Dennis "No"08

As many now know, Congressman Dennis Kucinich has dropped his long-shot bid to be President. This, along with all the road blocks he faced, breaks the hearts of progressives around the country. Dennis Kucinich provided a campaign, that showed people how faraway our government has gotten from it's people. People should not fear it's government, government should fear it's people. Corporations should not decide who we want in the White House, "We the People" decide that. When many people asked me who I was for in 2008, I proudly responded DENNIS KUCINICH! Some said, "Kyle, I am not surprised", some asked "Who?". My point is this, when our White House is purchased by the richest, then we are not allowed a voice, when corporations that dictate laws and manufacture arms also own Broadcasting Companies, I am not surprised that someone would ask "who?" Congressman Kucinich was locked out of six debates, where is the debate when a voice of compassion and reason is silenced . This is where the American people were denied a choice to hear what I consider to be the best candidate for President of the United States. Since the 2000 election, we have been a country divided over elections, a war based on lies, the separation of church and state, gay marriage, illegal wiretapping, corporate welfare, healthcare, torture, axis' of evil, and immigration etc. Dennis Kucinich didn't use these topics as campaign tools like most others in the field of both parties, he made sure that those who heard him were aware that these topics were reality, not just something talking heads squabled about. On January 15th, Michigan's worthless primary, I proudly stood in the cold for 5+ hours talking about Dennis Kucinich's policies, passing out pamphlets, stickers, and encouraging people to send the Democratic Party a message and vote for Dennis. Some did, some also voted for Hillary, some also voted "uncommitted". The latter choices were worthless in Michigan. Michigan is in dire straits right now, and the blame can easily be divided between both Republican and Democratic parties in the state. Although, Dennis was the only candidate to come and campaign vigorously here. Congressman Kucinich is often a target of the flying monkey right for his position on the occupation of Iraq, but if you look at the costs of this war you can see he has been right the first time. Come November 4th, 2008, I am not sure what I will do now, but I do know that standing up and being heard is a priority we all have a duty for. In Dennis' withdrawl speech he spoke of integrity now , which is certainly something lacking in these times. I normally refer to myself as a Wellstone Democrat, but on this occasion, I will switch that to a Kucinich Democrat. Congressman Kucinich, I would like to thank you for standing up, and getting back up everytime they knocked you down. You also showed a strong group of Progressives, that when a system that is bought and paid for, you speak your values, and possess integrity.

Where is the meaning behind the music anymore?

At my age , I have spent much of my life like many, learning way too much about music and the music industry. I do, however, find it difficult, to watch an industry of such power silence critics of the war. Descions made in corporate offices of Sony/BMG, WEA, and Universal stymie a message that was the soundtrack to the Vietnam era. In the mid 1960's, to the 1970's artists expressed their outrage to brothers and sisters dying needlessly. These artists, all came from culturally different backgrounds. We had Edwin Starr and the Temptations on Motown, we had Pete Seeger singing "We Shall Overcome", Neil Young's "Ohio", the Grateful Dead, Marvin Gaye and Joan Baez to name a handful. The music industry embraced what these artists contributed to a culture of unsatisfied, and deeply concerned citizenery. In a time, that culturally possesses much of that Vietnam Era unrest, where is music? Where is the industry and airwave personalities that provided an outlet for our dissent and disgust?

One recent act of censorship was this past fall, when radio conglomerate Clear Channel banned it's music stations from playing anything from Bruce Springsteen's "Magic". The reasoning was that at age 58, The Boss is too old to be played to younger audiences, so just play his early hits, cause people won't recognize the new ones. Well, of course not if you do not play them. In reality, we can take notice that the Boss' "The Last to Die" from this album, has a clear anti-war message. Granted, there are pro-peace artists you can hear on the radio, such as Dave Matthews, Pink, the Dixie Chicks, Jimmy Eat World, Serj Tankian, Melissa Ethridge and the Foo Fighters. Yet, the tracks you will hear are songs that are going to provide the cultural soundtrack of these times. Voices like Ani Difranco, Michael Franti, Steve Earle, Billy Bragg, Flooging Molly and others get little or no play. At what point do we take back our culture? At what point do we tell Politicians and CEO's you can't hide the dead behind a lapel pin, and that we want voices of dissent in our arts. It was that creativity that created artistic history in our country and made it a beacon of freedom. If this censorship by corporations, the FCC, and the government continues, then I must ask, if we lose freedoms of thought, expression through the arts, speech, and the right to gather peacefully to collectively show our discontent, then, haven't the terrorists won?

On a another note

Vote for the President you want to have...

If you do not...YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE! Many Progressives are not happy right now with the field of candidates who actually get to talk at the debates. Conservatives are suffering the same problem, the guys at First Friday expressed the same concerns I am about to. As much as I enjoy diasagreeing with them, because it's laughable to see guys so influenced by talking points, and not independent thought. I share their fear of who the next President will be. I certainly will not be voting for any Republican, I have my doubts about the top 3 on the Democratic side. Hillary's voting record is the complete opposite of what she talks about. Barack Obama has used his opposition over the war as a platform, yet continues to vote to fund it. John Edwards portrays his campaign of that of the "working familes" of America and I believe him, but his record with hedge funds campaign donations give room for doubt. All three speak about monies from lobbyists, and all 3 are lying in some form or fashion as you can find over at open secrets . So, as much as I hate to agree with the First Friday crowd, nope, no true conservative is coming, but guess what? No true Progressive is either. That is why my continued support is behind a Kucinich Presidency, and I won't back down from this. Peace!

The newest campaign song for all of the candidates, except Dennis...

oh, and yeah, John at Crooks and liars Thanks brother.

A horrifying birthday card!

Well, this is the b-day card I recieved. Horrifying isnt it? It was done by a wonderful liberal artist I hang with at the bar, thanks Dave, you bastard! The funniest thing, was he mentioned drawing only one breast. Hmmmmm.....

Epitomy of the Flying Monkey right!

I was lookin around youtube to see what crooks and liars videos there may be. But, I stumbled across this tool, Gordon Bloyer. While I lokked at few of his videos, certainly the one where he goes after Crooks and Liars for "treason", he comes across as an unconcerned,unpatriotic,unapoligetic half-wit that can't get through a sentence without mentioning a Clinton. These righties are so content to sit back, watch the neo-cons destroy our country. They get upset when us liberals fight back, hello Gordon YOU GUYS PICKED THESE FIGHTS! Watch if you can stomach it.

Liberal Fascism? Gimme a break

What you see pictured is the cover of Jonah Goldberg's new book, "Liberal Fascism". Since the guys at First Friday praised this book, I thought smart to counter. Oddly, one of the guys there claims to never read, so I certainly hope he was not the one who posted it. Another thing, watching the videos below, I see Jonah Goldberg as another neo-con who can't get through a sentence without mentioning Hillary Clinton. Jonah Goldberg's theory of "a social community moving in the same direction is facist liberalism" is a complete stretch. Watch the videos, and listen to Thom Hartmann mop the floor with this neo-con.

Where's the conviction? My take on voting, and Michigan

Campaigning in Mi. on the 15th of January? Well, it's been cold and wet. The same could be said of the Democratic and Republican parties. Spending 5 hours in the 11th Dis. hoping to send the Democratic party a message about how pissed true progressives are, and promoting a vote for Dennis Kucinich. It is hurtful to see all the votes for "Hill-arious" or "un-committed". Where is the conviction? Where is the "I have your back brothers and sisters?". All of us, no matter how partisan we can be, have a goal, a better America. How we get there is what differs. What troubles me is the dictatorship of the "liberal media".
Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich offer both partisan voters hope, yet are shut out. This in America? Is this where the "free market" has taken us? Networks get to decide who gets to be viable? What about a process of progress? I stand by my thought that the herd was thinned on the Democratic side by the Clintons' and Edwards' campaigns. When I stood in the cold, the people out there with me were "with me for Dennis" or Ron Paul supporters, who really cares? It's heartbreaking to see the ignorance in voting for Hillar-"ious" or "Mutt". Not as Dems, nor Rrrrrr's, I couldn't get it out. We deserve better. Living in Mi. is depressing enough, when our parties forget Michigan is in dire straits, use talking points, it makes me think of "no state left behind". If the parties keep this up, it will be no state behind left. Shame on the Democratic Party! Shame on the Michigan Democratic Party! Shame on the system that lets the media leave the voter behind. I proudly support Dennis Kucinich, because I am not going to settle ever again. I urge all voters, no matter where you lean, don't settle! You find nothing in the middle of the road except dead animals,and yellow lines. Keep it lit.

I don't belong to any organized political party

With Michigan being the mess it is, we look to ourselves and leaders. As a Progressive Liberal Democrat, it broke my heart to see my party overlook, intentionally, the state of Michiagn. The only candidate to do anything was Dennis Kucinich. I like Senator Obama, yet when I expressed my thoughts on Mi., this is what I got....


"Dear Kyle,

Thank you for contacting us. Obama for America filed paperwork to remove Barack's name
from the ballot in Michigan because Barack gave his word to honor the national party rules
and campaign only in contests before February 5 that the DNC has authorized. All of the
Democratic presidential candidates joined us in making this pledge, and every major
Democratic presidential candidate, with the exception of Senator Clinton, has also removed
their name from Michigan’s ballot.

Barack encourages the Michigan Democratic Party to continue working with the DNC to adopt
a plan that complies with party rules and allows the voters in Michigan to have a voice in
the 2008 nominating process. We hope that Michigan will do so because Barack is eager to
vigorously seek the support of Michigan voters, and if such a contest occurs, we will
expand on our already strong foundation in the state to build a winning campaign.

When Barack is the Democratic nominee, the tens of thousands of people already involved in
our campaign in Michigan will provide the organizational backbone for a general election
victory in November 2008.

Sincerely,

Obama for America"


At what point do "we the people" have a say?

Your're in control when your're at the polls

"We the People", the standard to which our Founding Fathers used when penning the Constitution of the United States of America. Pretty simple concept, huh? Well, Republican candidate for President Mike Huckabee wants to amend our country's greatest document to be in "God's standards" . This is absurd. and I beleive that if this dim-wit is to become President, then it is "We the People" who must stand up and collectively and loudly say "NO". We have too much relegion shoved in our faces for seven plus years now. That is why we have a separation of church and state.

Is America #1?

Digging through the metaphorical crates, I found an oldie, but a goodie from Bill Maher. He pretty much answers the question I have been asking for 7 years, and it will make you laugh, and understand how much work "We the People" have in front of us.

Kucinich in the Debate?

Since Dennis Kucinich's campaign for a country gets stymied from pathetic media,the flying monkey right, and progressive's, who aren't progressive enough to actually vote for him. It is good news to hear that after Dennis filed a lawsuit against NBC for excluding him from tonights debate, Judge Charles Thompson had the good sense to side with Dennis, and rule that he be included in the debate, or it will be shut down.


My thought is this, shut it down! For the most, this country whines about left and right and middle. Well, Jim Hightower said it best, he said "all you find in the middle of the road are yellow lines and dead armadillo". For the most part in America, the left is the middle, and it is the mainstream. We deserve to be heard. Dennis Kucinich that voice! If the debate is shutdown by Judge Thompson (bless ya), it will garner more attention than him having Tim Russert and Brian Williams act like he is not there. This is all pending NBC's appeal which takes place at 1:30 pm in a Vegas courtroom. We'll see what happens. I say, no debate! Let the people hear the truth, we deserve it after seven years in hell. Michigan voters...especially Democrats...send a message to our party and let's hand Michigan to Dennis Kucinich!
Peace!

The Pap attack

Mike Malloy interviews Brad Friedman on NH (pretty disturbing) pt 1 of 3

On another note

Conspiracy Corner? maybe not...

This just flat out sucks! Now NBC has excluded Dennis from the January 15 debate in Nevada. Apparently, his 4th place showing does not reach the criteria to participate. It did meet the standards yesterday though. From the Kucinich press release "Less than 44 hours after NBC sent out a congratulatory note and invitation to Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich to participate Jan 15 Democratic Presidential Debate in Las Vegas, the network notified the campaign this morning it was changing it's criteria, rescinding it's invitation and excluding Kucinich from the debate."
WHAT!!!???? Who is instructing this? Who is responsible? This in America? The day after Dennis is granted a recount in New Hampshire to look into irregularities, he gets snubbed again. This on the 15th of January, Michigan's primary. Give me a break. I got to thinking about John Edwards and Hillary Clinton's private little conversation on stage here in Detroit.



Is this cause for alarm? You better believe it! I have had enough of this crap. I have heard some disgusted Democrats and Republicans who have said "I don't have a dog in this fight". Well, I do, but I hardly get to hear him. Has this been a concerted effort by the Clinton campaign? I don't know. It does look that way though, maybe Edwards as well. I hope this is looked into. Henry Waxman, this means you....

Ownership Society? Huh?

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

The Top Three Most Pathetic Conservatives

3. Joe Lieberman. This filthy son of bitch has become the lapdog of the war profiteers. His defining moment came after Ned Lamont defeated him in the Democratic Primary. He whined and cryed, and ran as an independent to suck up as many Republican votes as he could...and he did. His continued cheerleading of the war on error, crony capitalism, George W. Bush, and threats of switching parties if we become too Progressive are only a few examples of Joe's "Democratic values". Give me a break.

2. Michael Savage. His daily dose of fear,bigotry,and hypocrisy define this worthless piece of dna. Any man or woman who fear race,sexual orientation,progressive political views,and then proceeds to proclaim this is the way to spread Democracy? You figure it out...

1. The American Conservative Voter. Yep! I said it! By continuing to vote against the peoples best interests because you call yourself a pro-lifer, bible-thumping, Republican! I must ask you, do you know what you have done to this country? Your insistence on sticking your nose into a woman's right to choose and her privacy has stymied sexual education,and contraceptive needs in poverty stricken communities. You perverse views of science, and what stem cell research can accomplish, your unwillingness to separate church and state for good because you think "This is Christian nation", when our founders knew that spirituality is a personel issue, not one to crusade for. Your blind support for a party that continues to leave sick,homeless,poor,elderly,minorities and vets in dire straits is pathetic. But hey, at least one war is going well...you know...the one on the middle class.

Top 10 Pathetic Conservatives of 2007

Since I am a regular visitor over at the legendary Crooks and Liars , I was ammazed at their recent post about the Most Annoying Liberals of 2007. Crooks and Liars was not on the list, I wasn't, Anthony at
equal-radio.blogspot.com wasn't there. I was most certainly astonished that my fellow Detroiter peterwerbe did not make the cut. Anthony and I are liberal upstarts, so maybe in a couple years? Anyway here's their listhttp://www.rightwingnews.com/mt331/2008/01/the_twenty_most_annoying_liber.php
And now here's mine...

10. Right Wing News. Their defining moment is daily spinning facts into Republican talking points to fit typical conservative b.s. that has our country in a funk. And not searching a bit harder to include those who work hard at being annoying to the flying-right monkeys.
http://www.rightwingnews.com/

9. Sean Hannity. Defining moments...well they are often repeated, just think "Hillary! Hillary!Hillary!" He can't even get through an interview without mentioning her.



8. Bill Kristol or "William the Bloody" as John at Crooks and Liars
calls him. His weekly drool about toruring this person, removing this one from power bombing this country or that one etc. etc. cnl had a good clip of examples


7. Ann Coulter. Her defining moments are countless. But recent memory takes me back to the summer when she appeared on Chris Matthews, and Elizabeth Edwards called in to defned responsible dialogue during this election cycle. Elizabeth, with all of her glorious demeanor, put forth direct statements on being a roll model, a fighter for the good, and somewhat of mentor model for those that heard this. Take a look.


6. www.itsfirstfriday.com . Well, Mike Malloy once spoke of losing friends over this process, I certainly hope this has not happened in my case. Defining moment, www.itsfirstfriday.com . Similiar to Hannity's "Hillary! Hillary! Hillary" rhetoric. I have been friends a member of the FF team for years, when he suggested in a late night rant in a debate over the war, he suggested that he would pay for my trip there, and then pay to have my dead body brought home, I was shocked to say the least. He has yet to apoligize for that. On their blog, well yeah I took some shots, that got deleted, but you can't play in politics if you can't take a personal shot. Just view their blog.

5. The Bush Crime Family. George and Dick's crimes are endless. If you are on this blog you know how long the list is so I won't go through all of it. If you stumbled here by accident, then go to www.impeachbush.org . I am sick of it!

4. Mike Huckabee. His deliberate abuse of influence in an incident involving his son and a stray dog's demise, the firing of the investigating officer, and current constant denial define this man's "pro-life" attitude. Go to hell Huckabee!
http://www.newsweek.com/id/78241

For the three most pathetic, check back tomorrow.
Keep it lit!

All the cheap shots at Hillary....

So now all the flying monkeys on the right are taking shots at Hillary for tearing up a bit on the stump. Looking at the blogs and hearing all the pundits has made me wonder a bit what people want in the White House? She is human, and one thing every human has in common is tears. She showed some emotion, and to her credit, most politicians don't. On January I will still be casting my vote for Dennis Kucinich, but I will not criticize someone for tearing up a bit. Here's a couple videos for you right-wingers.

More on Benazir Bhutto

This continues to get more and more insane. Nobody can get their stories coordinated. Again, I must ask who benefits from Benazir's death? President Musharaff? Al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden? The Bush Crime Family? The War on Terror? I don't know, I only have questions. I do, however, believe that someone is quite pleased with the outcome of her demise. Keep in mind the U.S. brokered her return to Pakistan, well knowing this would probably happen. After the first attempt on her life failed, yet manage to kill 179 others, she requested an investigation with the CIA and United Nations assistance, she was denied by President Musharaff, and quite possibly the country that helped her return. The Telegraph in the U.K. has some serious accounts of what actually transpired http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/12/28/nosplit/wbhutto1228.xml
Security and Police had left their posts shortly before her departure, and various polls showed her somewhere between 35% and 67% in the lead to be Pakistan's President. In an interview with David Frost shortly after her return to Pakistan she spoke about the people in power who would be responsible for her death. Check it out, especially around the 6 minute mark, it will make your head spin.



It is abundently clear how serious this is, a nuclear Pakistan with their terrorist sanctuary is a danger to much of the world, our billions in aid going there is at risk, and Musharaff has been asked repeatedly to step down. Although, we know he's Bush's boy, and asking someone to step down is a tough task for these clowns. Keep posted for more on this, and keep it lit!

A loss to a world of Peace and compassion

We have questions, speculations, suspicions, and no answers. One thing is clear, the world lost a leader for Peace today. The assassination of Benazir Bhutto muddy's the process the Middle East has been facing for decades...progress. For anyone that has paid attention to,well what is happening in our world, it was clear that seeing her support that much of that region in the world is at a tipping point. For all of the sabre rattling of conflict with Arabs and Persians for oppressing women and dissent, and America must interfere to "promote freedom". Al Qaeda has claimed responsibility for Benazir's death, although, with what we hear out of the news...my dog could crap in the house and Al Qaeda would say "it was an act of terror to continue the motives of the Mujahadeen". I don't know. I am sick and saddened by this. The guys at http://www.itsfirstfriday.com/ ,whom I rarely have much good to say about, gave a good analyis about this tragedy. They speculated on who "gains" from this act? Al Qaeda? Musharraf? We don't know. I do believe that with the sanctuary Pervez Musharaff gave to terrorist cells in Pakistan, and Benazir's "denouncing of extremism", his Presidential tenure was going to come to an end. In my opinion, his dictatorial leadership gains from this. Extremism in any form is regressive for any race, breed, or religion, as is corruption. I speak over and over on this blog about standing up, Benazir Bhutto did, and expected this as interviews and todays news reports imply. Two months ago, she stated that her death is on Pervez Musharraf. We will wait and see. I am disturbed at the seriousness that this means for the Middle East, the Western Europe, and America. If the First Friday guys are correct regarding a "coup", we could see a nuclear Al Qaeda, a continued Dem"ock"racy in Pervez's Pakistan,continued military occupation by the U.S. in the Middle East. I don't know...but I do know that her candidacy showed that the tipping point in the Muslim and Persian regions of the world are tipping in the right direction. Benazir, I thank you for standing up, and please look over us, you are a great loss to the world that seeks peace.

A happier New Year may be on the way

One final Christmas moment before the clock strikes 12

This Christmas...

Well, Merry ChristmaskwanzaIdehannukahsolstice. 'Tis the Season to enjoy it, no matter what your non-denomination. I was going to finish re-writting "It's beginning to look alot like christmas", to sound alot like "I'm beginning to win the war on christmas", but I won't, I don't need Bill O'Really sending the Fox News police after me. The absurdity of a war on christmas. The following clip, Sam Seder nails it. You need only watch the first two minutes, or if you have too much time on your hands, watch the whole thing.



This time of the year is special, no matter how you celebrate it. I have barely celebrated it since being single. But it doesn't matter. If shopping your ass off in the hustling malls is your thing, so be it. If saying "aaaahhhhh, look at the pretty lights", a holiday cheer,or whatever. I joked with co-workers, and friends about the "war on x-mas", but I have poor intel, and I am not prepared to wage a pre-emptive war. It's a time to let your spirit feel good, no matter how you achieve that is up to you. The way things are with credit card companies, your spirit gets broke around the first week of January. It's a time where you can do nothing, and see no one, or you can see friends and familiy, and hope there is no bickering. How about just reflect on the year, prepare for the forthcoming one, and be genuine to everybody. Get it? If you are having trouble remembering, maybe the following video will jog your memory a bit. So, on that note Happy Holidays! (there I Said it!)

Little dRUMMY Boy

Merry Christmas Anthony!

Number one in the two day Ghost of Wellstone Christmas Special

Happy Christmas (War is Over, if you want it)!

In memory

I dedicate this post to the Kucinich family, and before you assume why, read on. Presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich lost his younger brother on December 19. Perry Kucinich was 51 years old. As Dennis Kucinich's support has grown in recnt weeks and months, this is hit below the belt. According to www.kucinich.us , their family is "close knit", and Perry and Dennis spoke nearly everyday (which has got to be tough while being a Congressman and running for President. The artwork you see here is some of Perry's, and according to reports, he was showing in galleries in Northeast Ohio. The cause of death is unknown, but my heart, and probably everyone's goes out to Dennis and his family during this Holiday season. Supporters are still going to continue the effort of Strength through Peace during his time of mourning. Perry, Dennis, and family...God Bless and Merry Christmas (as tough as it may seem).

Run Rudy Run!

Rotten Rudy Giuliani has been dogged by many lately, and I am joining in. In this video you can witness "america's mayor"...ugh! Running from the disaster of 9/11 and spending more time talking to the media. That is not heroic. Just watch, and learn a bit from the firefighters union.

An interesting video from a peculiar man

Well, what did we hear growing up, "you too can someday be President". Well, George W. Bush proved that no matter how incompetent...you can. With the large field of candidates, including my guy, Dennis Kucinich whom I spend alot of effort promoting on this site. Other than that I take shots at the hell-bent,fearmongering,christian wacko GOP hopefuls. So, on that note, here's Former Senator Mike Gravel. Yes, he is a longshot candidate, but as Crooks and Liars said, you can't argue with the content.

A small gift to the right-wingers who visit this site...Merry Christmas!

An apology to an old friend (sort of)

Well, I made an attempt for a cheap shot jokingly. An old friend of mine runs a conservative shiny little glass website that consistently throws stones, and I decided 'tis the season to throw one back. They are running a year end "douchebag" poll. I gave a self-deprecating vote to Ghost of Wellstone...myself, and then proceeded to vote for my old friend. My comment was edited, not to my surprise. I took a cheap shot in fun and expressed my dismay at someone who lives liberally, votes and hangs with Christian Conservatives, yet avoids religion at every level, is against many programs that helped him/her get where they are now. Maybe I was wrong, maybe I wasn't? I offer this, a worldwide apology to the unnamed site and person. I admire where you have gotten, and love you as a friend. I also, as a longtime friend, would never jeopardize a friendship for partisan crap. That being said, I said nothing that would cause you to lose a job,a friend,a cause,a vote,a girl (well maybe),or my admiration. To take the "glass house" thing a step further, throw stones if you will...but remember, someone might throw a bigger one back. I love ya, sorry I offended,but I will always be there to check ya when it looks like you need it. I, like every Presidential candidate really want the job of "Douchebag of the Year". Take Care and keep it lit.

Have you seen this man?

You probably haven't, but guess what, neither have his attorneys or family. This is part one of two. Watch this, and check back in morning for part two, and my take. Visit www.takebackthemedia.com for if you are impatient.