest engine of freedom they could design and it became a monument to hypocrisy in less than 250 years, on our watch.-- rey

Monday, May 11, 2009

Pete Seeger: A Worthless Character

Subject: Pete Seeger: A Legend in His Own Time

It was a surprise to read your positive commentary on Pete Seeger and joining in the unmerited praise for a revolutionary Marxist/Leninist advocate. Seeger believed in and supported all things communist and the resulting radical changes in our society. His was not a message of peace and community co-operation, etc., but rather, his was a message of revolution against the capitalism and free market economics practiced in America and other countries outside Russia and the communist block nations, as such. He was an apparent atheist, subscribing to no established faith; as he never acknowledged or referred to a higher spiritual authority guiding his actions and activities. So, it gives me great pause to read your glowing approval of such a worthless character as Pete Seeger proved to be during his life's journey in this once greatest country; doing all in his power to not promote and support the individual freedoms endowed to our citizens by their Creator God. I'm surprised and disappointed that you can give your personal approval of such a low character of one, Pete Seeger.--Lawton N

d-o-G Help Us!

Subject: Welcome to the New Total Security State

An exceptional article, even given your standards. The prospects are horrifying, the reality is dreadful, don't forget your TV sets are interactive even when off, and I guess what bothers me the most is that it is really not wise to jest, "Hi, Janet, howzit goin' today?" on the theory that all replies to you are read...

It's enough to make me glad today is my 69th birthday. Who knows, I may reach 70 before being tossed into Gitmo for reading Town Hall and Tom Clancy, having a few milk goats, and possession of heirloom seeds. The "Food Safety Act" is going to make it impossible to grow our own food, and d-o-G help anyone who gives away a glass of milk...

Thank you for sharing what you write. -- Linda T.

Mark of the Beast

Subject: Welcome to the New Total Security State

I understand the objections registered in this new letter. I agree with most of the conclusions reached therein. I am forced to ponder however the 'age" in which we live, that is, if one has a "Dispensation" mentality or understanding. I wonder how we are to respond when all of these events are pretty much foretold in the Bible. I mean, I don't want to have a fatalistic attitude, or throw in the towel before we are beaten, but on the other hand I do not want to fight in futility the events that must come! If the "Mark of the Beast", a system of financial control, that is spoken of in Revelation, is to come, then of course the enemy will have to control everyone that will allow his control.

I realize that we who believe in God, or His Christ, can not just succumb to that. However, His Kingdom has NOT typically been established by political or militant effort. I do think that we need to stay on our toes. That we need to have a right perspective in order to intercede with understanding and direction. That we need to resurrect the ability to think & reason in this nation. But as for action, other than pray & fast and what you are already doing, what is to be done? Sandra D.

American Denial

Subject: Welcome to the New Total Security State

Regarding your most recent article: Welcome to the New Total Security State.

I totally agree with your conclusions. Indeed, this is a no brainer, any government will seize total power if it is given the slightest opportunity.

What makes the American public think the US government is any different?

Unfortunately, when I hint at or discuss such subjects as outlined in this article with Americans, I soon pick up on a sense of denial, denial that their government would crave totalitarianism - banish the thought!

As for 'democracy' being the last hope of personal freedom in countering this slide to totalitarianism - what democracy?, all 2 political parties are dancing to the same piper here.

Again, unfortunately I don't see an American people around me wanting to be free, responsible agents as our Maker intended and as was the trademark of their pioneering ancestors. In fact, just the opposite.

My God, I hope I'm proven wrong.

Regards, your legal (tax paying / non voting) alien.

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Taking Our Rights

Subject: Are We All Enemies of the State?

I read your article "Are we All Enemies of the State" reprinted on May 3, 2009 in The Courier in Houma, Louisiana. It is one of the most riveting articles I have ever read. I have been telling everyone I speak to to read the article. The article states many of the things that I have thought for some time. I will continue to follow your writings and thoughts in the future and will continue to voice my opinion regarding the "wrong-doings" of our federal government. People like you give "the people" the nudge to continue the fight and not give up. --Bryan M.

A Lifelong Fan of Seeger

Subject: Pete Seeger: A Legend in His Own Time

Thank you for commending Pete Seeger and the recent celebration of Pete’s 90th birthday. I have been a lifelong fan since the early 1960’s when my babysitter introduced me to the Hootenany program on television and my parents bought me my first record albums.

Pete’s life has long been a demonstration of courageous, generous pursuits of social justice, visible righteousness, environmental stewardship, freedom, beauty, and truth. This should be a vision and values that Christians and others can embrace together. As Christians, we believe in Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of excellence and object of admiration. As Christians, we believe in a supernatural work of saving grace as the only true way to fix the corruptions of the human heart. However, while we all may pursue various means to achieve our purposes, there’s no need to polarize over the pursuit of justice, righteousness, faithful stewardship, freedom, beauty, and truth. May many more advance the same pursuits as Pete Seeger.

Kindest Regards,

Greg G.

Great Story

Subject: Pete Seeger: A Legend in His Own Time

Thanks John and Thank you Pete! --Ronald K.

Pete Seeger: A Different Perspective

Subject: Pete Seeger: A Legend in His Own Time

Pete Seeger, a supporter of Joseph Stalin and Ho Chi Minh and a member of the Communist Party for which he and his pals happily propagandized. If Seeger had been living in North Vietnam and criticized the government he wouldn't have been brought before a toothless congressional committee: he would have been shot on the spot. Frankly we were far too easy on these guys many of whom were literally Soviet agents, spying, sending info and the rest. Below are the lyrics to his song Teacher Uncle Ho.

Ho Chi Minh was a brutal fanatic whose "agricultural reforms" resulted in thousands of one-minute trials and executions. He was happy to sacrifice nearly the entire young male population of North Vietnam to drive out the Americans and Catholics, whom he viciously persecuted, turning for support to Mao Zedong, whose atrocities exceed Hitler's. His troops were forced to participate in thought reform "self-criticism" groups. The savagery of the North Vietnamese forces included the beheadings of hundreds of village chiefs who didn't go along and the execution without trial of tens of thousands of urban South Vietnamese during the Tet offensive and after the US's cowardly withdrawal. On the whole, Hitler was more humane. What are you trying to prove? Do you want a pat on the head from the left or something? --Pete H.

TEACHER UNCLE HO

He educated all the people.
He demonstrated to the world:
If a man will stand for his own land,
He's got the strength of ten.

And if we'd only learn the lesson,
It could even be a blessin',
He and me might disagree,
But we needn't go to shooting again.

And if soldier boys in every land say,
"Hell no, we won't go," ("what did you say")
"Hell no, we won't go," ("say it again!")
"Hell no, we won't go!"

I'll have to say in my own way,
The only way I know,
That we learned power to the people and the power to know
From Teacher Uncle Ho!

Words and Music by Pete Seeger (1970)
(c) 1970, 1973 by Stormking Music Inc.