Telcoman ]]> Politics Etc. telcoman 2009-11-21T12:11:29-08:00 1 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=463211 Students at UCLA protested today in vain as the board passed a 32% increase in tuition. The Spring semester will go up $585, the Fall Semester will cost $1344 more. Some of these students are working multiple jobs in order to pay tuition now. The increase could force some to drop out completely. http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/11/...tests/The board of regents claim that there will be more financial aid for those who qualify for low-income assistance but that really doesn't do anything for the majority of the students. If the education system continues as it is it will be too expensive for anyone to attend, regardless of their income. That benefits no one. If we do not have educated people in our workforce, ALL of our jobs that require higher education will end up overseas. The people who are going to school online are doing it right, IMO. (It worked for me.) You can go to work, spend time with your family, and get your education on your own schedule. When I took my classes, the fees were substantially more than what I would have paid to go to a traditional brick-and-mortar school. However, with my work schedule and my daughter's schedule, it just didn't fit. It was worth the extra money to me to be able to do it on MY terms, not someone else's. And now, the cost differential is minimal at best. Are we destined to make every college graduate start their adult life saddled with thousands of dollars of student loan debt http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/11/...tests/

The board of regents claim that there will be more financial aid for those who qualify for low-income assistance but that really doesn't do anything for the majority of the students.

If the education system continues as it is it will be too expensive for anyone to attend, regardless of their income. That benefits no one. If we do not have educated people in our workforce, ALL of our jobs that require higher education will end up overseas.

The people who are going to school online are doing it right, IMO. (It worked for me.) You can go to work, spend time with your family, and get your education on your own schedule. When I took my classes, the fees were substantially more than what I would have paid to go to a traditional brick-and-mortar school. However, with my work schedule and my daughter's schedule, it just didn't fit. It was worth the extra money to me to be able to do it on MY terms, not someone else's. And now, the cost differential is minimal at best.

Are we destined to make every college graduate start their adult life saddled with thousands of dollars of student loan debt?

]]> Politics Etc. nissangirl74 2009-11-21T12:35:20-08:00 8 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=462682 Very interesting to watch....http://cohort11.americanobserv....html http://cohort11.americanobserv....html ]]> Politics Etc. audtatious 2009-11-17T13:36:42-08:00 3 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=462249 Why does he go around bowing to everyone Is he trying to make us look weak or something http://latimesblogs.latimes.co....html http://latimesblogs.latimes.co....html ]]> Politics Etc. EvillE423 2009-11-20T14:36:57-08:00 23 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=461903 Something unusual and largely unnoticed happened last week as Democrats pushed the national health care bill through the House. In a complicated, late-night maneuver, on a party-line vote, the House Rules Committee used the health bill to pave the way for a $210 billion increase in Medicare payments to doctors, without any money budgeted to pay for it. Congress then combined that $210 billion with a measure that would force lawmakers to exercise fiscal discipline -- except when it came to the $210 billion.It was a particularly slick move, even by congressional standards. With one vote, committee Democrats managed to propose spending a huge amount of money while also claiming to clamp down on spending. More importantly, they threw a very big bone to several physicians organizations, which badly want the increased doctor payments and to whom Democrats are deeply indebted for support of health care legislation. And at the same time, they gave cover to moderate Democrats, who are under pressure to support health reform but also fear the wrath of voters concerned about overspending.This is how it worked. Before the House can begin final debate and vote on a bill, the Rules Committee has to first pass a rule setting the terms of the process. How long will debate last Will amendments be allowed How manyNormally, when the Rules Committee creates a rule, it does so for a single bill. "One bill, one rule," says a veteran GOP Hill aide. But when it came to the health care bill, Democrats took the unusual step of combining the health bill and the $210 billion physician payment measure in a single rule; they were worried the doctor bill might fail if it were considered on its own.The bill reverses scheduled cuts in Medicare payments to physicians. For years Congress has vowed to make gradual cuts, and for years it has put them off. All those unmade cuts would add up to a 21 percent reduction next year, unless Congress put them off again. Sure enough, bills were introduced in the House and Senate this year to cancel the 21 percent cut and replace it with an increase -- what has become known as the "doctor fix."It's expensive. The Senate's version of the doctor fix would cost $245 billion -- again, without any provision to pay for it. There was so much concern about cost that in late October, 13 Democratic senators joined all 40 Republicans in blocking it.The House's version of the doctor fix costs $210 billion. Like the Senate's, not a penny is paid for. After the failure in the Senate, the House leadership feared Democrats might join Republicans to block it. The doctor fix might never get out of the Rules Committee.But the fix is a top priority of the American Medical Association, which is calling in its IOU for supporting national health care. The fix is "an essential element of health reform," AMA President James Rohack said recently. His message to the House: Get it done.So the Democratic leadership came up with the plan to attach the doctor fix to the rule setting terms for the health care debate. When one passed, the other would, too.But what about all those Democrats concerned about $210 billion in new spending For them, the leadership added a clause that said when the doctor fix bill reached the final stages of House consideration, it would automatically be joined with an existing bill requiring the House to pay for the spending measures it passed -- a measure called Pay-Go.But it just happens that the Democratic version of Pay-Go contains a specific exemption for the doctor fix. So the House could approve a measure that would cost $210 billion, have no way to pay for it and still meet the requirements it has set for itself in terms of restraining spending.It's quite a trick. "This was to keep the physicians organizations on board with the underlying monstrosity of the health care bill," says Republican Rep. Tom Price, of Georgia, himself a doctor. "It also gives Democrats a headline that says, 'We're serious about spending,' while at the same time demonstrating that they're not serious about spending."The House will probably vote on it next week. It might well pass, especially because Democrats can claim it's all part of a move to impose strict fiscal discipline. And they've already set the rules: There will be just one hour of debate, with no amendments allowed.When it comes to the doctor fix, the fix is already in.Byron York, The Examiner's chief political correspondent, can be contacted at byork@washingtonexaminer.com.--------------------------------------------------------Paybacks are hell.....to the US taxpayer It was a particularly slick move, even by congressional standards. With one vote, committee Democrats managed to propose spending a huge amount of money while also claiming to clamp down on spending. More importantly, they threw a very big bone to several physicians organizations, which badly want the increased doctor payments and to whom Democrats are deeply indebted for support of health care legislation. And at the same time, they gave cover to moderate Democrats, who are under pressure to support health reform but also fear the wrath of voters concerned about overspending.

This is how it worked. Before the House can begin final debate and vote on a bill, the Rules Committee has to first pass a rule setting the terms of the process. How long will debate last? Will amendments be allowed? How many?

Normally, when the Rules Committee creates a rule, it does so for a single bill. "One bill, one rule," says a veteran GOP Hill aide. But when it came to the health care bill, Democrats took the unusual step of combining the health bill and the $210 billion physician payment measure in a single rule; they were worried the doctor bill might fail if it were considered on its own.

The bill reverses scheduled cuts in Medicare payments to physicians. For years Congress has vowed to make gradual cuts, and for years it has put them off. All those unmade cuts would add up to a 21 percent reduction next year, unless Congress put them off again. Sure enough, bills were introduced in the House and Senate this year to cancel the 21 percent cut and replace it with an increase -- what has become known as the "doctor fix."

It's expensive. The Senate's version of the doctor fix would cost $245 billion -- again, without any provision to pay for it. There was so much concern about cost that in late October, 13 Democratic senators joined all 40 Republicans in blocking it.

The House's version of the doctor fix costs $210 billion. Like the Senate's, not a penny is paid for. After the failure in the Senate, the House leadership feared Democrats might join Republicans to block it. The doctor fix might never get out of the Rules Committee.

But the fix is a top priority of the American Medical Association, which is calling in its IOU for supporting national health care. The fix is "an essential element of health reform," AMA President James Rohack said recently. His message to the House: Get it done.

So the Democratic leadership came up with the plan to attach the doctor fix to the rule setting terms for the health care debate. When one passed, the other would, too.

But what about all those Democrats concerned about $210 billion in new spending? For them, the leadership added a clause that said when the doctor fix bill reached the final stages of House consideration, it would automatically be joined with an existing bill requiring the House to pay for the spending measures it passed -- a measure called Pay-Go.

But it just happens that the Democratic version of Pay-Go contains a specific exemption for the doctor fix. So the House could approve a measure that would cost $210 billion, have no way to pay for it and still meet the requirements it has set for itself in terms of restraining spending.

It's quite a trick. "This was to keep the physicians organizations on board with the underlying monstrosity of the health care bill," says Republican Rep. Tom Price, of Georgia, himself a doctor. "It also gives Democrats a headline that says, 'We're serious about spending,' while at the same time demonstrating that they're not serious about spending."

The House will probably vote on it next week. It might well pass, especially because Democrats can claim it's all part of a move to impose strict fiscal discipline. And they've already set the rules: There will be just one hour of debate, with no amendments allowed.

When it comes to the doctor fix, the fix is already in.

Byron York, The Examiner's chief political correspondent, can be contacted at byork@washingtonexaminer.com.

--------------------------------------------------------

Paybacks are hell.....to the US taxpayer ]]> Politics Etc. audtatious 2009-11-13T05:56:49-08:00 1 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=461881 Yep, I said it.Absolutely spectacular speech at Fort Hood on Tuesday... I know that credit is due the speechwriter, but it was very well-delivered.Just what the nation needed to hear... and I especially liked that he didn't mince words, didn't sidestep speaking of his faith, and didn't back down and speak of pacifism.Well done, Mr. President. Absolutely spectacular speech at Fort Hood on Tuesday...

I know that credit is due the speechwriter, but it was very well-delivered.

Just what the nation needed to hear... and I especially liked that he didn't mince words, didn't sidestep speaking of his faith, and didn't back down and speak of pacifism.

Well done, Mr. President. ]]> Politics Etc. AZhitman 2009-11-13T12:47:48-08:00 2 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=461797 I'm sure this is going to be the norm soon.....----------------------------------------------------------------------Emerson CEO David Farr said that the U.S. government was hurting manufacturers with regulation and taxes and that his company would continue to focus on growth overseas. "Washington is doing everything in their manpower, capability, to destroy U.S. manufacturing," Farr said Wednesday in Chicago at a Baird Industrial Outlook conference. "Cap and trade, medical reform, labor rules."St. Louis-based Emerson, the maker of electrical equipment and InSinkErator garbage disposals with $20.9 billion in sales for the year ended September, will keep expanding in emerging markets, which represented 32 percent of revenue in 2009. About 36 percent of manufacturing is now in "best-cost countries" up from 21 percent in 2003, according to slides accompanying his speech.Companies will generate jobs in India and China, "places where people want the products and where the governments welcome you to actually do something," Farr said.The unemployment rate in the U.S. jumped to 10.2 percent in October, the highest level since 1983. Emerson, which Farr said employed about 125,000 people worldwide, has eliminated more than 20,000 jobs since the end of 2008 to lower expenses."What do you think I am going to do" Farr asked. "I'm not going to hire anybody in the United States. I'm moving. They are doing everything possible to destroy jobs.""We as a company today are putting our best people, our best technology and our best investment in these marketplaces to grow," he said. "My job is to grow that top line, grow my earnings, grow my cash flow and grow my returns to the shareholders. My job is not to shrink and roll over for the U.S. government." ----------------------------------------------------------------------

Emerson CEO David Farr said that the U.S. government was hurting manufacturers with regulation and taxes and that his company would continue to focus on growth overseas. "Washington is doing everything in their manpower, capability, to destroy U.S. manufacturing," Farr said Wednesday in Chicago at a Baird Industrial Outlook conference. "Cap and trade, medical reform, labor rules."

St. Louis-based Emerson, the maker of electrical equipment and InSinkErator garbage disposals with $20.9 billion in sales for the year ended September, will keep expanding in emerging markets, which represented 32 percent of revenue in 2009. About 36 percent of manufacturing is now in "best-cost countries" up from 21 percent in 2003, according to slides accompanying his speech.

Companies will generate jobs in India and China, "places where people want the products and where the governments welcome you to actually do something," Farr said.

The unemployment rate in the U.S. jumped to 10.2 percent in October, the highest level since 1983. Emerson, which Farr said employed about 125,000 people worldwide, has eliminated more than 20,000 jobs since the end of 2008 to lower expenses.

"What do you think I am going to do?" Farr asked. "I'm not going to hire anybody in the United States. I'm moving. They are doing everything possible to destroy jobs."

"We as a company today are putting our best people, our best technology and our best investment in these marketplaces to grow," he said. "My job is to grow that top line, grow my earnings, grow my cash flow and grow my returns to the shareholders. My job is not to shrink and roll over for the U.S. government." ]]> Politics Etc. audtatious 2009-11-19T10:31:34-08:00 31 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=461540 So the story goes, this black professor was discussing current race relations and 'white privilege' (ugh, disgusted already, give me a break), the man got heated and sucker punched this woman.Absolutely pathetic, I wish I had been there... I would have taught that son of a b**** not to hit a woman. This is so out of line I cant even believe it.Liberals need to stop playing the race card on EVERYTHING, its turning up the racial tension in the nation and this kind of thing is becoming more and more common. Not only that, but these are supposedly educated people, what the f*** were you thinking dont you have enough to lose to know you shouldnt be hitting people especially womenthis man needs to be publicly beaten within an inch of his life.you.dont.touch.a.woman.like.that.ever.http://www.nypost.com/p/news/l...ySGTN Absolutely pathetic, I wish I had been there... I would have taught that son of a b**** not to hit a woman. This is so out of line I cant even believe it.

Liberals need to stop playing the race card on EVERYTHING, its turning up the racial tension in the nation and this kind of thing is becoming more and more common. Not only that, but these are supposedly educated people, what the f*** were you thinking? dont you have enough to lose to know you shouldnt be hitting people? especially women?

this man needs to be publicly beaten within an inch of his life.

you.

dont.

touch.

a.

woman.

like.

that.

ever.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/l...ySGTN ]]> Politics Etc. RobPaulson 2009-11-17T13:11:46-08:00 37 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=461484 I am not really a foil hat guy. I wouldn't term my beliefs as "conspiracy theories," just predictable human nature exhibited by those seeking power and influence. Money is simply paper with denominations on it. It has value only because we all agree it does. That scares the hell out of me. It's your choice if you choose to ignore the implications of the fiat currency system. This is an interesting read and I hope will spark a spirited discussion about the ebbs and flows of implicative currency, hard assets and the potentials of both in these volatile times. http://gata.org/node/7997 http://gata.org/node/7997 ]]> Politics Etc. themadscientist 2009-11-12T21:41:52-08:00 5 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=461471 http://www.thresq.com/2009/11/....htmlGlenn Beck can't handle his own tactics being used against him, tries to battle the First Amendment, and loses. My hat's off to you, Isaac Eiland-Hall. http://www.thresq.com/2009/11/....html

Glenn Beck can't handle his own tactics being used against him, tries to battle the First Amendment, and loses. My hat's off to you, Isaac Eiland-Hall. ]]> Politics Etc. ishkabibble 2009-11-13T23:13:05-08:00 39 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=460921 220-215.

]]> Politics Etc. JustinStrife 2009-11-09T10:16:12-08:00 22 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=460841 John Boehner (aka Orange Lantern) strikes again and can anyone identify the lady in the checkered yellow jacket mumbling the same speech as John Boehner. Her name is.anyone It's Michelle Bachmann http://www.politico.com/blogs/....html Modified by UpStar at 6:50 PM 11/7/2009

http://www.politico.com/blogs/....html

Modified by UpStar at 6:50 PM 11/7/2009 ]]> Politics Etc. UpStar 2009-11-11T05:09:16-08:00 8 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=460750 Anybody else shocked by Obama's speech and how it went about Spends the first 3 minutes doing a shout-out to the crowd, then brings up what happened in Fort HoodThe man(if you can call him that), has no love or respect for our Military, and this just piles on with his other actions(lack of meetings with the top generals, lack of meeting with wounded soldiers at any military hospitals, lack of decision with Afghanistan, and now this). What a disgrace. Telco where you at homie shocked by Obama's speech and how it went about? Spends the first 3 minutes doing a shout-out to the crowd, then brings up what happened in Fort Hood?

The man(if you can call him that), has no love or respect for our Military, and this just piles on with his other actions(lack of meetings with the top generals, lack of meeting with wounded soldiers at any military hospitals, lack of decision with Afghanistan, and now this).

What a disgrace. Telco where you at homie? ]]> Politics Etc. JustinStrife 2009-11-09T09:49:38-08:00 11 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=460637 Interesting blog article. If you want to follow the links, the original can be found here: http://seekingalpha.com/articl...nmentThere are so many rescue programs going on, I am losing track. Thanks to reader Patrick for notifying me of this; I have been so busy staring at the mirror (while clicking heels 3x) slowly repeating "prosperity is back" I sometime forget how "prosperity" is being achieved.So here is the latest... if you don't qualify for any of the current homeowner rescue plans, which allow you to refinance even if you owe 105% 125% of the value of your home, you now can qualify for this new Fannie Mae plan. Yes sir... step right up... the government (via Fannie) will allow you to stay in your home as they take over the deed, and offer you a rental option, at market prices. So did you overpay when you put nothing down on that option interest loan using a 48% income to payment ratio [Sep 26, 2008 : 15% of Americans Spend 50%+ of Income for House Payments] 36% underwater on your home No problem - we (the collective) are here to "fix it".Instead of that nasty $3200 mortgage you are facing, we sniffed around and renting in your area is more like $1600. So you get to stay in "your" home (yes the one you put nothing down on), for half the rate for 1 year... and then it will be month to month after that. And if month to month means you get to pay a market based rental fee rather than an actual mortgage for say 10 years, apparently that will be ok. Because that's one less hit for Fannie to admit to, as they suck up tax dollars on a quarterly basis. [Sep 7, 2008: Bailout Nation Continues - Fannie/Freddie Now Owned by You] [Nov 14, 2008: Freddie Mac First to the Trough] [Jan 25, 2009: Freddie Mac Saddles Up for Another $35B] [Mar 12, 2009: Fredie Mac is Back for More of Your Grandkids Money - $30.8B] [May 8, 2009: Fannie Mae with Next $19 Billion Bailout] And we can talk up housing recoveries in the meantime as this shadow inventory of future foreclosures stays off the market... it's a win, win, win. (again) I guess letting people lease their homes is one way to stop walkaways [Nov 3, 2009: Nearly 600,000 Americans Walked Away from their Mortgages in 2008]So let's review... buy a house way over your means, with nothing out of pocket. Use the most exotic loan possible so your payments on said house are say 40% of what they should be. If the house goes up in value, flip it! Or become a serial refinancer so you can live the good life, using home equity to buy cars, upgrade that kitchen, go on vacation et al.Now if by some chance the home value goes down... then you cry to government about how the font on your mortgage was too small and you were "tricked". Or, no one told you that home prices could actually go down. You enjoy that house and deserve it after all - even though the down payment and closing cost was rolled into the mortgage and you could never afford it. (small details) So then White House Program #1 came out .... and you could still refinance up to 105% of the value of the home. [Mar 5, 2009: WSJ - Mortgage Bailout to Aid 1 in 9 Homeowners]But that didn't work for enough people who put nothing down on their home and quickly were 110-120%+ upside down as home prices fell nationally. So White House Program #2 came out to refinance everyone who is up to 125% upside down. But that also didn't work for enough people, so now we have a cool new program where you can lease that house (that you deserve) for rates far below mortgage rates. So in the end, you win - you enjoy the house and the "responsible folk" just watch with jaws agape from afar. And let's remember, all these "housing rescues" do a great job.... of just kicking the problem down the down another year or two [Dec 8, 2008: More than Half of Homeowners with Modified Loans are Back in Trouble]The surreal life continues - even the name of this program causes chortles. "Dude! I can lease my own house ... to myself - that is so cool!"Via WSJ: * Fannie Mae plans to allow homeowners facing foreclosure to stay in their homes and rent them for up to one year (for "up to one year" is not exactly true - as month to month extensions are available after the first year) as part of the latest effort to help troubled borrowers while keeping a glut of foreclosed properties from hitting the housing market. * The Deed for Lease Program, which Fannie plans to roll out on Thursday, will offer borrowers who fail to complete or don't qualify for a loan modification or other workout to deed their property to the lender in exchange for a lease. Borrowers-turned-tenants will be able to sign leases of up to 12 months and will pay market rents, which in most cases are lower than the cost of mortgage payments. * To qualify, homeowners have to live in the home as their primary residence and prove that they can afford the market rent, which would be determined by the management company. The rent can't be more than 31 percent of their pretax income.More... * The rental program will allow Fannie to hold inventory off of already saturated housing markets and makes a bet that the housing market will be stronger one year from now.And that's really the important thing as we talk up housing recoveries ... don't mind the mirage folks. Move along.Now remember, as with almost all these government programs - if you are trying to do the right thing you are punished. Formerly "on time payers" must first begin to "strategically" miss payments and then all the King's horses (and men) will come to save you. Moral of the story Don't act like a responsible adult or government largess won't find you. * Borrowers who haven't missed any mortgage payments aren't eligible for the program, and the borrower's mortgage servicer would have to show that a borrower isn't eligible for a loan modification before the homeowner could apply for the Deed for Lease program.And Freddie Mac will surely be next: * Freddie Mac says it is considering whether to extend longer-term leases to some troubled homeowners. "We're looking into our options because there are certain markets where there's just so much inventory on the market," said Ingrid Beckles, senior vice president of default asset management at Freddie Mac.One of my screwball predictions in early 2008 was that we might very well reach a point the government buys homes outright; this is effectively where we are now in a synthetic fashion.Oh well, all I know is anything that keeps people in homes (even ones they put nothing down on therefore the term "owner" is facetious at best, or serial refinanced their way to the point they had no equity) and causes the stock market go up .... is "good". So is there anyone left to bailout - we seem to have covered just about every demographic.Oops, I forgot - 1 more group to go. [Jul 15, 2009: Reuters - Obama Mulls Rental Option for Homeowners, along with Paying Mortgages for Unemployed] http://seekingalpha.com/articl...nment

There are so many rescue programs going on, I am losing track. Thanks to reader Patrick for notifying me of this; I have been so busy staring at the mirror (while clicking heels 3x) slowly repeating "prosperity is back" I sometime forget how "prosperity" is being achieved.

So here is the latest... if you don't qualify for any of the current homeowner rescue plans, which allow you to refinance even if you owe 105% 125% of the value of your home, you now can qualify for this new Fannie Mae plan. Yes sir... step right up... the government (via Fannie) will allow you to stay in your home as they take over the deed, and offer you a rental option, at market prices. So did you overpay when you put nothing down on that option interest loan using a 48% income to payment ratio? [Sep 26, 2008 : 15% of Americans Spend 50%+ of Income for House Payments] 36% underwater on your home? No problem - we (the collective) are here to "fix it".

Instead of that nasty $3200 mortgage you are facing, we sniffed around and renting in your area is more like $1600. So you get to stay in "your" home (yes the one you put nothing down on), for half the rate for 1 year... and then it will be month to month after that. And if month to month means you get to pay a market based rental fee rather than an actual mortgage for say 10 years, apparently that will be ok. Because that's one less hit for Fannie to admit to, as they suck up tax dollars on a quarterly basis. [Sep 7, 2008: Bailout Nation Continues - Fannie/Freddie Now Owned by You] [Nov 14, 2008: Freddie Mac First to the Trough] [Jan 25, 2009: Freddie Mac Saddles Up for Another $35B] [Mar 12, 2009: Fredie Mac is Back for More of Your Grandkids Money - $30.8B] [May 8, 2009: Fannie Mae with Next $19 Billion Bailout] And we can talk up housing recoveries in the meantime as this shadow inventory of future foreclosures stays off the market... it's a win, win, win. (again) I guess letting people lease their homes is one way to stop walkaways [Nov 3, 2009: Nearly 600,000 Americans Walked Away from their Mortgages in 2008]

So let's review... buy a house way over your means, with nothing out of pocket. Use the most exotic loan possible so your payments on said house are say 40% of what they should be. If the house goes up in value, flip it! Or become a serial refinancer so you can live the good life, using home equity to buy cars, upgrade that kitchen, go on vacation et al.

Now if by some chance the home value goes down... then you cry to government about how the font on your mortgage was too small and you were "tricked". Or, no one told you that home prices could actually go down. You enjoy that house and deserve it after all - even though the down payment and closing cost was rolled into the mortgage and you could never afford it. (small details) So then White House Program #1 came out .... and you could still refinance up to 105% of the value of the home. [Mar 5, 2009: WSJ - Mortgage Bailout to Aid 1 in 9 Homeowners]

But that didn't work for enough people who put nothing down on their home and quickly were 110-120%+ upside down as home prices fell nationally. So White House Program #2 came out to refinance everyone who is up to 125% upside down. But that also didn't work for enough people, so now we have a cool new program where you can lease that house (that you deserve) for rates far below mortgage rates. So in the end, you win - you enjoy the house and the "responsible folk" just watch with jaws agape from afar. And let's remember, all these "housing rescues" do a great job.... of just kicking the problem down the down another year or two [Dec 8, 2008: More than Half of Homeowners with Modified Loans are Back in Trouble]

The surreal life continues - even the name of this program causes chortles. "Dude! I can lease my own house ... to myself - that is so cool!"

Via WSJ:

* Fannie Mae plans to allow homeowners facing foreclosure to stay in their homes and rent them for up to one year (for "up to one year" is not exactly true - as month to month extensions are available after the first year) as part of the latest effort to help troubled borrowers while keeping a glut of foreclosed properties from hitting the housing market.
* The Deed for Lease Program, which Fannie plans to roll out on Thursday, will offer borrowers who fail to complete or don't qualify for a loan modification or other workout to deed their property to the lender in exchange for a lease. Borrowers-turned-tenants will be able to sign leases of up to 12 months and will pay market rents, which in most cases are lower than the cost of mortgage payments.
* To qualify, homeowners have to live in the home as their primary residence and prove that they can afford the market rent, which would be determined by the management company. The rent can't be more than 31 percent of their pretax income.

More...

* The rental program will allow Fannie to hold inventory off of already saturated housing markets and makes a bet that the housing market will be stronger one year from now.

And that's really the important thing as we talk up housing recoveries ... don't mind the mirage folks. Move along.

Now remember, as with almost all these government programs - if you are trying to do the right thing you are punished. Formerly "on time payers" must first begin to "strategically" miss payments and then all the King's horses (and men) will come to save you. Moral of the story? Don't act like a responsible adult or government largess won't find you.

* Borrowers who haven't missed any mortgage payments aren't eligible for the program, and the borrower's mortgage servicer would have to show that a borrower isn't eligible for a loan modification before the homeowner could apply for the Deed for Lease program.

And Freddie Mac will surely be next:

* Freddie Mac says it is considering whether to extend longer-term leases to some troubled homeowners. "We're looking into our options because there are certain markets where there's just so much inventory on the market," said Ingrid Beckles, senior vice president of default asset management at Freddie Mac.

One of my screwball predictions in early 2008 was that we might very well reach a point the government buys homes outright; this is effectively where we are now in a synthetic fashion.

Oh well, all I know is anything that keeps people in homes (even ones they put nothing down on therefore the term "owner" is facetious at best, or serial refinanced their way to the point they had no equity) and causes the stock market go up .... is "good". So is there anyone left to bailout - we seem to have covered just about every demographic.

Oops, I forgot - 1 more group to go. [Jul 15, 2009: Reuters - Obama Mulls Rental Option for Homeowners, along with Paying Mortgages for Unemployed] ]]> Politics Etc. audtatious 2009-11-06T17:09:47-08:00 3 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=460590 http://rawstory.com/2009/11/name-tells-us-a-lot/Fair and balanced indeed.im ashamed. http://rawstory.com/2009/11/name-tells-us-a-lot/

Fair and balanced indeed.

im ashamed. ]]> Politics Etc. heliochrome85 2009-11-14T17:28:11-08:00 106 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=460345 The titles of these reports says it all! GOP sweep: Big governor victories in Virginia, NJMcDonnell and GOP Win Virginia: Triple SweepGOP Sweep Imperils ObamacareZ

GOP sweep: Big governor victories in Virginia, NJ

McDonnell and GOP Win Virginia: Triple Sweep

GOP Sweep Imperils Obamacare

Z ]]> Politics Etc. szhosain 2009-11-10T12:44:43-08:00 27 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=460278 Two ladies drive by a park in Washington, D.C. where two naked men are giving hand jobs to each other off on the grass.After they drove by, one asked the other, "Did you see those two Democrats jerking each other off"The other replied, "I saw the two guys but how do you know they're Democrats"The first one answered, "That's what Democrats do in this town to make each other feel good. If they were Republicans they would have been scr**ing a whole group of poor people." After they drove by, one asked the other, "Did you see those two Democrats jerking each other off?"

The other replied, "I saw the two guys but how do you know they're Democrats?"

The first one answered, "That's what Democrats do in this town to make each other feel good. If they were Republicans they would have been scr**ing a whole group of poor people."

]]> Politics Etc. srellim234 2009-11-09T10:28:12-08:00 3 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=459946 You are not going to believe this. The California budget problems, overspending, etc., etc.,etc. are legendary and the laughing stock of the country. The state legislature's inability to accomplish anything is just as laughable.So, today, we get a letter on state assembly letterhead from our local assemblyman, Bill Emmerson. "Dear Mr. & Mrs. XXXXXXXX,As part of an ongoing effort to reach out to constituents and be helpful where possible during this recession, I am sending you tips on managing your credit. I hope you find them useful.Create and follow a budget.....Pay your bills on time......Pay more than the minimum.......Ask for help when you need it........Please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can be of any further assistance to you. It is a pleasure to represent you in the State Assembly.Sincerely,Bill EmmersonAssemblymember, District 63"I've got an idea. How about you follow your own friggin' advice in the state assembly and do your job Quit spending money on the letterhead and staff it took to publish this garbage! What a moron! So, today, we get a letter on state assembly letterhead from our local assemblyman, Bill Emmerson.

"Dear Mr. & Mrs. XXXXXXXX,

As part of an ongoing effort to reach out to constituents and be helpful where possible during this recession, I am sending you tips on managing your credit. I hope you find them useful.

Create and follow a budget.....

Pay your bills on time......

Pay more than the minimum.......

Ask for help when you need it........

Please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can be of any further assistance to you. It is a pleasure to represent you in the State Assembly.

Sincerely,

Bill Emmerson
Assemblymember, District 63"

I've got an idea. How about you follow your own friggin' advice in the state assembly and do your job? Quit spending money on the letterhead and staff it took to publish this garbage!

What a moron! ]]> Politics Etc. srellim234 2009-11-04T10:35:39-08:00 5 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=459713 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33...inessIf you're running your business so poorly that you need a gov't bailout, you deserve to go under. If there's a need for a company's presence in the marketplace, another company will step in and fill the void.In the meantime the companiy officials got richer for their poor job performance and the shareholders, including all those who have money tied up in their 401k programs will get the shaft, but it's the same shaft they would have gotten a year ago.The gov't should not be trying to bail out corporations. Doesn't matter whether it was the previous administration, the current one or any one in the future. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33...iness

If you're running your business so poorly that you need a gov't bailout, you deserve to go under. If there's a need for a company's presence in the marketplace, another company will step in and fill the void.

In the meantime the companiy officials got richer for their poor job performance and the shareholders, including all those who have money tied up in their 401k programs will get the shaft, but it's the same shaft they would have gotten a year ago.

The gov't should not be trying to bail out corporations. Doesn't matter whether it was the previous administration, the current one or any one in the future. ]]> Politics Etc. srellim234 2009-11-03T13:59:05-08:00 5 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=459295 Interesting viewpoints. Thoughtshttp://www.youtube.com/watchv=1Hn6ad4_FzM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Hn6ad4_FzM ]]> Politics Etc. audtatious 2009-10-29T20:56:28-08:00 1 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=459216 We were one of the "lucky" households that were stuck filling out the American Community Survey. Sent out by the Census Bureau, it was made against the law by Congress not to fill it out. The entire purpose of this survey is to promote racial and ethnic discrimination in the future distribution of money by government programs. The entire thing is an intrusion into our lives that is 100% government supported.http://www.census.gov/acs/www/...9.pdfI will not be surprised to hear that in the near future there will be a whole lot of identity theft and fraud as a result of government mismangement of the information collected, either. The entire purpose of this survey is to promote racial and ethnic discrimination in the future distribution of money by government programs. The entire thing is an intrusion into our lives that is 100% government supported.

http://www.census.gov/acs/www/...9.pdf

I will not be surprised to hear that in the near future there will be a whole lot of identity theft and fraud as a result of government mismangement of the information collected, either. ]]> Politics Etc. srellim234 2009-11-09T12:49:28-08:00 10 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=459210 http://www.edmunds.com/help/ab....htmlhttp://www.edmunds.com/help/ab....htmlThis administration just doesn't understand the marketplace. http://www.edmunds.com/help/ab....html

http://www.edmunds.com/help/ab....html

This administration just doesn't understand the marketplace. ]]> Politics Etc. srellim234 2009-11-10T22:11:43-08:00 21 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=459170 they are finding the gist of the legislation. I'll add more as more is found:Employer Mandate Excise Tax (Page 275): If an employer does not pay 72.5 percent of a single employees health premium (65 percent of a family employee), the employer must pay an excise tax equal to 8 percent of average wages. Small employers (measured by payroll size) have smaller payroll tax rates of 0 percent ($500,000), 2 percent ($500,000-$585,000), 4 percent ($585,000-$670,000), and 6 percent ($670,000-$750,000).Individual Mandate Surtax (Page 296): If an individual fails to obtain qualifying coverage, he must pay an income surtax equal to the lesser of 2.5 percent of modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) or the average premium. MAGI adds back in the foreign earned income exclusion and municipal bond interest.Medicine Cabinet Tax (Page 324): Non-prescription medications would no longer be able to be purchased from health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), or health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). Insulin excepted.Cap on FSAs (Page 325): FSAs would face an annual cap of $2500 (currently uncapped). Increased Additional Tax on Non-Qualified HSA Distributions (Page 326): Non-qualified distributions from HSAs would face an additional tax of 20 percent (current law is 10 percent). This disadvantages HSAs relative to other tax-free accounts (e.g. IRAs, 401(k)s, 529 plans, etc.)Denial of Tax Deduction for Employer Health Plans Coordinating with Medicare Part D (Page 327): This would further erode private sector participation in delivery of Medicare services.Surtax on Individuals and Small Businesses (Page 336): Imposes an income surtax of 5.4 percent on MAGI over $500,000 ($1 million married filing jointly). MAGI adds back in the itemized deduction for margin loan interest. This would raise the top marginal tax rate in 2011 from 39.6 percent under current law to 45 percenta new effective top rate.Excise Tax on Medical Devices (Page 339): Imposes a new excise tax on medical device manufacturers equal to 2.5 percent of the wholesale price. It excludes retail sales and unspecified medical devices sold to the general public.Corporate 1099-MISC Information Reporting (Page 344): Requires that 1099-MISC forms be issued to corporations as well as persons for trade or business payments. Current law limits to just persons for small business compliance complexity reasons. Also expands reporting to exchanges of property.Delay in Worldwide Allocation of Interest (Page 345): Delays for nine years the worldwide allocation of interest, a corporate tax relief provision from the American Jobs Creation ActLimitation on Tax Treaty Benefits for Certain Payments (Page 346): Increases taxes on U.S. employers with overseas operations looking to avoid double taxation of earnings.Codification of the Economic Substance Doctrine (Page 349): Empowers the IRS to disallow a perfectly legal tax deduction or other tax relief merely because the IRS deems that the motive of the taxpayer was not primarily business-related.Application of More Likely Than Not Rule (Page 357): Publicly-traded partnerships and corporations with annual gross receipts in excess of $100 million have raised standards on penalties. If there is a tax underpayment by these taxpayers, they must be able to prove that the estimated tax paid would have more likely than not been sufficient to cover final tax liability. Employer Mandate Excise Tax (Page 275): If an employer does not pay 72.5 percent of a single employee’s health premium (65 percent of a family employee), the employer must pay an excise tax equal to 8 percent of average wages. Small employers (measured by payroll size) have smaller payroll tax rates of 0 percent ($500,000), 2 percent ($500,000-$585,000), 4 percent ($585,000-$670,000), and 6 percent ($670,000-$750,000).

Individual Mandate Surtax (Page 296): If an individual fails to obtain qualifying coverage, he must pay an income surtax equal to the lesser of 2.5 percent of modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) or the average premium. MAGI adds back in the foreign earned income exclusion and municipal bond interest.

Medicine Cabinet Tax (Page 324): Non-prescription medications would no longer be able to be purchased from health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), or health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). Insulin excepted.

Cap on FSAs (Page 325): FSAs would face an annual cap of $2500 (currently uncapped).

Increased Additional Tax on Non-Qualified HSA Distributions (Page 326): Non-qualified distributions from HSAs would face an additional tax of 20 percent (current law is 10 percent). This disadvantages HSAs relative to other tax-free accounts (e.g. IRAs, 401(k)s, 529 plans, etc.)

Denial of Tax Deduction for Employer Health Plans Coordinating with Medicare Part D (Page 327): This would further erode private sector participation in delivery of Medicare services.

Surtax on Individuals and Small Businesses (Page 336): Imposes an income surtax of 5.4 percent on MAGI over $500,000 ($1 million married filing jointly). MAGI adds back in the itemized deduction for margin loan interest. This would raise the top marginal tax rate in 2011 from 39.6 percent under current law to 45 percent—a new effective top rate.

Excise Tax on Medical Devices (Page 339): Imposes a new excise tax on medical device manufacturers equal to 2.5 percent of the wholesale price. It excludes retail sales and unspecified medical devices sold to the general public.

Corporate 1099-MISC Information Reporting (Page 344): Requires that 1099-MISC forms be issued to corporations as well as persons for trade or business payments. Current law limits to just persons for small business compliance complexity reasons. Also expands reporting to exchanges of property.

Delay in Worldwide Allocation of Interest (Page 345): Delays for nine years the worldwide allocation of interest, a corporate tax relief provision from the American Jobs Creation Act

Limitation on Tax Treaty Benefits for Certain Payments (Page 346): Increases taxes on U.S. employers with overseas operations looking to avoid double taxation of earnings.

Codification of the “Economic Substance Doctrine” (Page 349): Empowers the IRS to disallow a perfectly legal tax deduction or other tax relief merely because the IRS deems that the motive of the taxpayer was not primarily business-related.

Application of “More Likely Than Not” Rule (Page 357): Publicly-traded partnerships and corporations with annual gross receipts in excess of $100 million have raised standards on penalties. If there is a tax underpayment by these taxpayers, they must be able to prove that the estimated tax paid would have more likely than not been sufficient to cover final tax liability. ]]> Politics Etc. audtatious 2009-10-31T04:07:40-08:00 12 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=458960 Seven months after stimulus passes, 49 of 50 states have lost jobs.The table below compares the White Houses February 2009 projection of the number of jobs that would be created by the 2009 stimulus law (through the end of 2010) with the actual change in state payroll employment through September 2009 (the latest figures available). According to the data, 49 States and the District of Columbia have lost jobs since stimulus was enacted. Only North Dakota has seen net job creation following the February 2009 stimulus. While President Obama claimed the result of his stimulus bill would be the creation of 3.5 million jobs, the Nation has already lost a total of 2.7 million a difference of 6.2 million jobs. To see how stimulus has failed your state, see the table below. The table below compares the White House’s February 2009 projection of the number of jobs that would be created by the 2009 stimulus law (through the end of 2010) with the actual change in state payroll employment through September 2009 (the latest figures available).

According to the data, 49 States and the District of Columbia have lost jobs since stimulus was enacted. Only North Dakota has seen net job creation following the February 2009 stimulus. While President Obama claimed the result of his stimulus bill would be the creation of 3.5 million jobs, the Nation has already lost a total of 2.7 million – a difference of 6.2 million jobs. To see how stimulus has failed your state, see the table below.

]]> Politics Etc. AZhitman 2009-11-13T23:17:48-08:00 64 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=458759 In my office, there's an older lady who works a couple offices down from me... Over the past 5 years, I've endured her blathering on about how everything bad in the world is beause of the Republicans, how George Bush is the cause of all the world's ills, and how our amazingly incredible new POTUS is going to lead us out of the wilderness.Suffice it to say, she makes me sick. Not because she's passionate about her views, but because she speaks in broad, uninformed generalizations and regurgitates whatever drivel she reads in the libby ragsheet that's in the FREE newsstand down on the first floor.Anyhow, today, the topic was healthcare, and she was whining and bleating about the mean people at these town hall meetings, the "Republican filibuster" that just wants to sit on its hands, and how if we'll all just go along with BO's "vision", he will lead us into Nirvana.I snapped.The conversation went something like this... After pointing out that's she's well-past retirement age, and about to start needing some Medicare... I pointed out to her, the cuts in Medicare spending over the next 10 years. I pointed out that she'll likely lose her private physician, and probably be assigned to a team of doctors, a conglomerate, that will manage her care... And right about the time her old a$$ is falling apart, they'll be looking for ways to spend less and less keeping her sorry a$$ alive. Oh, and I reminded her that her Medicare contributions WILL go up.So far, all facts. Irrefutable, and in black and white.Now, all that savings has to do two things: It has to cover an estimated $20 TRILLION in shortfall, AAAAAND it has to provide health care coverage to a bunch of people (roughly 40 million) that she mistakenly thinks she's quite fond of.Yep. I reminded her that while she was across the street marching in support of immigration reform, getting all huffy at law enforcement for actually ENFORCING OUR LAWS, the unchecked immigration into the US placed us in a real jam.See, about 10 million of the 40 million uninsured are foreign born, and an estimated 60% of those entered the country illegally. So, in effect, I reminded her, the effects of the last few decades of loosey-goosey immigration enforcement has now come home to roost.Yes, dummy. You brought this on yourself. You opposed our immigration controls. You opposed arrests and deportations. And now you THINK you support a public-option healthcare plan that JUST MIGHT come back and bite you in your wrinkled lefty butt. Your coverage will cost more, cover less, and you'll STILL be angry at the wrong people.I left her a bit stumped, and reminded her that if she cared to do some fact-checking, she'd see that I'm right... I also asked her to please refrain from spewing any further political nonsense in my presence unless she's done her homework... We'll see how long THAT lasts.

Suffice it to say, she makes me sick. Not because she's passionate about her views, but because she speaks in broad, uninformed generalizations and regurgitates whatever drivel she reads in the libby ragsheet that's in the FREE newsstand down on the first floor.

Anyhow, today, the topic was healthcare, and she was whining and bleating about the mean people at these town hall meetings, the "Republican filibuster" that just wants to sit on its hands, and how if we'll all just go along with BO's "vision", he will lead us into Nirvana.

I snapped.

The conversation went something like this... After pointing out that's she's well-past retirement age, and about to start needing some Medicare...

I pointed out to her, the cuts in Medicare spending over the next 10 years. I pointed out that she'll likely lose her private physician, and probably be assigned to a team of doctors, a conglomerate, that will manage her care... And right about the time her old a$$ is falling apart, they'll be looking for ways to spend less and less keeping her sorry a$$ alive. Oh, and I reminded her that her Medicare contributions WILL go up.

So far, all facts. Irrefutable, and in black and white.

Now, all that savings has to do two things: It has to cover an estimated $20 TRILLION in shortfall, AAAAAND it has to provide health care coverage to a bunch of people (roughly 40 million) that she mistakenly thinks she's quite fond of.

Yep. I reminded her that while she was across the street marching in support of immigration reform, getting all huffy at law enforcement for actually ENFORCING OUR LAWS, the unchecked immigration into the US placed us in a real jam.

See, about 10 million of the 40 million uninsured are foreign born, and an estimated 60% of those entered the country illegally. So, in effect, I reminded her, the effects of the last few decades of loosey-goosey immigration enforcement has now come home to roost.

Yes, dummy. You brought this on yourself. You opposed our immigration controls. You opposed arrests and deportations. And now you THINK you support a public-option healthcare plan that JUST MIGHT come back and bite you in your wrinkled lefty butt.

Your coverage will cost more, cover less, and you'll STILL be angry at the wrong people.

I left her a bit stumped, and reminded her that if she cared to do some fact-checking, she'd see that I'm right... I also asked her to please refrain from spewing any further political nonsense in my presence unless she's done her homework... We'll see how long THAT lasts.

]]> Politics Etc. AZhitman 2009-11-09T19:42:28-08:00 71 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=458713 A buddy sent me this, got a kick out of it. Please dont start debating things in it, its a joke, laugh a little ONCE AGAIN THIS IS A JOKE! NOT MY PERSONAL OPINION! THIS IS FOR LULZ!Quote Dear American liberals, leftists, social progressives, socialists, Marxists and Obama supporters, et al:We have stuck together since the late 1950's, but the whole of this latest election process has made me realize at I want a divorce. I know we tolerated each other for many years for the sake of future generations, but sadly, this relationship has run its course. Our two ideological sides of America cannot and will not ever agree on what is right so let's just end it on friendly terms. We can smile and chalk it up to irreconcilable differences and go our own way.Here is a model separation agreement:Our two groups can equitably divide up the country by landmass each taking a portion. That will be the difficult part, but I am sure our two sides can come to a friendly agreement. After that, it should be relatively easy! Our respective representatives can effortlessly divide other assets since both sides have such distinct and disparate tastes.We don't like redistributive taxes so you can keep them. You are welcome to the liberal judges and the ACLU. Since you hate guns and war, we'll take our firearms, the cops, the NRA and the military. You can keep Oprah, Michael Moore and Rosie O'Donnell (You are, however, responsible for finding a bio-diesel vehicle big enough to move all three of them).We'll keep the capitalism, greedy corporations, pharmaceutical companies, Wal-Mart and Wall Street. You can have your beloved homeless, homeboys, hippies and illegal aliens. We'll keep the hot Alaskan hockey moms, greedy CEO's and rednecks. We'll keep the Bibles and give you NBC and Hollywood .You can make nice with Iran and Palestine and we'll retain the right to invade and hammer places that threaten us. You can have the peaceniks and war protesters. When our allies or our way of life are under assault, we'll help provide them security.We'll keep our Judeo-Christian values.. You are welcome to Islam, Scientology, Humanism and Shirley McClain. You can also have the U.N.. but we will no longer be paying the bill.We'll keep the SUVs, pickup trucks and oversized luxury cars. You can take every Subaru station wagon you can find.You can give everyone healthcare if you can find any practicing doctors. We'll continue to believe healthcare is a luxury and not a right. We'll keep The Battle Hymn of the Republic and the National Anthem. I'm sure you'll be happy to substitute Imagine, I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing, Kum Ba Ya or We Are the World.We'll practice trickle down economics and you can give trickle up poverty your best shot. Since it often so offends you, we'll keep our history, our name and our flag.Would you agree to this If so, please pass it along to other like minded liberal and conservative patriots and if you do not agree, just hit delete. In the spirit of friendly parting, I'll bet you ANWAR which one of us will need whose help in 15 years.Sincerely,John J. WallLaw Student and an AmericanP.S. Also, please take Barbara Streisand & Jane Fonda with you.

ONCE AGAIN THIS IS A JOKE! NOT MY PERSONAL OPINION! THIS IS FOR LULZ!

Quote

Dear American liberals, leftists, social progressives, socialists, Marxists and Obama supporters, et al: We have stuck together since the late 1950's, but the whole of this latest election process has made me realize at I want a divorce. I know we tolerated each other for many years for the sake of future generations, but sadly, this relationship has run its course. Our two ideological sides of America cannot and will not ever agree on what is right so let's just end it on friendly terms. We can smile and chalk it up to irreconcilable differences and go our own way. Here is a model separation agreement: Our two groups can equitably divide up the country by landmass each taking a portion. That will be the difficult part, but I am sure our two sides can come to a friendly agreement. After that, it should be relatively easy! Our respective representatives can effortlessly divide other assets since both sides have such distinct and disparate tastes. We don't like redistributive taxes so you can keep them. You are welcome to the liberal judges and the ACLU. Since you hate guns and war, we'll take our firearms, the cops, the NRA and the military. You can keep Oprah, Michael Moore and Rosie O'Donnell (You are, however, responsible for finding a bio-diesel vehicle big enough to move all three of them). We'll keep the capitalism, greedy corporations, pharmaceutical companies, Wal-Mart and Wall Street. You can have your beloved homeless, homeboys, hippies and illegal aliens. We'll keep the hot Alaskan hockey moms, greedy CEO's and rednecks. We'll keep the Bibles and give you NBC and Hollywood . You can make nice with Iran and Palestine and we'll retain the right to invade and hammer places that threaten us. You can have the peaceniks and war protesters. When our allies or our way of life are under assault, we'll help provide them security. We'll keep our Judeo-Christian values.. You are welcome to Islam, Scientology, Humanism and Shirley McClain. You can also have the U.N.. but we will no longer be paying the bill. We'll keep the SUVs, pickup trucks and oversized luxury cars. You can take every Subaru station wagon you can find. You can give everyone healthcare if you can find any practicing doctors. We'll continue to believe healthcare is a luxury and not a right. We'll keep The Battle Hymn of the Republic and the National Anthem. I'm sure you'll be happy to substitute Imagine, I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing, Kum Ba Ya or We Are the World. We'll practice trickle down economics and you can give trickle up poverty your best shot. Since it often so offends you, we'll keep our history, our name and our flag. Would you agree to this? If so, please pass it along to other like minded liberal and conservative patriots and if you do not agree, just hit delete. In the spirit of friendly parting, I'll bet you ANWAR which one of us will need whose help in 15 years. Sincerely, John J. Wall Law Student and an American P.S. Also, please take Barbara Streisand & Jane Fonda with you.

]]> Politics Etc. RobPaulson 2009-10-27T22:25:27-08:00 3 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=457811 No point other than you know that he was absolutely seething inside after this onehttp://polijamblog.polijam.com/p=9704 http://polijamblog.polijam.com/?p=9704 ]]> Politics Etc. srellim234 2009-10-23T06:14:06-08:00 4 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=457716 http://www.thehopeforamerica.com/play.phpid=2298It speaks for itself. http://www.thehopeforamerica.com/play.php?id=2298

It speaks for itself. ]]> Politics Etc. audtatious 2009-10-28T09:44:42-08:00 23 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=457076 I stumbled on a request to see the movie Das Leben der Anderen (The Lives of Others), from one of the Eastern Orthodox podcasts that I frequent. My local library had a copy and I was stunned about how good it was. At the end of the movie I thought, this is the type of movie Michael Moore could only dream of producing. Even though the movie is in German the subtitles are pretty easy to read. The only exception is when there is banter back and fourth. The movie stays on point and does not get overtly political. In a day and age with domestic spying programs still fresh in the minds of Americans, this movie is very relevant. It did a great job in portraying the 1980s DDR (Deutsche Demokratische Republik) and it won favor for mentioning the magazine Der Spiegel. Which to this day still does some of the best political reporting that the United States could learn from. The only detraction that I came away with after watching the movie is that you need to remind yourself, that the lead character in the movie was a Stasi Agent and he is not the hero of the movie. One act of compassion does not necessarily absolve a tenured career in surveillance and interrogation for a very brutal and totalitarian organization. You also didnt get the feeling of any real remorse from the lead character of what he had done in his career after the fall of the Berlin Wall.So being a Foreign Film junkie, I would seriously recommend this movie.bud http://www.thelivesofothers.com/ Even though the movie is in German the subtitles are pretty easy to read. The only exception is when there is banter back and fourth. The movie stays on point and does not get overtly political. In a day and age with domestic spying programs still fresh in the minds of Americans, this movie is very relevant. It did a great job in portraying the 1980s DDR (Deutsche Demokratische Republik) and it won favor for mentioning the magazine Der Spiegel. Which to this day still does some of the best political reporting that the United States could learn from. The only detraction that I came away with after watching the movie is that you need to remind yourself, that the lead character in the movie was a Stasi Agent and he is not the hero of the movie. One act of compassion does not necessarily absolve a tenured career in surveillance and interrogation for a very brutal and totalitarian organization. You also didn’t get the feeling of any real remorse from the lead character of what he had done in his career after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

So being a Foreign Film junkie, I would seriously recommend this movie.
bud

http://www.thelivesofothers.com/ ]]> Politics Etc. Cold_Zero 2009-10-19T09:12:37-08:00 1 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=456778 Ok, so a couple weeks ago i was in the movie theater watching a preview for 2012 when the question came across my mind. Why, whenever there is some sort of crisis that threatens the lives of and unknown number of people in an unknown location, does the president become top priority I mean, given he is the President, but why does he get the right to be protected and we the people generally do notI don't want anyone to ask, "Well if he died, then who would run the country" because that is a stupid question. Even if the president and his whole cabinet were to die, we could just as easily elect a new president, right I mean, given he is the President, but why does he get the right to be protected and we the people generally do not?

I don't want anyone to ask, "Well if he died, then who would run the country?" because that is a stupid question. Even if the president and his whole cabinet were to die, we could just as easily elect a new president, right? ]]> Politics Etc. sedoken 2009-10-29T20:19:57-08:00 10 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=456550 An inside television network memo was leaked recently. It explains how Obama wants the major networks to inject certain shows with specific morals. The memo itself must be read to be believed.http://www.docstoc.com/docs/13226597/eif-docHere is a list of the shows and their level of participation:Quote Show..ParticipationABCAmericas Funniest Home VideosSegmentBrothers and SistersScript, tagCastleTagCougar Town..TagDancing With the Stars..Segment, tagDesperate HousewivesScript, tagEastwick..TagExtreme Makeover: Home Edition..Story line, tagGreys Anatomy.Script, tagHank..TagModern FamilyTagPrivate Practice..Script, tagScrubsTagThe Forgotten..Script, tagUgly Betty.Script, tagAll My Children.Script, tagGeneral Hospital..Script, tagOne Life to LiveScript, tagThe View.Segment, tagJimmy Kimmel Live!..Segment, tagNBC30 Rock..Script, tagAccess HollywoodSegment, tagCommunityScript, tagHeroes.Script, tagParks and Recreation.Script, tagThe Biggest LoserSegment, tagThe Jay Leno ShowSegment, tagThe Office..Script, tagToday..Segment, tagCBSAccidentally on PurposeTagCold Case..Script, tagCriminal Minds..Script, tagCSI: Crime Scene Investigation.Script, tagCSI: Miami.Script, tagCSI: NY..Script, tagGary UnmarriedScript, tagGhost Whisperer..Script, tagHow I Met Your Mother.Script, tagNCISScript, tagNCIS: Los Angeles.TagThe New Adventures of Old Christine..TagNumb3rsScript, tagRules of EngagementScript, tagThe Big Bang Theory.TagThe MentalistTagTwo and a Half MenTagLate Show With David Letterman..Segment, tagFOXAmericas Most WantedSegment, tagBones..TagBrothers.Script, tagCOPS..Segment, tagLie to Me.Script, tagMajor League Baseball..Script,tagSo You Think You Can Dance..Segment, tagTil DeathScript, tagThe Wanda Sykes Show..Future segment, tagThe CWI Pledge..CommittedNickelodeonTeenNick HALO AwardsSegment, tagWeTVThe Locator..TagMy Fair Wedding.TagLifetimeArmy Wives..Future story lineProject RunwayTagRita Rocks.TagSherri..TagBETThe MoNique Show..TagDisney ChannelWizards of Waverly PlaceScriptSonny With a ChanceScriptHannah Montana.ScriptThe Suite Life on Deck..ScriptCNNAmerican Morning..SegmentShowbiz Tonight: HLN..SegmentCMTCMT Top 20 CountdownSegmentCMT InsiderSegmentSyndicated ShowsThe Dr. Oz Show.TagDr. PhilSegment(s), public service announcementEntertainment Tonight / The Insider.Segment, tagExtra: The Entertainment Magazine.TagJerry Springer..TagJudge Jeanine PirroTagJudge Mathis.TagMaury..TagQuoted from:http://bighollywood.breitbart....grams/(i bolded the ones i watch, thats basically every show i watch on television except sons of anarchy.)this... just isnt right... i know they are passing this off as trying to inject 'good morals' into peoples daily entertainment, but what happened to freedom of speech this shouldnt even be a consideration ... big govt shouldnt have any hand in our entertainment... this is sketch to the max. i dont like it. inject certain shows with specific morals. The memo itself must be read to be believed.

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/13226597/eif-doc

Here is a list of the shows and their level of participation:

Quote

Show……………………………………..Participation ABC America’s Funniest Home Videos…………Segment Brothers and Sisters…………………………Script, tag Castle……………………………………………Tag Cougar Town…………………………………..Tag Dancing With the Stars……………………..Segment, tag Desperate Housewives………………………Script, tag Eastwick………………………………………..Tag Extreme Makeover: Home Edition………..Story line, tag Grey’s Anatomy……………………………….Script, tag Hank……………………………………………..Tag Modern Family…………………………………Tag Private Practice………………………………..Script, tag Scrubs……………………………………………Tag The Forgotten…………………………………..Script, tag Ugly Betty……………………………………….Script, tag All My Children………………………………….Script, tag General Hospital………………………………..Script, tag One Life to Live…………………………………Script, tag The View………………………………………….Segment, tag Jimmy Kimmel Live!…………………………..Segment, tag NBC 30 Rock…………………………………………..Script, tag Access Hollywood………………………………Segment, tag Community………………………………………Script, tag Heroes…………………………………………….Script, tag Parks and Recreation………………………….Script, tag The Biggest Loser………………………………Segment, tag The Jay Leno Show……………………………Segment, tag The Office………………………………………..Script, tag Today……………………………………………..Segment, tag CBS Accidentally on Purpose………………………Tag Cold Case………………………………………..Script, tag Criminal Minds…………………………………..Script, tag CSI: Crime Scene Investigation…………….Script, tag CSI: Miami……………………………………….Script, tag CSI: NY…………………………………………..Script, tag Gary Unmarried…………………………………Script, tag Ghost Whisperer………………………………..Script, tag How I Met Your Mother……………………….Script, tag NCIS………………………………………………Script, tag NCIS: Los Angeles…………………………….Tag The New Adventures of Old Christine……..Tag Numb3rs…………………………………………Script, tag Rules of Engagement…………………………Script, tag The Big Bang Theory………………………….Tag The Mentalist……………………………………Tag Two and a Half Men……………………………Tag Late Show With David Letterman…………..Segment, tag FOX America’s Most Wanted………………………Segment, tag Bones……………………………………………..Tag Brothers………………………………………….Script, tag COPS……………………………………………..Segment, tag Lie to Me………………………………………….Script, tag Major League Baseball………………………..Script,tag So You Think You Can Dance?……………..Segment, tag ’Til Death…………………………………………Script, tag The Wanda Sykes Show……………………..Future segment, tag The CW I Pledge…………………………………………..Committed Nickelodeon TeenNick HALO Awards………………………Segment, tag WeTV The Locator……………………………………..Tag My Fair Wedding……………………………….Tag Lifetime Army Wives……………………………………..Future story line Project Runway…………………………………Tag Rita Rocks……………………………………….Tag Sherri……………………………………………..Tag BET The Mo’Nique Show…………………………..Tag Disney Channel Wizards of Waverly Place……………………Script Sonny With a Chance…………………………Script Hannah Montana……………………………….Script The Suite Life on Deck………………………..Script CNN American Morning……………………………..Segment Showbiz Tonight: HLN………………………..Segment CMT CMT Top 20 Countdown………………………Segment CMT Insider………………………………………Segment Syndicated Shows The Dr. Oz Show……………………………….Tag Dr. Phil……………………………………………Segment(s), public service announcement Entertainment Tonight / The Insider……….Segment, tag Extra: The Entertainment Magazine……….Tag Jerry Springer…………………………………..Tag Judge Jeanine Pirro……………………………Tag Judge Mathis…………………………………….Tag Maury……………………………………………..Tag

Quoted from:
http://bighollywood.breitbart....grams/
(i bolded the ones i watch, thats basically every show i watch on television except sons of anarchy.)

this... just isnt right... i know they are passing this off as trying to inject 'good morals' into peoples daily entertainment, but what happened to freedom of speech? this shouldnt even be a consideration ... big govt shouldnt have any hand in our entertainment... this is sketch to the max. i dont like it. ]]> Politics Etc. RobPaulson 2009-10-22T17:38:59-08:00 61 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=456229 What the title says, I don't know where to begin. Every day it seems like someone wants me to vote for this or that, and it seems insurmountable. I don't expect my votes to instantly change the whole world all at once, so I am realistic in that sense. I was raised in a household where political correctness just wasn't part of the daily score, annual score, or hardly any scores. I do care about certain things, and I don't want to be trodden on by some elected prick who doesn't, in my opinion, deserve to be who he or she is. How can I get a handle on this I want to be more active. Politics Etc. seang 2009-10-20T21:28:26-08:00 30 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=455341 http://hannity.blogs.foxnews.c...night/That is a direct link to an article with part of the videos I don't know if the rest have been posted yet.Anyway, about the videos, I thought it was a pretty fair debate. Moore seems to put across the liberal doctrine in a way that is a little more (no pun intended) understandable to me. Hannity didn't just yell his head off over the top of Moore like he usually does to his liberal guests. I'd say it was the first real political debate since the McCain Obama debates during their campaigning. Watch the videos and tell me what you think.I don't think either party 'won' the debate but I think there are lots of Conservatives (like myself) that will understand Liberalism better after watching the video. It's nice to know all Liberals aren't like Howie and Jacko. http://hannity.blogs.foxnews.c...night/

That is a direct link to an article with part of the videos I don't know if the rest have been posted yet.

Anyway, about the videos, I thought it was a pretty fair debate. Moore seems to put across the liberal doctrine in a way that is a little more (no pun intended) understandable to me. Hannity didn't just yell his head off over the top of Moore like he usually does to his liberal guests. I'd say it was the first real political debate since the McCain Obama debates during their campaigning.

Watch the videos and tell me what you think.

I don't think either party 'won' the debate but I think there are lots of Conservatives (like myself) that will understand Liberalism better after watching the video. It's nice to know all Liberals aren't like Howie and Jacko. ]]> Politics Etc. dusred 2009-11-09T16:43:39-08:00 3 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=455247 http://www.naturalnews.com/027....htmlnothing like criminals' killing you softly with thier love. Hope this work's out.Did you know the h1n1 i think it is or 71 maybe,cant remember.But its been put in our flue vaccines since 78 i believe.Something to research. http://www.naturalnews.com/027....html

nothing like criminals' killing you softly with thier love. Hope this work's out.Did you know the h1n1 i think it is or 71 maybe,cant remember.But its been put in our flue vaccines since 78 i believe.Something to research. ]]> Politics Etc. diamondj30 2009-10-10T10:59:16-08:00 2 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=455183 Just read how the government is going to start requiring a whole bunch more stuff on cars, which is going to make them heavier and more expensive. This is the same government that just spent billions of our dollars to bail the "big 3" out because they couldn't make any money, and is requiring them to get better economy. Some of these things make sense, but I do not want a computer telling me how to or monitoring how I drive. On my Q, I can hit a button and shut the traction control system off, but I have a friend with a crown vic, and he has to pull his fuse to disable his system. If the govt requires these things, shutting them off and disabling will probably not be an option without some serious workarounds. Imagine buying a GT-R, and then having the computer shut it down every time the tires break loose or you try to drift a little bit.Here's the list of new requirements: [URL][/URL] http://www.automedia.com/Auto_...1ss/1 Here's the list of new requirements: [URL][/URL] http://www.automedia.com/Auto_...1ss/1 ]]> Politics Etc. carnuted 2009-10-30T19:12:04-08:00 44 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=455182 I received a call from Stockholm Sweden today, apparently I won the Noble Prize in Physics. Apparently I just made the nomination deadline as I started my Physics career in February 2009 and even though I have not accomplished anything yet in my new field (Astrophysics), the Academy wanted to encourage me in my career and all the things I plan to do in the field.I hear the gal that won the prize in Literature wrote a b****in FaceBook Note entitled, "30 Things about Herta Muller." Good job Herta! I hear the gal that won the prize in Literature wrote a b****in FaceBook Note entitled, "30 Things about Herta Muller." Good job Herta! ]]> Politics Etc. Cold_Zero 2009-10-09T08:05:38-08:00 2 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=455178 WTF!! hes communist though......and I digress ...and I digress ]]> Politics Etc. Koshin 2009-10-17T12:09:49-08:00 76 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=455056 Wonder how this will play out.Personally i think they should rot in jail for their abundant war crimes.Not lounge in paraque or dubia,lol.Hopefull they have a hard time getting off airplanes in other lands in not so distant future.Cheney forget's,this is the information age.Doesnt take 40 years for people to find out what government's been doing.We get updated daily,lol.PRESS RELEASE FOR JUSTICE FOR IRAQ:LEGAL CASE FILED AGAINST FOUR US PRESIDENTS AND FOUR UK PRIME MINISTERS FOR WAR CRIMES, CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY AND GENOCIDE IN IRAQFor immediate release [Spanish]Date: 7 October 2009 MADRID: Today the Spanish Senate, acting to confirm a decision already taken under pressure from powerful governments accused of grave crimes, will limit Spain’s laws of universal jurisdiction. Yesterday, ahead of the change of law, a legal case was filed at the Audiencia Nacional against four United States presidents and four United Kingdom prime ministers for commissioning, condoning and/or perpetuating multiple war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Iraq. This case, naming George H W Bush, William J Clinton, George W Bush, Barack H Obama, Margaret Thatcher, John Major, Anthony Blair and Gordon Brown, is brought by Iraqis and others who stand in solidarity with the Iraqi people and in defence of their rights and international law. Iraq: 19 years of intended destruction The intended destruction — or genocide — of Iraq as a state and nation has been ongoing for 19 years, combining the imposition of the most draconian sanctions regime ever designed and that led to 1.5 million Iraqi deaths, including 500,000 children, with a war of aggression that led to the violent deaths of over one million more. Destroying Iraq included the purposeful targeting of its water and sanitation system, attacking the health of the civilian population. Since 1990, thousands of tons of depleted uranium have been dropped on Iraq, leading in some places to a 600 per cent rise in cancer and leukaemia cases, especially among children. In both the first Gulf War and “Shock and Awe” in 2003, an air campaign that openly threatened “total destruction”, waves of disproportionate bombing made no distinction between military and civilian targets, with schools, hospitals, mosques, churches, shelters, residential areas, and historical sites all destroyed. Destroying Iraq included promoting, funding and organizing sectarian and ethnic groups bent on dividing Iraq into three or more sectarian or ethnic entities, backed by armed militias that would terrorize the Iraqi people. Since 2003, some 4.7 million Iraqis — one fifth of the population — have been forcibly displaced. Under occupation, kidnappings, killings, extortion and mutilation became endemic, targeting men, women and even children and the elderly. Destroying Iraq included purposefully dismantling the state by refusing to stop or stem or by instigating mass looting, and by engaging in ideological persecution, entailing “manhunting”, extrajudicial assassinations, mass imprisonment and torture, of Baathists, the entire educated class of the state apparatus, religious and linguistic minorities and Arab Sunnis, resulting in the total collapse of all public services and other economic functions and promoting civil strife and systematic corruption. In parallel, Iraq’s rich heritage and unique cultural and archaeological patrimony has been wantonly destroyed. In order to render Iraq dependent on US and UK strategic designs, successive US and UK governments have attempted to partition Iraq and to establish by military force a pro-occupation Iraqi government and political system. They have promoted and engaged in the massive plunder of Iraqi natural resources, attempting to privatize this property and wealth of the Iraqi nation. Humanity at stake This is but the barest summary of the horrors Iraq has endured, based on lies that nobody but cowed governments and complicit media believed. In 2003, millions worldwide were mobilized in opposition to US/UK plans. In going ahead, the US and UK launched an illegal war of aggression. Accountability has not been established. The persons named in this case have each played a key role in Iraq’s intended destruction. They instigated, supported, condoned, rationalized, executed and/or perpetuated or excused this destruction based on lies and narrow strategic and economic interests, and against the will of their own people. Allowing those responsible to escape accountability means such actions could be repeated elsewhere. It is imperative now to establish accountability for US and UK war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in Iraq because: Every Iraqi victim deserves justice. Everyone responsible should be accountable. We are before immoral and unlawful acts, contrary to the basis on which the international order of state sovereignty and peace and security rests. Whereas the official international justice system is closed before the suffering of those that imperialism makes a target, through this case we try to open a channel whereby the conscience of humanity can express its solidarity with justice for victims of imperial crimes. Ad Hoc Committee For Justice For Iraq Press contacts: Hana Al Bayaty, Executive Committee, BRussells Tribunal+34 657 52 70 77 or +20 10 027 7964 (English and French) hanaalbayaty@gmail.com Dr Ian Douglas, Executive Committee, BRussells Tribunal, coordinator, International Initiative to Prosecute US Genocide in Iraq+20 12 167 1660 (English) iandouglas@USgenocide.org Amanda Nuredin, +34 657 52 70 77 (Spanish) justiciaparairak@gmail.com Abdul Ilah Albayaty, Executive Committee, BRussells Tribunal+33 471 461 197 (Arabic) albayaty_abdul@hotmail.com PRESS RELEASE

FOR JUSTICE FOR IRAQ:

LEGAL CASE FILED AGAINST

FOUR US PRESIDENTS

AND FOUR UK PRIME MINISTERS

FOR WAR CRIMES, CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY

AND GENOCIDE IN IRAQ

For immediate release

[Spanish]

Date: 7 October 2009

MADRID: Today the Spanish Senate, acting to confirm a decision already taken under pressure from powerful governments accused of grave crimes, will limit Spain’s laws of universal jurisdiction. Yesterday, ahead of the change of law, a legal case was filed at the Audiencia Nacional against four United States presidents and four United Kingdom prime ministers for commissioning, condoning and/or perpetuating multiple war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Iraq.

This case, naming George H W Bush, William J Clinton, George W Bush, Barack H Obama, Margaret Thatcher, John Major, Anthony Blair and Gordon Brown, is brought by Iraqis and others who stand in solidarity with the Iraqi people and in defence of their rights and international law.

Iraq: 19 years of intended destruction

The intended destruction — or genocide — of Iraq as a state and nation has been ongoing for 19 years, combining the imposition of the most draconian sanctions regime ever designed and that led to 1.5 million Iraqi deaths, including 500,000 children, with a war of aggression that led to the violent deaths of over one million more.

Destroying Iraq included the purposeful targeting of its water and sanitation system, attacking the health of the civilian population. Since 1990, thousands of tons of depleted uranium have been dropped on Iraq, leading in some places to a 600 per cent rise in cancer and leukaemia cases, especially among children. In both the first Gulf War and “Shock and Awe” in 2003, an air campaign that openly threatened “total destruction”, waves of disproportionate bombing made no distinction between military and civilian targets, with schools, hospitals, mosques, churches, shelters, residential areas, and historical sites all destroyed.

Destroying Iraq included promoting, funding and organizing sectarian and ethnic groups bent on dividing Iraq into three or more sectarian or ethnic entities, backed by armed militias that would terrorize the Iraqi people. Since 2003, some 4.7 million Iraqis — one fifth of the population — have been forcibly displaced. Under occupation, kidnappings, killings, extortion and mutilation became endemic, targeting men, women and even children and the elderly.

Destroying Iraq included purposefully dismantling the state by refusing to stop or stem or by instigating mass looting, and by engaging in ideological persecution, entailing “manhunting”, extrajudicial assassinations, mass imprisonment and torture, of Baathists, the entire educated class of the state apparatus, religious and linguistic minorities and Arab Sunnis, resulting in the total collapse of all public services and other economic functions and promoting civil strife and systematic corruption.

In parallel, Iraq’s rich heritage and unique cultural and archaeological patrimony has been wantonly destroyed.

In order to render Iraq dependent on US and UK strategic designs, successive US and UK governments have attempted to partition Iraq and to establish by military force a pro-occupation Iraqi government and political system. They have promoted and engaged in the massive plunder of Iraqi natural resources, attempting to privatize this property and wealth of the Iraqi nation.

Humanity at stake

This is but the barest summary of the horrors Iraq has endured, based on lies that nobody but cowed governments and complicit media believed. In 2003, millions worldwide were mobilized in opposition to US/UK plans. In going ahead, the US and UK launched an illegal war of aggression. Accountability has not been established.

The persons named in this case have each played a key role in Iraq’s intended destruction. They instigated, supported, condoned, rationalized, executed and/or perpetuated or excused this destruction based on lies and narrow strategic and economic interests, and against the will of their own people. Allowing those responsible to escape accountability means such actions could be repeated elsewhere.

It is imperative now to establish accountability for US and UK war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in Iraq because:

Every Iraqi victim deserves justice.

Everyone responsible should be accountable.

We are before immoral and unlawful acts, contrary to the basis on which the international order of state sovereignty and peace and security rests. Whereas the official international justice system is closed before the suffering of those that imperialism makes a target, through this case we try to open a channel whereby the conscience of humanity can express its solidarity with justice for victims of imperial crimes.

Ad Hoc Committee For Justice For Iraq

Press contacts:

Hana Al Bayaty, Executive Committee, BRussells Tribunal

+34 657 52 70 77 or +20 10 027 7964 (English and French) hanaalbayaty@gmail.com

Dr Ian Douglas, Executive Committee, BRussells Tribunal, coordinator, International Initiative to Prosecute US Genocide in Iraq

+20 12 167 1660 (English) iandouglas@USgenocide.org

Amanda Nuredin, +34 657 52 70 77 (Spanish) justiciaparairak@gmail.com

Abdul Ilah Albayaty, Executive Committee, BRussells Tribunal

+33 471 461 197 (Arabic) albayaty_abdul@hotmail.com ]]> Politics Etc. diamondj30 2009-10-13T11:07:28-08:00 17 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=454966 Obesity is a complex issue, and addressing it is important for all Americans. We at the Coca-Cola company are committed to working with government and health organizations to implement effective solutions to address this problem.But a number of public-health advocates have already come up with what they think is the solution: heavy taxes on some routine foods and beverages that they have decided are high in calories. The taxes, the advocates acknowledge, are intended to limit consumption of targeted foods and help you to accept the diet that they have determined is best.In cities and states across Americaand even at the federal levelthis idea is getting increased attention despite its regressive nature and inherent illogic.While it is true that since the 1970s Americans have increased their average caloric intake by 12%, they also have become more sedentary. According to the National Center for Health Statistics 2008 Chartbook, 39% of adults in the U.S. are not engaging in leisure physical activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that 60% of Americans are not regularly active and 25% of Americans are not active at all. The average American spends the equivalent of 60 days a year in front of a television, according to a 2008 A.C. Nielsen study. This same research data show that the average time spent playing video games in the U.S. went up by 25% during the last four years.If we're genuinely interested in curbing obesity, we need to take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that it's not just about calories in. It's also about calories out.Our industry has become an easy target in this debate. Sugar-sweetened beverages have been singled out in spite of the fact that soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks and sweetened bottled water combined contribute 5.5% of the calories in the average American diet, according to the National Cancer Institute. It's difficult to understand why the beverages we and others provide are being targeted as the primary cause of weight gain when 94.5% of caloric intake comes from other foods and beverages.Those pushing for this tax lack some essential facts, not to mention some basic common sense. Over the past 20 years, the average caloric content of soft drinks has dropped by nearly 25%. This is due in large part to a determined focus by our company and others on the diet/light category with brands like Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero and Powerade Zero. Even soft drinks with sugar, like Coca-Cola, contain no more calories (140 calories in a can) than some common snacks, breakfast foods and most desserts served up daily in millions of American homes. And while obesity rates have skyrocketed, sales of regular soft drinks decreased by nearly 10% from 2000 to 2008, according to the industry publication Beverage Digest.So where are all of the extra calories in the American diet coming from Research from the United States Department of Agriculture shows that added sugars, as a percentage of total daily available calories, have declined 11% since 1970. Yet the percent of calories from added fats and flour/cereal products has increased 35% and 13%, respectively, during that same time period.Will a soft drink tax change behavior Two states currently have a tax on sodasWest Virginia and Arkansasand they are among the states with the highest rates of obesity in the nation.Obesity is a serious problem. We know that. And we agree that Americans need to be more active and take greater responsibility for their diets. But are soft drinks the cause I would submit to you that they are no more so than some other productsand a lot less than many, many others.As a leader in our industry, we have a role to play in solving this issue. Globally, we have led the industry for nearly 30 years with innovations across the diet and light beverage categories. Today, more than 25% of our global beverage portfolio is comprised of low- or no-calorie beverages.Policy makers should stop spending their valuable time demonizing an industry that directly employs more than 220,000 people in the U.S., and through supporting industries, an additional three million. Instead, business and government should come together to help encourage greater physical activity and sensible eating and drinking, while allowing Americans to enjoy the simple pleasure of a Coca-Cola.Mr. Kent is CEO of the Coca-Cola Company. http://online.wsj.com/article/...oriesAnyone else feel this is simply a way for the Gov to fill coffers But a number of public-health advocates have already come up with what they think is the solution: heavy taxes on some routine foods and beverages that they have decided are high in calories. The taxes, the advocates acknowledge, are intended to limit consumption of targeted foods and help you to accept the diet that they have determined is best.

In cities and states across America—and even at the federal level—this idea is getting increased attention despite its regressive nature and inherent illogic.

While it is true that since the 1970s Americans have increased their average caloric intake by 12%, they also have become more sedentary. According to the National Center for Health Statistics 2008 Chartbook, 39% of adults in the U.S. are not engaging in leisure physical activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that 60% of Americans are not regularly active and 25% of Americans are not active at all. The average American spends the equivalent of 60 days a year in front of a television, according to a 2008 A.C. Nielsen study. This same research data show that the average time spent playing video games in the U.S. went up by 25% during the last four years.

If we're genuinely interested in curbing obesity, we need to take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that it's not just about calories in. It's also about calories out.

Our industry has become an easy target in this debate. Sugar-sweetened beverages have been singled out in spite of the fact that soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks and sweetened bottled water combined contribute 5.5% of the calories in the average American diet, according to the National Cancer Institute. It's difficult to understand why the beverages we and others provide are being targeted as the primary cause of weight gain when 94.5% of caloric intake comes from other foods and beverages.

Those pushing for this tax lack some essential facts, not to mention some basic common sense. Over the past 20 years, the average caloric content of soft drinks has dropped by nearly 25%. This is due in large part to a determined focus by our company and others on the diet/light category with brands like Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero and Powerade Zero. Even soft drinks with sugar, like Coca-Cola, contain no more calories (140 calories in a can) than some common snacks, breakfast foods and most desserts served up daily in millions of American homes. And while obesity rates have skyrocketed, sales of regular soft drinks decreased by nearly 10% from 2000 to 2008, according to the industry publication Beverage Digest.

So where are all of the extra calories in the American diet coming from? Research from the United States Department of Agriculture shows that added sugars, as a percentage of total daily available calories, have declined 11% since 1970. Yet the percent of calories from added fats and flour/cereal products has increased 35% and 13%, respectively, during that same time period.

Will a soft drink tax change behavior? Two states currently have a tax on sodas—West Virginia and Arkansas—and they are among the states with the highest rates of obesity in the nation.

Obesity is a serious problem. We know that. And we agree that Americans need to be more active and take greater responsibility for their diets. But are soft drinks the cause? I would submit to you that they are no more so than some other products—and a lot less than many, many others.

As a leader in our industry, we have a role to play in solving this issue. Globally, we have led the industry for nearly 30 years with innovations across the diet and light beverage categories. Today, more than 25% of our global beverage portfolio is comprised of low- or no-calorie beverages.

Policy makers should stop spending their valuable time demonizing an industry that directly employs more than 220,000 people in the U.S., and through supporting industries, an additional three million. Instead, business and government should come together to help encourage greater physical activity and sensible eating and drinking, while allowing Americans to enjoy the simple pleasure of a Coca-Cola.

Mr. Kent is CEO of the Coca-Cola Company.
http://online.wsj.com/article/...ories

Anyone else feel this is simply a way for the Gov to fill coffers? ]]> Politics Etc. audtatious 2009-10-16T23:18:41-08:00 33 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=454798 By now, we've all heard or seen former President Carter's allegation that criticism of BO's administration is racially motivated:"I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he's African-American" "...have been influenced to a major degree by a belief that he should not be president because he happens to be African American. It's a racist attitude..." He's been joined by such political heavyweights ( ) as Bill Cosby and Walter Mondale, who support and defend the "criticism is racially motivated" position...Now, keeping in mind that this is the SAME Jimmy Carter who, during last year's Democratic Convention, referred to Barack Obama as "this black boy"... but I digress.We all know that the surest way to shut down ALL further debate on a topic is to accuse one's opponent of racism - There's simply no ground to be gained after that. Kanye's stupid a$$ did it after Hurricane Katrina, and he was dead wrong - But it incited ill feelings, and slammed the door on any meaningful discussion.Given that we're seeing this strategy used by seemingly intelligent people, let me ask: HOW can someone criticize the current administration's positions and policies WITHOUT being branded a "racist"Were the Black GWB detractors all racist I doubt it.So where do we go from here If our current President pulls a bonehead move, is no one free to speak out, for fear of being unfairly labeled "I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he's African-American"

"...have been influenced to a major degree by a belief that he should not be president because he happens to be African American. It's a racist attitude..."

He's been joined by such political heavyweights ( ) as Bill Cosby and Walter Mondale, who support and defend the "criticism is racially motivated" position...

Now, keeping in mind that this is the SAME Jimmy Carter who, during last year's Democratic Convention, referred to Barack Obama as "this black boy"... but I digress.

We all know that the surest way to shut down ALL further debate on a topic is to accuse one's opponent of racism - There's simply no ground to be gained after that.

Kanye's stupid a$$ did it after Hurricane Katrina, and he was dead wrong - But it incited ill feelings, and slammed the door on any meaningful discussion.

Given that we're seeing this strategy used by seemingly intelligent people, let me ask: HOW can someone criticize the current administration's positions and policies WITHOUT being branded a "racist"?

Were the Black GWB detractors all racist? I doubt it.

So where do we go from here? If our current President pulls a bonehead move, is no one free to speak out, for fear of being unfairly labeled? ]]> Politics Etc. AZhitman 2009-11-04T02:38:43-08:00 52 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=454792 Bilderbergers Want Global Currency Now James P. Tucker, Jr.American Free PressThursday, Oct 1st, 2009Bilderberg has had front-men call anew for creating a global currency and establishing major European Union-style regions for the administrative convenience of a planned world government. Both steps were taken in September, one by the new Bilderberg-crowned prime minister of Japan and one separately by the UN.The Geneva-based UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) called for a global currency in a report made public on September 7. UN countries should agree on a global reserve bank to issue the currency and to monitor the national exchange rates of its members, UNCTAD said. The dollar’s role in international trade should be reduced to protect emerging markets from the “confidence game” of financial speculation, it said.Heiner Flassbeck, a former German deputy finance minister, is co-author of the report calling for a global currency. He worked with then U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers in 1997-98 to contain the Asian financial crisis. Summers is a longtime Bilderberg luminary and has been photographed by AFP at annual secret Bilderberg confabs.Eliminating national currencies has long been a goal of Bilderberg as a crucial step in its plan to establish a world government. A nation’s currency is a symbol of sovereignty, so Bilderberg wants to divide the world into three giant regions, each with its regional currency, for the administrative convenience of its world government bureaucrats.Bilderberg used its immense power to get Yukio Hatoyama’s Democratic Party of Japan elected over the Liberal Democratic Party, which had led the nation for 64 years. Hatoyama obediently called for an Asian economic bloc, similar to the EU, complete with a regional currency.Bilderberg’s goal is an “Asian-Pacific Union” and an “American Union,” both modeled after the EU. The EU has its common currency, the euro, and a European Parliament that can impose laws on the once sovereign nations of Europe and a European Court superior to the highest courts of member states. The EU is effectively a single super-state.The “American Union” is to evolve from the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, as it extends throughout the Western Hemisphere. The common currency is to be the “amero.” Fortunately, Bilderberg’s efforts in the Western Hemisphere have been stalled but the campaign continues using “free trade” propaganda.Ultimately, the UN is to function as a world government with the General Assembly serving as a world parliament. Bilderberg, a secret organization of international financiers and political leaders, will serve as a world shadow government that dictates to the UN.I think thier crashing us on purpose.Im leveraged in gold and silver I dont let the bank hold my savings.I dont like to feed thier ponzi system,lol..The more it goes down,the more money i make....Maybe next year when home prices bottom i can find some allodial land if i can get it..I want to own my property outright but probly wont happen.Neveda and texas to hot for me now.I dont want to be a slave to the bankers!!! Max keiser always gets it right.great economist.I like watching his weekly show. http://www.youtube.com/watchv=zWnLr2JEn1w
James P. Tucker, Jr.
American Free Press
Thursday, Oct 1st, 2009

Bilderberg has had front-men call anew for creating a global currency and establishing major European Union-style regions for the administrative convenience of a planned world government. Both steps were taken in September, one by the new Bilderberg-crowned prime minister of Japan and one separately by the UN.

The Geneva-based UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) called for a global currency in a report made public on September 7. UN countries should agree on a global reserve bank to issue the currency and to monitor the national exchange rates of its members, UNCTAD said. The dollar’s role in international trade should be reduced to protect emerging markets from the “confidence game” of financial speculation, it said.

Heiner Flassbeck, a former German deputy finance minister, is co-author of the report calling for a global currency. He worked with then U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers in 1997-98 to contain the Asian financial crisis. Summers is a longtime Bilderberg luminary and has been photographed by AFP at annual secret Bilderberg confabs.

Eliminating national currencies has long been a goal of Bilderberg as a crucial step in its plan to establish a world government. A nation’s currency is a symbol of sovereignty, so Bilderberg wants to divide the world into three giant regions, each with its regional currency, for the administrative convenience of its world government bureaucrats.

Bilderberg used its immense power to get Yukio Hatoyama’s Democratic Party of Japan elected over the Liberal Democratic Party, which had led the nation for 64 years. Hatoyama obediently called for an Asian economic bloc, similar to the EU, complete with a regional currency.

Bilderberg’s goal is an “Asian-Pacific Union” and an “American Union,” both modeled after the EU. The EU has its common currency, the euro, and a European Parliament that can impose laws on the once sovereign nations of Europe and a European Court superior to the highest courts of member states. The EU is effectively a single super-state.

The “American Union” is to evolve from the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, as it extends throughout the Western Hemisphere. The common currency is to be the “amero.” Fortunately, Bilderberg’s efforts in the Western Hemisphere have been stalled but the campaign continues using “free trade” propaganda.

Ultimately, the UN is to function as a world government with the General Assembly serving as a world parliament. Bilderberg, a secret organization of international financiers and political leaders, will serve as a world shadow government that dictates to the UN.

I think thier crashing us on purpose.Im leveraged in gold and silver I dont let the bank hold my savings.I dont like to feed thier ponzi system,lol..The more it goes down,the more money i make....Maybe next year when home prices bottom i can find some allodial land if i can get it..I want to own my property outright but probly wont happen.Neveda and texas to hot for me now.I dont want to be a slave to the bankers!!!

Max keiser always gets it right.great economist.I like watching his weekly show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWnLr2JEn1w ]]> Politics Etc. diamondj30 2009-10-13T18:22:43-08:00 40 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=454779 This idiocy *should* horrify Christians and Conservatives (big C!) alike.It takes an awful lot of nerve to think you're qualified to extensively re-write the Word of God because parts of it don't match your political sensibilities. http://conservapedia.com/Conse...ehood I think that any of us who have studied the Bible could point out places where we happen to think that it may have been poorly translated or where original intent was misrepresented, but to say that one is going to re-write is as "conservative" on a wholesale basis is utter lunacy.I would troll the snot out of this site, but it seems that half the western world is already doing that. It takes an awful lot of nerve to think you're qualified to extensively re-write the Word of God because parts of it don't match your political sensibilities.

http://conservapedia.com/Conse...ehood

I think that any of us who have studied the Bible could point out places where we happen to think that it may have been poorly translated or where original intent was misrepresented, but to say that one is going to re-write is as "conservative" on a wholesale basis is utter lunacy.

I would troll the snot out of this site, but it seems that half the western world is already doing that. ]]> Politics Etc. HashiriyaS14 2009-10-08T15:47:19-08:00 16 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=454767 I literally received this a few minutes ago from my cousin's son ... he makes damn good sense as always. Please read it.Just as an FYI ... like myself, Waqar is a Muslim. He is married to a wonderful girl, Maureen, who is Irish Catholic. Their marriage in Washington, D.C. about five years ago, was conducted by both a Catholic Priest and a Muslim Imam going through the multiple religious observances. A joyous occasion for all of us present.I certainly hope and pray that Waqar and Maureen and the rest of his generation - and later ones too - continue to know, deep in their souls and their being, why it is important to be human first and anything else (political or religious or ethnic or other) second.The rest of us (particularly the old farts like me and others everywhere in the world) can do a lot better ... we need to learn the same respect for each other as human beings.Rest in peace, Captain Ben Sklaver.ZMaureen and I lost one of our best friends from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy this past Friday, when Ben Sklaver was killed in a suicide bombing attack in Muscheh, Afghanistan. Ben was a captain in the U.S. Army. He was in the civil affairs unit, which means it was his job to go into the places that none of us want to go to, and bring clean water, medicine, and books, and build wells, hospitals, and schools, for the people who need them the most. We don't know much about how Ben died yet, but he died alongside a fellow soldier and his translator, which makes me think he died doing what he did best: trying to talk to people and make friends.I met Ben on the first day of Fletcher, and we were close ever since. He was ridiculously funny, a genius at crossing cultural and linguistic barriers, and always ready to talk and listen. A diplomat in the truest sense of the word.Ben was also intensely loyal, not just as an American, but as a friend. When Maureen and I first started dating at Fletcher, Ben told her, "I'm so happy for you guys! You look really happy together! You just make sense. You belong with each other. And by the way, if you hurt Waqar, I'll break your legs." So those of you who have been wondering how I managed to marry a woman so far above my league can probably thank Ben for scaring the living daylights out of her. Ben obviously had an impact everywhere he went, because yesterday his whole hometown stopped to pay their respects. The police shut down several freeways and the center of town for his funeral procession, and people of all ages and colors came out to line the streets, waving flags and saluting. It was one of the most moving things I have ever seen, yet I wish I never saw it. One thing that Ben and I frequently talked about was how stupid and irrational it was for Muslims and Jews to fight all the time, when we have so much in common. Ben broke fast with me during Ramadan, and I celebrated Yom Kippur with him, and we always wondered why the rest of the world couldn't grow up, act like adults, and do the same. I remember once, not long after 9/11, he told me how he heard some people speaking ill of Muslims and Islam, and how he interrupted them and said, "well, let me tell you about this guy I know named Waqar..." So I'd like to return the favor, albeit a bit late. The next time you hear someone speaking about the massive global Jewish conspiracy, or someone speculating about how all the Jewish workers were evacuated beforehand from the World Trade Center, or someone trying to justify the use of suicide bombers in Israel and Palestine because the victims are Jewish, interrupt them and tell them about my friend Ben, who died bringing clean water to Muslims in a village in Afghanistan, because they didn't have any, and he did. Just as an FYI ... like myself, Waqar is a Muslim. He is married to a wonderful girl, Maureen, who is Irish Catholic. Their marriage in Washington, D.C. about five years ago, was conducted by both a Catholic Priest and a Muslim Imam going through the multiple religious observances. A joyous occasion for all of us present.

I certainly hope and pray that Waqar and Maureen and the rest of his generation - and later ones too - continue to know, deep in their souls and their being, why it is important to be human first and anything else (political or religious or ethnic or other) second.

The rest of us (particularly the old farts like me and others everywhere in the world) can do a lot better ... we need to learn the same respect for each other as human beings.

Rest in peace, Captain Ben Sklaver.

Z

Maureen and I lost one of our best friends from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy this past Friday, when Ben Sklaver was killed in a suicide bombing attack in Muscheh, Afghanistan. Ben was a captain in the U.S. Army. He was in the civil affairs unit, which means it was his job to go into the places that none of us want to go to, and bring clean water, medicine, and books, and build wells, hospitals, and schools, for the people who need them the most. We don't know much about how Ben died yet, but he died alongside a fellow soldier and his translator, which makes me think he died doing what he did best: trying to talk to people and make friends.

I met Ben on the first day of Fletcher, and we were close ever since. He was ridiculously funny, a genius at crossing cultural and linguistic barriers, and always ready to talk and listen. A diplomat in the truest sense of the word.

Ben was also intensely loyal, not just as an American, but as a friend. When Maureen and I first started dating at Fletcher, Ben told her, "I'm so happy for you guys! You look really happy together! You just make sense. You belong with each other. And by the way, if you hurt Waqar, I'll break your legs." So those of you who have been wondering how I managed to marry a woman so far above my league can probably thank Ben for scaring the living daylights out of her.

Ben obviously had an impact everywhere he went, because yesterday his whole hometown stopped to pay their respects. The police shut down several freeways and the center of town for his funeral procession, and people of all ages and colors came out to line the streets, waving flags and saluting. It was one of the most moving things I have ever seen, yet I wish I never saw it.

One thing that Ben and I frequently talked about was how stupid and irrational it was for Muslims and Jews to fight all the time, when we have so much in common. Ben broke fast with me during Ramadan, and I celebrated Yom Kippur with him, and we always wondered why the rest of the world couldn't grow up, act like adults, and do the same. I remember once, not long after 9/11, he told me how he heard some people speaking ill of Muslims and Islam, and how he interrupted them and said, "well, let me tell you about this guy I know named Waqar..." So I'd like to return the favor, albeit a bit late. The next time you hear someone speaking about the massive global Jewish conspiracy, or someone speculating about how all the Jewish workers were evacuated beforehand from the World Trade Center, or someone trying to justify the use of suicide bombers in Israel and Palestine because the victims are Jewish, interrupt them and tell them about my friend Ben, who died bringing clean water to Muslims in a village in Afghanistan, because they didn't have any, and he did. ]]> Politics Etc. szhosain 2009-11-07T00:10:37-08:00 15 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=454568 some funny stuff.http://www.informationclearing...6.htmjohn pilgers take.http://coto2.wordpress.com/200...taboo/to me pilger is a top notch journalist!!! Modified by diamondj30 at 1:48 PM 10/6/2009 http://www.informationclearing...6.htm
john pilgers take.
http://coto2.wordpress.com/200...taboo/

to me pilger is a top notch journalist!!!

Modified by diamondj30 at 1:48 PM 10/6/2009 ]]> Politics Etc. diamondj30 2009-10-29T20:37:20-08:00 12 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=454542 So here is the SNL skit:http://www.hulu.com/watch/9994...dressPretty funny. Not too serious. All in good fun with some points being made. Serious lulz @ the t-shirt joke.Then i found this article:http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/ynews_pl942 @ article, translation: "aw cmon guys, he's trying" http://www.hulu.com/watch/9994...dress

Pretty funny. Not too serious. All in good fun with some points being made. Serious lulz @ the t-shirt joke.

Then i found this article:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/ynews_pl942

@ article, translation: "aw cmon guys, he's trying" ]]> Politics Etc. RobPaulson 2009-10-06T11:16:59-08:00 1 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=454113 http://www.ynetnews.com/articl....htmlI think they should be held to task like anyone else.Heck, thier not even an allie.lol.They screw us all the time.Dual citazins of israel shouldnt be allowed in our government either.Used to be law's against that.like against nazi working in our government too.they overturn that law.Now were ran by nazi's.lmao.They Kill our reporters,hold americans and we dont say crap.Sorry i spell like einstein now days.And giving these war criminals money is just plain wrong.Why should they health care paid by us.yet we dont get crapzionist state is illegal anyway.Damn sykes and pico agreement and balford decleration.. shouldnt be giving others land away!!This spell's out our servatude to the racist state israelhttp://www.informationclearing...7.htmour fine political leaders at work.http://www.youtube.com/watchv...ex=13Modified by diamondj30 at 1:38 PM 10/4/2009 Modified by diamondj30 at 3:07 PM 10/4/2009 http://www.ynetnews.com/articl....html

I think they should be held to task like anyone else.Heck, thier not even an allie.lol.They screw us all the time.Dual citazins of israel shouldnt be allowed in our government either.Used to be law's against that.like against nazi working in our government too.they overturn that law.Now were ran by nazi's.lmao.They Kill our reporters,hold americans and we dont say crap.Sorry i spell like einstein now days.And giving these war criminals money is just plain wrong.Why should they health care paid by us.yet we dont get crap?zionist state is illegal anyway.Damn sykes and pico agreement and balford decleration.. shouldnt be giving others land away!!
This spell's out our servatude to the racist state israel
http://www.informationclearing...7.htm

our fine political leaders at work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...ex=13

Modified by diamondj30 at 1:38 PM 10/4/2009

Modified by diamondj30 at 3:07 PM 10/4/2009 ]]> Politics Etc. diamondj30 2009-10-29T20:37:47-08:00 29 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=453767 http://www.gunslot.com/picture...ilityShould be interesting. http://www.gunslot.com/picture...ility

Should be interesting.
]]> Politics Etc. diamondj30 2009-10-18T21:27:11-08:00 63 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=453763 http://rawstory.com/blog/2009/...-town/I dont think foriegn merinaries should be taking over towns in the u.s.Pretty much it,lol.better updaye....Paul Joseph Watson Prison Planet.com Thursday, October 1, 2009 UPDATE: Blackwater Claims APF Illegally Using Logos, Material UPDATE: The American Police Force website page which clearly states that they run the Blackwater-controlled U.S. Training Center is back online here. American Police Force, the paramilitary unit patrolling a small town in Montana, has been exposed as being a front group for the disgraced private military contractor Blackwater, now called "Xe". The American Police Force website, on a page that has swiftly been deleted but remains cached here, states that APF runs the "U.S. Training Center," which proves "a wide range of instruction and training for all types of law enforcement organizations, from basic firearms training to complex SWAT tactics," according to the website. The Blackwater website carries on its contact page the following address, underneath the logo for U.S. Training Center. Xe Services, LLC PO Box 1029 Moyock, NC 27958 Xe Services LLC is the new name of Blackwater USA. In addition, the U.S. Training Center contact page carries the exact same address. PO Box 1029 Moyock, NC 27958 The U.S. Training Center is run by Blackwater. Indeed, The U.S. Training Center website, can be accessed via Blackwater's forwarding URL at http://www.blackwaterusa.com/. According to a February 2009 NY Times article, the U.S. Training Center is a Blackwater "subsidiary that conducts much of the company's overseas operations and domestic training." Blackwater changed the name of the facility from its old title, Blackwater Lodge and Training Center, earlier this this when they also changed their own name to "Xe". Since Blackwater runs the U.S. Training Center, and the American Police Force stated on its own website, before it was deleted this morning, that it also runs the U.S. Training Center. This means that either APF is lying about running the U.S. Training Center and is therefore effectively posing as Blackwater, or APF and Blackwater are one and the same. CLICK FOR ENLARGEMENT: The American Police Force website, on a page that has now been deleted, states that the organization runs the U.S. Training Center. CLICK FOR ENLARGEMENT: From Blackwater's USA's website with the U.S. Training Center logo at the top. CLICK FOR ENLARGEMENT: From the U.S. Training Center website, the contact address is the same as on the Blckwater site becaue Blackwater owns the U.S. Training Center. A domain registry check confirms that the U.S. Training Center website is registered to XE Services. The fact that American Police Force attempted to hide the link by deleting the page on their website is further evidence that they are trying to conceal the fact that they are nothing more than a front group for Blackwater. The U.S. Training Center is the training facility for Blackwater's front group, American Police Force. This means that the new training facility that "American Police Force" are trying to build in Hardin is another Blackwater training facility. This also means that Blackwater troops, under the guise of "American Police Force" have been patrolling Hardin, posing as law enforcement, and are also attempting to boss the $27 million dollar detention center recently built in the Montana town. Many people have expressed suspicions that the convicted criminal running "American Police Force," Michael Hilton, is not really the leader of the company and is merely a go between for his bosses. This is now confirmed by the revelation that APF is a front group for Blackwater. APF's reticence to divulge who their parent company was to reporters is also explained by the fact that they are a Blackwater front. As the videos below discuss, Blackwater has been widely attacked for its involvement in atrocities in Iraq and Afghanistan. To have such individuals patrolling the streets of American towns posing as law enforcement and manning detention camps is a chilling precedent and all the more reason why American Police Force - or Blackwater as we should now call them - should be kicked out of Hardin immediately and face criminal charges for violating article 2 section 33 of the Montana Constitution. Modified by diamondj30 at 12:54 PM 10/2/2009 http://rawstory.com/blog/2009/...-town/

I dont think foriegn merinaries should be taking over towns in the u.s.Pretty much it,lol.

better updaye....
Paul Joseph Watson
Prison Planet.com
Thursday, October 1, 2009

UPDATE: Blackwater Claims APF Illegally Using Logos, Material

UPDATE: The American Police Force website page which clearly states that they run the Blackwater-controlled U.S. Training Center is back online here.

American Police Force, the paramilitary unit patrolling a small town in Montana, has been exposed as being a front group for the disgraced private military contractor Blackwater, now called "Xe".

The American Police Force website, on a page that has swiftly been deleted but remains cached here, states that APF runs the "U.S. Training Center," which proves "a wide range of instruction and training for all types of law enforcement organizations, from basic firearms training to complex SWAT
tactics," according to the website.

The Blackwater website carries on its contact page the following address, underneath the logo for U.S. Training Center.

Xe Services, LLC
PO Box 1029
Moyock, NC 27958

Xe Services LLC is the new name of Blackwater USA. In addition, the U.S. Training Center contact page carries the exact same address.

PO Box 1029
Moyock, NC 27958

The U.S. Training Center is run by Blackwater. Indeed, The U.S. Training Center website, can be accessed via Blackwater's forwarding URL at http://www.blackwaterusa.com/.

According to a February 2009 NY Times article, the U.S. Training Center is a Blackwater "subsidiary that conducts much of the company's overseas operations and domestic training." Blackwater changed the name of the facility from its old title, Blackwater Lodge and Training Center, earlier this this when they also changed their own name to "Xe".

Since Blackwater runs the U.S. Training Center, and the American Police Force stated on its own website, before it was deleted this morning, that it also runs the U.S. Training Center. This means that either APF is lying about running the U.S. Training Center and is therefore effectively posing
as Blackwater, or APF and Blackwater are one and the same.

CLICK FOR ENLARGEMENT: The American Police Force website, on a page that has now been deleted, states that the organization runs the U.S. Training Center.

CLICK FOR ENLARGEMENT: From Blackwater's USA's website with the U.S. Training Center logo at the top.

CLICK FOR ENLARGEMENT: From the U.S. Training Center website, the contact address is the same as on the Blckwater site becaue Blackwater owns the U.S. Training Center.

A domain registry check confirms that the U.S. Training Center website is registered to XE Services.

The fact that American Police Force attempted to hide the link by deleting the page on their website is further evidence that they are trying to conceal the fact that they are nothing more than a front group for Blackwater.

The U.S. Training Center is the training facility for Blackwater's front group, American Police Force. This means that the new training facility that "American Police Force" are trying to build in Hardin is another Blackwater training facility.

This also means that Blackwater troops, under the guise of "American Police Force" have been patrolling Hardin, posing as law enforcement, and are also attempting to boss the $27 million dollar detention center recently built in the Montana town.

Many people have expressed suspicions that the convicted criminal running "American Police Force," Michael Hilton, is not really the leader of the company and is merely a go between for his bosses. This is now confirmed by the revelation that APF is a front group for Blackwater.

APF's reticence to divulge who their parent company was to reporters is also explained by the fact that they are a Blackwater front.

As the videos below discuss, Blackwater has been widely attacked for its involvement in atrocities in Iraq and Afghanistan. To have such individuals patrolling the streets of American towns posing as law enforcement and manning detention camps is a chilling precedent and all the more reason why
American Police Force - or Blackwater as we should now call them - should be kicked out of Hardin immediately and face criminal charges for violating article 2 section 33 of the Montana Constitution.

Modified by diamondj30 at 12:54 PM 10/2/2009 ]]> Politics Etc. diamondj30 2009-10-03T10:55:26-08:00 2 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=453488 A friend of mine sent this to me today. It's a twenty first century twist on an old fable. Thought you would enjoy it.Don Bailey: The Ant and Grasshopper Fable...Old and New VersionsThe Ant and Grasshopper Fable...Old and New Versions OLD VERSION: The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold. MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for yourself! MODERN VERSION: The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving. CBS, NBC , PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. America is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper, and everybody cries when they sing, 'It's Not Easy Being Green.' Jesse Jackson stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the group singing, 'We shall overcome.' Jesse then has the group kneel down to pray to God for the grasshopper's sake.. Nancy Pelosi & John Kerry exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share. Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity & Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the summer. The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the government. The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around him because he doesn't maintain it. The ant has disappeared in the snow. The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once peaceful neighborhood. MORAL OF THE STORY: Be careful how you vote in 2010! Don Bailey: The Ant and Grasshopper Fable...Old and New Versions

The Ant and Grasshopper Fable...Old and New Versions
OLD VERSION:

The ant works hard in the withering
heat all summer long,
building his house and laying up supplies for the
winter.
The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and
laughs and dances and
plays the summer away.
Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed.
The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he
dies out in the cold.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for
yourself!





MODERN VERSION:


The ant works hard in the withering heat all
summer long, building his
house and laying up supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and
laughs and dances and
plays the summer away.
Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a
press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to
be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.
CBS, NBC , PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide
pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant
in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.
America is stunned by the sharp contrast.
How can this be, that in a country of such
wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?
Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the
grasshopper, and everybody
cries when they sing, 'It's Not Easy
Being Green.'
Jesse Jackson stages a demonstration in front of
the ant's house where
the news stations film the group singing, 'We
shall overcome.' Jesse
then has the group kneel down to pray to God for
the grasshopper's sake..
Nancy Pelosi & John Kerry exclaim in an
interview with Larry King
that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the
grasshopper, and both
call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make
him pay his fair share.
Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity
& Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the
summer.
The ant is fined for failing to hire a
proportionate number of green
bugs and, having nothing left to pay his
retroactive taxes, his home
is confiscated by the government.
The story ends as we see the grasshopper
finishing up the last bits of
the ant's food while the government house he
is in, which just happens
to be the ant's old house, crumbles around
him because he doesn't maintain it.
The ant has disappeared in the snow.
The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related
incident and the
house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of
spiders who terrorize the once peaceful neighborhood.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Be careful how you vote
in 2010!
]]> Politics Etc. nissangirl74 2009-10-03T10:59:55-08:00 5 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=453452 By ANDREW TAYLOR (AP) 7 hours agoWASHINGTON Up against a midnight deadline to avoid a government shutdown, the Senate passed legislation Wednesday that temporarily would extend spending on most federal programs at current levels while raising Congress' budget by 6 percent.The measure, approved by a 62-38 vote that sends it to President Obama's desk, would keep the government open for one more month. Obama is virtually certain to sign it before day's end.The legislation also would patch over problems in the struggling postal service and pay for soon-to-expire highway programs for an additional month as well. The stopgap measure is needed because Congress has failed to complete work on the 11 remaining spending bills for agency budgets.The community activist group ACORN was in line for another hit as Democrats added langauge saying the organization could not receive federal dollars under the stopgap measure or any prior legislation. ACORN has received federal funds for providing counseling to homeowners facing foreclosure and helping people eligible for food stamps apply for the program.ACORN, short for the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, has come under fire over a set of videotapes made by conservative activists that show, among other things, employees offering advice about how to establish a brothel with underage prostitutes.The underlying legislation is a $4.7 billion measure covering Congress' budget for the fiscal year beginning Thursday. That spending bill was chosen because it can't be amended before going to Obama, which saves time and spares Democrats potentially difficult votes.It's not unusual for Congress to tack such stopgap bills onto other spending measures to speed them along. But by choosing the legislative branch bill to be the first measure presented to the president, majority Democrats opened themselves to GOP criticism that they were putting their own budgets ahead of agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security."This is the worst display that I have ever seen in my years of service in the Congress," said Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla. "We have the audacity to take care of us before we take care of the rest of America."Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., took aim at $500,000 included to notify constituents about town hall meetings, even though people packed such events in August."Has anybody had any trouble lately having people come to their town hall meetings," McCain said. "We need to spend $500,000 additional to notify people"Congress was rewarding itself with a 6 percent budget boost, though the $51 million increase for the House office budget account represents an 8 percent increase. There's also a big jump in spending to repair House office buildings, including a $50 million to refurbish the oldest one.The Senate gave itself a 6 percent boost for its office accounts.The Postal Service could delay $4 billion in payments due next month to a health care fund for retirees. Some $5.4 billion is supposed to be paid, but officials say they don't have enough money to make the payment.The measure also would extend the federal highway program for one month. Congress is working on a three-month extension.The stopgap legislation would extend funding for the operating budgets of Cabinet departments and other agencies at current levels through Oct. 31. Exceptions would be made for the Census Bureau, which gets a big infusion to prepare for next year's count, and veterans' medical programs, both of which would operate at increases.Also Wednesday, House-Senate negotiators closed out talks on a final compromise version of a $33.5 billion measure funding energy and water projects and a $121.1 billion agriculture spending measure.---------------------------------------------------------Raising their budgets by 6% in this crappy economy is crap. Why can't they complete work on their 11 spending bills Too busy trying to buy Dem votes for UH and Cap & Trade pet projects.1/2 mil for town hall meetings More Gov failure running a service..... WASHINGTON — Up against a midnight deadline to avoid a government shutdown, the Senate passed legislation Wednesday that temporarily would extend spending on most federal programs at current levels while raising Congress' budget by 6 percent.

The measure, approved by a 62-38 vote that sends it to President Obama's desk, would keep the government open for one more month. Obama is virtually certain to sign it before day's end.

The legislation also would patch over problems in the struggling postal service and pay for soon-to-expire highway programs for an additional month as well. The stopgap measure is needed because Congress has failed to complete work on the 11 remaining spending bills for agency budgets.

The community activist group ACORN was in line for another hit as Democrats added langauge saying the organization could not receive federal dollars under the stopgap measure or any prior legislation. ACORN has received federal funds for providing counseling to homeowners facing foreclosure and helping people eligible for food stamps apply for the program.

ACORN, short for the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, has come under fire over a set of videotapes made by conservative activists that show, among other things, employees offering advice about how to establish a brothel with underage prostitutes.

The underlying legislation is a $4.7 billion measure covering Congress' budget for the fiscal year beginning Thursday. That spending bill was chosen because it can't be amended before going to Obama, which saves time and spares Democrats potentially difficult votes.

It's not unusual for Congress to tack such stopgap bills onto other spending measures to speed them along. But by choosing the legislative branch bill to be the first measure presented to the president, majority Democrats opened themselves to GOP criticism that they were putting their own budgets ahead of agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security.

"This is the worst display that I have ever seen in my years of service in the Congress," said Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla. "We have the audacity to take care of us before we take care of the rest of America."

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., took aim at $500,000 included to notify constituents about town hall meetings, even though people packed such events in August.

"Has anybody had any trouble lately having people come to their town hall meetings," McCain said. "We need to spend $500,000 additional to notify people?"

Congress was rewarding itself with a 6 percent budget boost, though the $51 million increase for the House office budget account represents an 8 percent increase. There's also a big jump in spending to repair House office buildings, including a $50 million to refurbish the oldest one.

The Senate gave itself a 6 percent boost for its office accounts.

The Postal Service could delay $4 billion in payments due next month to a health care fund for retirees. Some $5.4 billion is supposed to be paid, but officials say they don't have enough money to make the payment.

The measure also would extend the federal highway program for one month. Congress is working on a three-month extension.

The stopgap legislation would extend funding for the operating budgets of Cabinet departments and other agencies at current levels through Oct. 31. Exceptions would be made for the Census Bureau, which gets a big infusion to prepare for next year's count, and veterans' medical programs, both of which would operate at increases.

Also Wednesday, House-Senate negotiators closed out talks on a final compromise version of a $33.5 billion measure funding energy and water projects and a $121.1 billion agriculture spending measure.

---------------------------------------------------------

Raising their budgets by 6% in this crappy economy is crap.

Why can't they complete work on their 11 spending bills? Too busy trying to buy Dem votes for UH and Cap & Trade pet projects.

1/2 mil for town hall meetings?

More Gov failure running a service..... ]]> Politics Etc. audtatious 2009-10-01T00:45:41-08:00 1 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=453351 http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/new...lanes"ARLINGTON, Va. - There's a new turn in the debate over high occupancy toll lanes or HOT lanes.A lawsuit filed by Arlington County last month claims the lanes benefit wealthy white people and discriminates against minorities. While the only rule to get in the HOV lanes on Interstate 395 is you must have three people in the car, Arlington claims adding HOT lanes would cut out poor and minorities by defacto. "........Are we on our way to another civil melt down Everything is labeled as racism so much more today than it was even a couple years ago. http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/new...lanes

"ARLINGTON, Va. - There's a new turn in the debate over high occupancy toll lanes or HOT lanes.

A lawsuit filed by Arlington County last month claims the lanes benefit wealthy white people and discriminates against minorities. While the only rule to get in the HOV lanes on Interstate 395 is you must have three people in the car, Arlington claims adding HOT lanes would cut out poor and minorities by defacto. "

........

Are we on our way to another civil melt down? Everything is labeled as racism so much more today than it was even a couple years ago. ]]> Politics Etc. audtatious 2009-10-06T05:54:47-08:00 9 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=453338 If I didn't have to work--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In the health care debate in Washington, D.C., it's clear: If the insurance companies win, we lose!For years, American insurance companies have been more about corporate greed than patient need. Insurance executives have lined their pockets at record rates while our health insurance premiums went up three times faster than wages and four times faster than general inflation.It's a crime that insurance companies rack up profits by denying patients treatment even when doctors recommend it, by discriminating against people with pre-existing conditins, and by keeping premiums and out-of-pocket costs high so that care is unaffordable even for those who have insurance. It's a crime that 64% of all bankruptcies are caused by medical debt. It's a crime that every 12 minutes someone dies because an insurance company denies them care.Enough is enough! It's time we send a clear message to insurance company CEOs and executives - "Stop Denying Our Care!" Join us on Tuesday, October 6th at 12:00 p.m. for an "Insurance Crimes Against Patients" Protest outside of the corporate offices of Horizon BlueCross BlueShield New Jersey. Help us raise public awareness of insurance industry bad practices! "Insurance Crimes Against Patients" ProtestTuesday, October 6, 2009 at 12:00 p.m.Horizon BlueCross BlueShield New Jersey3 Penn Plaza East, Newark, NJ 07102It's time for Congress to take our side! We need good health care we can afford with the choice of a national public health insurance option!To RSVP for this event, please contact James Woodson at 732-246-4772, ext. 26 or james@njcitizenaction.org. Hope to see you there!Sincerely, Phyllis Salowe-KayeNJCA Executive DirectorNJ Health Care For America Now Partners: 1199 SEIU Health Care Workers East, AFL-CIO NJ, AFSCME Council 1, Alliance for Disabled in Action Inc, BlueWave NJ, CWA District One, CWA Local 1032, Democracia Ahora NJ, Family Voices NJ, Garden State Equality, Grassroots4Change, Health Care for AllNJ, Health Professionals and Allied Employees, Hispanic Directors Association of NJ, Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministries of NJ, Mighty Middlesex Advocates, Monmouth For Change, National Alliance for Filipino Concerns, National Association of Social Workers NJ Chapter, New Jersey Citizen Action, New Jersey Education Association, New Jersey Region of the Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring, New Jersey West Hudson Valley Council Union for Reform Judaism, New Labor, NEXT STEP, North Jersey Grassroots, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of New Jersey Council, SEIU New Jersey State Council, South Jersey Grassroots, Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1360, and the Womens Opportunity CenterMailing Address:New Jersey Citizen Action2 Riverside Drive, Suite 632Camden, NJ 08103 US Perhaps many who have lost jobs, been laid off or retired will attendTelcoman --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the health care debate in Washington, D.C., it's clear: If the insurance companies win, we lose!
For years, American insurance companies have been more about corporate greed than patient need. Insurance executives have lined their pockets at record rates while our health insurance premiums went up three times faster than wages and four times faster than general inflation.
It's a crime that insurance companies rack up profits by denying patients treatment even when doctors recommend it, by discriminating against people with pre-existing conditins, and by keeping premiums and out-of-pocket costs high so that care is unaffordable even for those who have insurance. It's a crime that 64% of all bankruptcies are caused by medical debt. It's a crime that every 12 minutes someone dies because an insurance company denies them care.
Enough is enough! It's time we send a clear message to insurance company CEOs and executives - "Stop Denying Our Care!"
Join us on Tuesday, October 6th at 12:00 p.m. for an "Insurance Crimes Against Patients" Protest outside of the corporate offices of Horizon BlueCross BlueShield New Jersey. Help us raise public awareness of insurance industry bad practices!
"Insurance Crimes Against Patients" Protest
Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 12:00 p.m.
Horizon BlueCross BlueShield New Jersey
3 Penn Plaza East, Newark, NJ 07102
It's time for Congress to take our side! We need good health care we can afford with the choice of a national public health insurance option!
To RSVP for this event, please contact James Woodson at 732-246-4772, ext. 26 or james@njcitizenaction.org.
Hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Phyllis Salowe-Kaye
NJCA Executive Director
NJ Health Care For America Now Partners: 1199 SEIU Health Care Workers East, AFL-CIO NJ, AFSCME Council 1, Alliance for Disabled in Action Inc, BlueWave NJ, CWA District One, CWA Local 1032, Democracia Ahora NJ, Family Voices NJ, Garden State Equality, Grassroots4Change, Health Care for All—NJ, Health Professionals and Allied Employees, Hispanic Directors Association of NJ, Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministries of NJ, Mighty Middlesex Advocates, Monmouth For Change, National Alliance for Filipino Concerns, National Association of Social Workers NJ Chapter, New Jersey Citizen Action, New Jersey Education Association, New Jersey Region of the Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring, New Jersey West Hudson Valley Council Union for Reform Judaism, New Labor, NEXT STEP, North Jersey Grassroots, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of New Jersey Council, SEIU New Jersey State Council, South Jersey Grassroots, Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1360, and the Women’s Opportunity Center

Mailing Address:
New Jersey Citizen Action
2 Riverside Drive, Suite 632
Camden, NJ 08103
US

Perhaps many who have lost jobs, been laid off or retired will attend?

Telcoman ]]> Politics Etc. telcoman 2009-10-01T21:47:51-08:00 5 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=453312 It's about time our senators finally got some balls.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33...eform/http://www.washingtonpost.com/...ub=ARTelcoman http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33...eform/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/...ub=AR

Telcoman ]]> Politics Etc. telcoman 2009-10-05T16:01:10-08:00 21 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=453282 .....for the Global Warming alarmists.....Seems the tree ring data that Gore and the IPCC have used as proof of Global Warming has finally been shown to be a bunch of poo as the data was selected to show warming...."How the global warming industry is based on one MASSIVE lie "http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/n...e-lie/http://joannenova.com.au/2009/...tions/http://joannenova.com.au/2009/...teers/It's nice when data is not released to be rebutted..... Seems the tree ring data that Gore and the IPCC have used as proof of Global Warming has finally been shown to be a bunch of poo as the data was selected to show warming....

"How the global warming industry is based on one MASSIVE lie "
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/n...e-lie/

http://joannenova.com.au/2009/...tions/

http://joannenova.com.au/2009/...teers/

It's nice when data is not released to be rebutted..... ]]> Politics Etc. audtatious 2009-10-29T12:12:12-08:00 67 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=452997 http://www.gop.gov/wtas/09/09/...op-edI urge everyone to write to their local representative to sign this piece of legislation which would require all non-emergency legislation to be posted online, in final form, for at least 72 hours prior to a floor vote. With dems. getting nervous about losing health care reform support, they are trying to push it through without giving everyone a chance to read the bill in its entirety. Do the right thing... http://www.gop.gov/wtas/09/09/...op-ed

I urge everyone to write to their local representative to sign this piece of legislation which would require all non-emergency legislation to be posted online, in final form, for at least 72 hours prior to a floor vote. With dems. getting nervous about losing health care reform support, they are trying to push it through without giving everyone a chance to read the bill in its entirety. Do the right thing... ]]> Politics Etc. EvillE423 2009-10-02T11:30:34-08:00 8 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=452406 I think that this is the best of possible outcomes. Justice served.Flag burner pilloried in Valley Falls By BOB GARDINIER, Staff writerLast updated: 2:47 p.m., Friday, September 25, 2009VALLEY FALLS -- Some veterans in this community resorted to some medieval punishment after a village man burned the American flag on a pole in front of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post. The young man, whose name was not released, was duct taped to the pole by veterans for about six hours last Sunday with a sign around his neck accusing him of being a flag burner.A picture of the punishment is posted on http://www.facebook.com/VFWFans and the VFW's national Web site http://www.vfw.org.He was pilloried while the village held its fall youth soccer picnic, which included a long parade of children passing the man tied to the pole.''He'll never disrespect the flag again, I can tell you that,'' post Commander Nick Normile, a Vietnam War veteran, said today.Normile said the man came into the post's bar last Friday night on Poplar Avenue for a drink but was turned away because he had no ID.Angered, the man went outside, lowered the flag which hung for a time in Iraq, and set it on fire with a cigarette lighter.Upset with the destruction, Normile and other post members went to find the man and came across him Sunday.They gave him some options.''Let's just say we gave him three options and he took number three,'' Normile said. ''I would rather not say what the first two were.''A spokesman for the national VFW organization did not return a call for comment.The flag will be properly disposed of during a ceremony in the near future, Normile said.http://www.timesunion.com/AspS...Sfq6U
Flag burner pilloried in Valley Falls

By BOB GARDINIER, Staff writer
Last updated: 2:47 p.m., Friday, September 25, 2009

VALLEY FALLS -- Some veterans in this community resorted to some medieval punishment after a village man burned the American flag on a pole in front of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post.

The young man, whose name was not released, was duct taped to the pole by veterans for about six hours last Sunday with a sign around his neck accusing him of being a flag burner.

A picture of the punishment is posted on http://www.facebook.com/VFWFans and the VFW's national Web site http://www.vfw.org.

He was pilloried while the village held its fall youth soccer picnic, which included a long parade of children passing the man tied to the pole.

''He'll never disrespect the flag again, I can tell you that,'' post Commander Nick Normile, a Vietnam War veteran, said today.

Normile said the man came into the post's bar last Friday night on Poplar Avenue for a drink but was turned away because he had no ID.

Angered, the man went outside, lowered the flag which hung for a time in Iraq, and set it on fire with a cigarette lighter.

Upset with the destruction, Normile and other post members went to find the man and came across him Sunday.

They gave him some options.

''Let's just say we gave him three options and he took number three,'' Normile said. ''I would rather not say what the first two were.''

A spokesman for the national VFW organization did not return a call for comment.

The flag will be properly disposed of during a ceremony in the near future, Normile said.

http://www.timesunion.com/AspS...Sfq6U

]]> Politics Etc. NY94J30 2009-10-02T14:49:10-08:00 29 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=452305 Before I begin discussion of a current event that is threatening Canadian sovereignty I must first give a little background information on a man known here as the Prince of Pot.Marc Emery grew up in London Ontario and at the age of seventeen he dropped out of high school to open his own shop selling books. Immediately he became engulfed in rights issues and began lobbying to change laws that put the harshest restrictions on free will. After repeated threats of jail time, Marc continued to leave his shop open on Sundays; something that was against the law there at the time. He was eventually jailed for a weekend. Once he realized that it was illegal to print any marijuana related material he continued to do so and after not being charged he handed out books and pamphlets in front of the local police station, still without any charges. With his consistent pressure marijuana related publications were legalized.In the 90's Marc relocated to Vancouver where he opened a marijuana seed selling business and started a revolution. Now although here in Canada selling seeds is technically illegal, it is very rarely enforced. In fact in the past thirty five years there is only one precedent setting case where a man received a $200 fine. For ten years Marc sold seeds mostly unbothered by the Canadian government and rightfully so; they collected over $500,000 in taxes he claimed listing his occupation as a marijuana seed seller.Now unlike the dozens of other seed sellers (including one across the street from his store) Marc, being the loudmouth activist he is, began a crusade on marijuana reform. He founded the British Columbia Marijuana Party, has ran in several elections, created and continues to publish Cannabis Culture magazine and tour the country educating people on the medical benefits of marijuana and how its prohibition is more destructive than the plant itself.Meanwhile in the United States the Drug Enforcement Agency was developing a list of their 50 most dangerous drug offenders. Above organized criminals like the Hell's Angels with chapters and members all throughout the country, above all the drug smugglers South of the US border placed Marc Emery. The DEA had branded one seed selling marijuana activist as one of the most dangerous men in the whole world. According to them, Marc has sold marijuana seeds that have destroyed American families and ruined the quality of American life only they have yet to actually produce any physical evidence as his seeds can produce male plants known as hemp which actually has the potential to be one of the most environmentally friendly solutions to many of the materials you use everyday. That; however, is a story for another day. Its also important to note that Marc has never set foot on American soil for his business purpose. His seeds were delivered through mail. Marc has invested nearly everything he made from his business back into marijuana reform. Instead of buying property, expanding his business or other ventures to increase his net worth he put approx %90 of earnings back into marijuana reform.After countless years sitting by watching the RCMP let Marc continue to freely operate his business they had decided that enough was enough and they would take business into their own hands. In 2005, once they had evidence of consenting US adults exercising their choice to buy seeds from a Canadian business they ordered Marc's arrest (and the arrest of two of his employees) and RCMP raided his store in front of his wife, customers and friends on the DEA's request. Marc was charged with conspiracy to sell marijuana (which he has never done) and conspiracy to sell marijuana seeds. The Canadian government did not press any charges against him. On the same day of Marc's arrest, Karen Tandy, administrator for the DEA, released the following letter identifying the real reason for Marc's arrest:Today's DEA arrest of Marc Scott Emery, publisher of Cannabis Culture Magazine, and the founder of a marijuana legalization group -- is a significant blow not only to the marijuana trafficking trade in the U.S. and Canada, but also to the marijuana legalization movement.His marijuana trade and propagandist marijuana magazine have generated nearly $5 million a year in profits that bolstered his trafficking efforts, but those have gone up in smoke today.Emery and his organization had been designated as one of the Attorney General's most wanted international drug trafficking organizational targets -- one of only 46 in the world and the only one from Canada.Hundreds of thousands of dollars of Emery's illicit profits are known to have been channeled to marijuana legalization groups active in the United States and Canada. Drug legalization lobbyists now have one less pot of money to rely on.The arrest had nothing to do with his seed selling business and everything to do with his political activity. The DEA knew that as long as Marc kept educating Canadians on how prohibition encourages organized crime, fills American prisons with non violent offenders and continues to waste trillions of tax payer dollars on another failed war they would have a difficult time forcing their ideals on the Canadian government. They are biting their tongue now after remembering Canadian law stating that the government will not extradite one of their own based on that person's political actions.Originally Marc was threatened with life imprisonment for his seed selling (you still haven't forgotten that the country he is from does not even care to pursue this 'crime' let alone prosecute for it, have you) His co-accused, Greg Williams and Michelle Rainey, were also looking at serving some time in a US jail. Michelle, a Crones sufferer has a Canadian legal license to grow and smoke cannabis for her illness and without she would be in a consistent gut retching pain. Unfortunately, the US government doesn't hold the same views of medical pot as its Canadian counterpart so as far as Michelle was concerned she was really looking at death in prison. After fighting for four years he scored a deal that would allow Greg and Michelle to serve no time and himself a 5 year sentence. This sentence was to be served in a US 'alien' jail designed for non-Americans. These jails are almost entirely populated by gangs, organized criminals and drug lords. There are no rehabilitation or education programs like are extended to American criminals. 5 years of some of the hardest time one can serve.Marc has a hearing scheduled for September 28th here in Vancouver. He will be held in prison here for up to 60 days before being transferred to a Seattle prison and then the 'alien' jail. News of his struggles has been all over major Canadian media in the past week and rallies on his behalf were held in every US state, every Canadian province, as well as countries across the globe.On September 28th the Canadian legal system bends over for the US government and takes one more step to strip its people of their rights (to be tried in Canadian courts and if found guilty serve time in a Canadian prison). The implications of the case threaten every Canadians future as well as tarnish the US government once more."I am a Canadian,free to speak without fear,free to worship in my own way,free to stand for what I think right,free to oppose what I believe wrong, orfree to choose those who shall govern my country.This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind."-John G Diefenbaker: Former Canadian Prime Minister Modified by notslow at 3:00 PM 9/25/2009 Marc Emery grew up in London Ontario and at the age of seventeen he dropped out of high school to open his own shop selling books. Immediately he became engulfed in rights issues and began lobbying to change laws that put the harshest restrictions on free will. After repeated threats of jail time, Marc continued to leave his shop open on Sundays; something that was against the law there at the time. He was eventually jailed for a weekend. Once he realized that it was illegal to print any marijuana related material he continued to do so and after not being charged he handed out books and pamphlets in front of the local police station, still without any charges. With his consistent pressure marijuana related publications were legalized.

In the 90's Marc relocated to Vancouver where he opened a marijuana seed selling business and started a revolution. Now although here in Canada selling seeds is technically illegal, it is very rarely enforced. In fact in the past thirty five years there is only one precedent setting case where a man received a $200 fine. For ten years Marc sold seeds mostly unbothered by the Canadian government and rightfully so; they collected over $500,000 in taxes he claimed listing his occupation as a marijuana seed seller.

Now unlike the dozens of other seed sellers (including one across the street from his store) Marc, being the loudmouth activist he is, began a crusade on marijuana reform. He founded the British Columbia Marijuana Party, has ran in several elections, created and continues to publish Cannabis Culture magazine and tour the country educating people on the medical benefits of marijuana and how its prohibition is more destructive than the plant itself.

Meanwhile in the United States the Drug Enforcement Agency was developing a list of their 50 most dangerous drug offenders. Above organized criminals like the Hell's Angels with chapters and members all throughout the country, above all the drug smugglers South of the US border placed Marc Emery. The DEA had branded one seed selling marijuana activist as one of the most dangerous men in the whole world. According to them, Marc has sold marijuana seeds that have destroyed American families and ruined the quality of American life only they have yet to actually produce any physical evidence as his seeds can produce male plants known as hemp which actually has the potential to be one of the most environmentally friendly solutions to many of the materials you use everyday. That; however, is a story for another day. Its also important to note that Marc has never set foot on American soil for his business purpose. His seeds were delivered through mail. Marc has invested nearly everything he made from his business back into marijuana reform. Instead of buying property, expanding his business or other ventures to increase his net worth he put approx %90 of earnings back into marijuana reform.

After countless years sitting by watching the RCMP let Marc continue to freely operate his business they had decided that enough was enough and they would take business into their own hands. In 2005, once they had evidence of consenting US adults exercising their choice to buy seeds from a Canadian business they ordered Marc's arrest (and the arrest of two of his employees) and RCMP raided his store in front of his wife, customers and friends on the DEA's request. Marc was charged with conspiracy to sell marijuana (which he has never done) and conspiracy to sell marijuana seeds. The Canadian government did not press any charges against him. On the same day of Marc's arrest, Karen Tandy, administrator for the DEA, released the following letter identifying the real reason for Marc's arrest:

Today's DEA arrest of Marc Scott Emery, publisher of Cannabis Culture Magazine, and the founder of a marijuana legalization group -- is a significant blow not only to the marijuana trafficking trade in the U.S. and Canada, but also to the marijuana legalization movement.

His marijuana trade and propagandist marijuana magazine have generated nearly $5 million a year in profits that bolstered his trafficking efforts, but those have gone up in smoke today.

Emery and his organization had been designated as one of the Attorney General's most wanted international drug trafficking organizational targets -- one of only 46 in the world and the only one from Canada.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars of Emery's illicit profits are known to have been channeled to marijuana legalization groups active in the United States and Canada. Drug legalization lobbyists now have one less pot of money to rely on.

The arrest had nothing to do with his seed selling business and everything to do with his political activity. The DEA knew that as long as Marc kept educating Canadians on how prohibition encourages organized crime, fills American prisons with non violent offenders and continues to waste trillions of tax payer dollars on another failed war they would have a difficult time forcing their ideals on the Canadian government. They are biting their tongue now after remembering Canadian law stating that the government will not extradite one of their own based on that person's political actions.

Originally Marc was threatened with life imprisonment for his seed selling (you still haven't forgotten that the country he is from does not even care to pursue this 'crime' let alone prosecute for it, have you?) His co-accused, Greg Williams and Michelle Rainey, were also looking at serving some time in a US jail. Michelle, a Crones sufferer has a Canadian legal license to grow and smoke cannabis for her illness and without she would be in a consistent gut retching pain. Unfortunately, the US government doesn't hold the same views of medical pot as its Canadian counterpart so as far as Michelle was concerned she was really looking at death in prison.

After fighting for four years he scored a deal that would allow Greg and Michelle to serve no time and himself a 5 year sentence. This sentence was to be served in a US 'alien' jail designed for non-Americans. These jails are almost entirely populated by gangs, organized criminals and drug lords. There are no rehabilitation or education programs like are extended to American criminals. 5 years of some of the hardest time one can serve.

Marc has a hearing scheduled for September 28th here in Vancouver. He will be held in prison here for up to 60 days before being transferred to a Seattle prison and then the 'alien' jail. News of his struggles has been all over major Canadian media in the past week and rallies on his behalf were held in every US state, every Canadian province, as well as countries across the globe.

On September 28th the Canadian legal system bends over for the US government and takes one more step to strip its people of their rights (to be tried in Canadian courts and if found guilty serve time in a Canadian prison). The implications of the case threaten every Canadians future as well as tarnish the US government once more.

"I am a Canadian,
free to speak without fear,
free to worship in my own way,
free to stand for what I think right,
free to oppose what I believe wrong, or
free to choose those who shall govern my country.
This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind."
-John G Diefenbaker: Former Canadian Prime Minister

Modified by notslow at 3:00 PM 9/25/2009 ]]> Politics Etc. notslow 2009-10-01T10:36:26-08:00 7 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=451993 to the movieshttp://www.capitalismalovestory.com/Twenty years ago Michael made a movie on what was wrong at General Motors.A few years ago Sicko came out pointing out problems with the healthcare system.I can hardly wait to see this one.A great interview with him today on the Howard Stern ShowTelcoman http://www.capitalismalovestory.com/

Twenty years ago Michael made a movie on what was wrong at General Motors.

A few years ago Sicko came out pointing out problems with the healthcare system.

I can hardly wait to see this one.

A great interview with him today on the Howard Stern Show

Telcoman ]]> Politics Etc. telcoman 2009-10-06T23:39:20-08:00 49 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=451844 The left hate him. Yeah, seems like a loose canon but he is attacked for everything except what he presents. Below is an interesting clip about a video going around the school systems.....http://www.youtube.com/watchv=DWhL3p2M168Is the educational video right or wrong Is Beck right or wrong http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWhL3p2M168

Is the educational video right or wrong? Is Beck right or wrong? ]]> Politics Etc. audtatious 2009-10-02T16:46:10-08:00 33 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=450567 I know I'm not the only one thinking this because other people that I meet in my business and where I work (I have 2 jobs incase you're wondering) have asked me this question.Anyone else here see that this looks like an attack from within on our economy to force a collapse byover spending, forced reparations by stripping the hard working people of their money and offering more of it to the people who lay on their aZZ, and basically rolling the country over on it's back to expose it's belly to the rest of the worldpallnet Anyone else here see that this looks like an attack from within on our economy to force a collapse byover spending, forced reparations by stripping the hard working people of their money and offering more of it to the people who lay on their aZZ, and basically rolling the country over on it's back to expose it's belly to the rest of the world???

pallnet ]]> Politics Etc. pallnet 2009-09-18T06:51:02-08:00 7 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=450509 My TIVO's will be working hard for this one http://blogs.abcnews.com/polit....htmlTelcoman Modified by telcoman at 6:02 PM 9/16/2009Modified by telcoman at 6:04 PM 9/16/2009 Modified by telcoman at 6:05 PM 9/16/2009

http://blogs.abcnews.com/polit....html

Telcoman

Modified by telcoman at 6:02 PM 9/16/2009

Modified by telcoman at 6:04 PM 9/16/2009

Modified by telcoman at 6:05 PM 9/16/2009 ]]> Politics Etc. telcoman 2009-09-18T16:03:42-08:00 11 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=450460 http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2...shtml"The Obama administration has privately concluded that a cap and trade law would cost American taxpayers up to $200 billion a year, the equivalent of hiking personal income taxes by about 15 percent.A previously unreleased analysis prepared by the U.S. Department of Treasury says the total in new taxes would be between $100 billion to $200 billion a year. At the upper end of the administration's estimate, the cost per American household would be an extra $1,761 a year. "But, it will supply lots and lots of green jobs, amirite http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2...shtml

"The Obama administration has privately concluded that a cap and trade law would cost American taxpayers up to $200 billion a year, the equivalent of hiking personal income taxes by about 15 percent.

A previously unreleased analysis prepared by the U.S. Department of Treasury says the total in new taxes would be between $100 billion to $200 billion a year. At the upper end of the administration's estimate, the cost per American household would be an extra $1,761 a year. "

But, it will supply lots and lots of green jobs, amirite? ]]> Politics Etc. audtatious 2009-09-23T12:01:14-08:00 2 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=450403 I found the following on another forum and thought it was interesting.....http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/"NAR estimates that about 1.8 to 2.0 million first-time buyers will take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit this year, with approximately 350,000 additional sales that would not have taken place without the credit.""You can calculate the new $15 billion projection; 1.9 million times $8,000."But this only resulted in 350,000 additional sales. Divide $15 billion by 350 thousand, and the program cost is about $43,000 per additional buyer. Very expensive.Now the National Association of Home Builders estimates that expanding and extending the credit through 2010 would generate 500,000 additional sales at a cost of about $30 billion. So this is approximately $60,000 per additional house sold. And I think the cost will be much higher."Quite the deal, huh http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/

"NAR estimates that about 1.8 to 2.0 million first-time buyers will take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit this year, with approximately 350,000 additional sales that would not have taken place without the credit."

"You can calculate the new $15 billion projection; 1.9 million times $8,000.

"But this only resulted in 350,000 additional sales. Divide $15 billion by 350 thousand, and the program cost is about $43,000 per additional buyer. Very expensive.

Now the National Association of Home Builders estimates that expanding and extending the credit through 2010 would generate 500,000 additional sales at a cost of about $30 billion. So this is approximately $60,000 per additional house sold. And I think the cost will be much higher."

Quite the deal, huh?

]]> Politics Etc. audtatious 2009-09-19T08:15:42-08:00 5 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=450342 So, filmmaker James O'Keefe, and his partner Hannah Giles, have gone to multiple ACORN locations posing as a pimp and prostitute. They received advice from ACORN workers on how to launder their earnings and avoid detection from law enforcement officials while running a prostitution business consisting of under aged illegals. The money was to be used to help pay for the "pimps" future political career.....First vids: Baltimore....http://www.youtube.com/watchv=9UOL9Jh61S8http://www.youtube.com/watchv=cgqORp48uikNext vids: Washington.....http://www.youtube.com/watchv=cWRTYD26Kxchttp://www.youtube.com/watchv=N9MCk6GvQO4Then they released: New Yorkhttp://www.youtube.com/watchv=mrpRGZq7Z-Uhttp://www.youtube.com/watchv=ue_2_dhh1zoToday, they released: San Bernadinohttp://www.youtube.com/watchv=nK8ofkvLkUI-- ACORN woman admitted to being in the escort business and killing her husband in this videoTomorrow they are supposed to release another.The Senate has now voted that they are pulling all funding from ACORN, not sure if that means all of ACORN or just the main ACORN offices (thus, ignoring their branch organizations and their association with the services union that has been to all the town hall meetings to protest the protesters). I love the way this is coming down. The first vid gave ACORN the chance to claim it was two rogue members who they fired and said it was simply a scam that the film makers had also attempted and failed in other cities. The second vid they pretty much didn't say anything but let the members go. I'm not sure what they did about the Washington one but now they have this one from San Bernadino that came out tonight after I understand ACORN was claiming the MD office was not really a part of ACORN as their charter had expired last year. Per hannah Giles the one being released tomorrow is going to be shocking as well.As a side note, after MD was targeted, an ACORN lawyer stated they were going to file charges against O'Keefe, Giles, and probably Fox news, and Breitbart.com. Baltimor City State's Attorney, who ran for office on "protecting children", is also supposed to be investigating bringing charges against the two film makers as it is illegal to tape anyone in MD without both parties consent....VERY interesting events First vids: Baltimore....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UOL9Jh61S8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgqORp48uik

Next vids: Washington.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWRTYD26Kxc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9MCk6GvQO4

Then they released: New York
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrpRGZq7Z-U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue_2_dhh1zo

Today, they released: San Bernadino
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK8ofkvLkUI
-- ACORN woman admitted to being in the escort business and killing her husband in this video

Tomorrow they are supposed to release another.

The Senate has now voted that they are pulling all funding from ACORN, not sure if that means all of ACORN or just the main ACORN offices (thus, ignoring their branch organizations and their association with the services union that has been to all the town hall meetings to protest the protesters).

I love the way this is coming down. The first vid gave ACORN the chance to claim it was two rogue members who they fired and said it was simply a scam that the film makers had also attempted and failed in other cities. The second vid they pretty much didn't say anything but let the members go. I'm not sure what they did about the Washington one but now they have this one from San Bernadino that came out tonight after I understand ACORN was claiming the MD office was not really a part of ACORN as their charter had expired last year. Per hannah Giles the one being released tomorrow is going to be shocking as well.

As a side note, after MD was targeted, an ACORN lawyer stated they were going to file charges against O'Keefe, Giles, and probably Fox news, and Breitbart.com. Baltimor City State's Attorney, who ran for office on "protecting children", is also supposed to be investigating bringing charges against the two film makers as it is illegal to tape anyone in MD without both parties consent....

VERY interesting events ]]> Politics Etc. audtatious 2009-09-22T21:16:50-08:00 26 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=450287 My daughter fell down the stairs yesterday morning and sprained her ankle. I had her soak it in Epsom salts, gave her a couple of Aleves, wrapped it in an Ace bandage, and had her keep it elevated for the evening. She was scheduled to have marching band practice last night. I contacted her teacher, offered to take Priss so she could practice her music from the sideline. The teacher said not to bring her, that she needed to be able to march. Later on that evening, I find out that her absence from practice will not be excused because I did not take her to the doctor and get a doctor's statement. This is now common practice in the public school system. If your child misses school, they have to have a doctor's statement in order to be excused or make up the work they missed. If not, it becomes a truancy issue. Gone are the days when you can have a 24-hour bug, stay home, drink plenty of fluids, and sleep it off. I know there are those who would take advantage if they didn't have to have an excuse, but it causes a lot of problems for the parents and the nurses/doctors who have to waste their time treating the sniffles instead of trauma cases. The problem is this. If you can't get your child into their pediatrician, and there isn't an "Urgent Care facility" in your area, the child has to be taken to the emergency room. That's the only option left. Johnny's parents and the insurance company, if they are lucky enough to have coverage, just had to pay (the equivalent of) $800 so he can make up his spelling test. This is now common practice in the public school system. If your child misses school, they have to have a doctor's statement in order to be excused or make up the work they missed. If not, it becomes a truancy issue. Gone are the days when you can have a 24-hour bug, stay home, drink plenty of fluids, and sleep it off. I know there are those who would take advantage if they didn't have to have an excuse, but it causes a lot of problems for the parents and the nurses/doctors who have to waste their time treating the sniffles instead of trauma cases.

The problem is this. If you can't get your child into their pediatrician, and there isn't an "Urgent Care facility" in your area, the child has to be taken to the emergency room. That's the only option left. Johnny's parents and the insurance company, if they are lucky enough to have coverage, just had to pay (the equivalent of) $800 so he can make up his spelling test.

]]> Politics Etc. nissangirl74 2009-09-21T21:28:53-08:00 48 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=449410 I heard a rumor there is one going down. I just got back yesterday. I'm down to go if I can find the info. Anybody going or have solid info on the rally point Politics Etc. themadscientist 2009-10-01T11:21:24-08:00 13 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=449160 Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C shouts out " YOU LIE!" to Obama after he talks about illegal immigrants. Although, it says he called to apologize later on, I think this just goes to show that people are losing respect for Obama and what he stnds for. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/200...kling http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/200...kling

]]> Politics Etc. EvillE423 2009-09-22T03:22:24-08:00 46 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=448747 http://www.nypost.com/p/news/o...NlIJPRESIDENT Obama's State Department waited until the cusp of Labor Day weekend before publicly backing Latin America's dictators in their assault on democracy.Our thug-worshipping diplomats figured they'd slip it by us. With the nation focused on barbecues and the beach, they announced that, if Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez's client, Manuel Zelaya, isn't returned to power in Honduras, the United States won't recognize the results of that country's upcoming free elections. Why was former president Zelaya driven from his would-be throne in Tegucigalpa He tried to subvert Honduras' Constitution and set himself up as president-for-life.In June, the elected legislators and the Honduran Supreme Court had enough. As Zelaya aligned with Chavez, the Castro regime, Nicaraguan caudillo Daniel Ortega and other extreme leftists, the Honduran government gave the would-be dictator the boot.Acting under legal orders, the army peacefully arrested Zelaya and shipped him out of the country. No murders, no Chavez-style imprisonments.It was not a military coup. An elected congress and interim president, not a general, run the country today.But the Obama administration has decided that this "violation" is so dreadful that we won't even recognize future free elections in Honduras.Well, President Obama's taste in elections is finicky:* He'll recognize the utterly bogus results of Afghanistan's corrupt election.* He initially blessed the results of Iran's rigged election. (He was for it before he was against it.)* He hasn't spoken one word of criticism as Chavez continues to strangle Venezuelan democracy.* He hasn't questioned the divisive, racist politics of Presidente Evo Morales in Bolivia.* He hasn't demanded free elections in Cuba -- instead, he's easing up on the Castro regime.But we're going to show those wicked Hondurans, by George! They can't boot out a crazy leftwing president just because he's trying to subvert their Constitution.Honduras is a small country. But the principle and precedent loom hugely. Have we abandoned democracy entirely In favor of backing anti-American dictatorsThis is beyond madness.Did our president's (self-avowed) Marxist friends convince him that Che Guevara really was a heroJust because the Bush administration tried to spread democracy doesn't mean that defending democracy is a bad idea. At present, free elections are under siege south of the Rio Grande -- from narco-gangs in Mexico, from Venezuelan-backed Marxist terrorists in Colombia, from the kleptocrat Kirchner-family regime in Argentina and from Castro clones in Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Venezuela.Hugo Chavez is not only buying extensive weaponry from Russia, but distributing arms to the FARC terrorists in Colombia next door and equipping the Bolivian military for a confrontation with Chile -- while accusing the United States of plotting multiple invasions.Chavez has murdered, kidnapped, jailed and tortured political opponents. He's seized control of the economy (and not just health care), wrecking it in the process. Dissent has been crushed, with even old comrades of Chavez jailed without trial on trumped-up charges. Venezuela's media, once vibrant and free, has been destroyed.This is the guy with whom our president's siding on the Honduras crisis.But if Obama thinks that handing over a "little" country he couldn't find on a map is going to win him enduring applause and cooperative friends in Latin America, he's crazy. What he's actually doing is frightening our friends. If democratic governments south of the border can't rely on US support, to whom can they turnThe increasingly left-wing tone from the White House may be satisfying to ideological activists, but it's doing tremendous damage to the cause of freedom in our hemisphere.What's next Will Obama withdraw support for democratic Colombia After Honduras, is El Salvador next Will we be complicit in turning back Latin America's political clock by 50 yearsFor shame. -------------------------------------------------------------Why is the President weighing in here It's obvious to the majority that Honduras followed their Constitution to the letter in dealing with their President. Why is the current Administration and MSM still saying they are wrong and it was a military coup How can it be a military coup if the military is acting on the orders of CongressYes, I understand that the above is from a right-leaner..... http://www.nypost.com/p/news/o...NlIJP

RESIDENT Obama's State Department waited until the cusp of Labor Day weekend before publicly backing Latin America's dictators in their assault on democracy.

Our thug-worshipping diplomats figured they'd slip it by us. With the nation focused on barbecues and the beach, they announced that, if Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez's client, Manuel Zelaya, isn't returned to power in Honduras, the United States won't recognize the results of that country's upcoming free elections.

Why was former president Zelaya driven from his would-be throne in Tegucigalpa? He tried to subvert Honduras' Constitution and set himself up as president-for-life.

In June, the elected legislators and the Honduran Supreme Court had enough. As Zelaya aligned with Chavez, the Castro regime, Nicaraguan caudillo Daniel Ortega and other extreme leftists, the Honduran government gave the would-be dictator the boot.

Acting under legal orders, the army peacefully arrested Zelaya and shipped him out of the country. No murders, no Chavez-style imprisonments.

It was not a military coup. An elected congress and interim president, not a general, run the country today.

But the Obama administration has decided that this "violation" is so dreadful that we won't even recognize future free elections in Honduras.

Well, President Obama's taste in elections is finicky:

* He'll recognize the utterly bogus results of Afghanistan's corrupt election.

* He initially blessed the results of Iran's rigged election. (He was for it before he was against it.)

* He hasn't spoken one word of criticism as Chavez continues to strangle Venezuelan democracy.

* He hasn't questioned the divisive, racist politics of Presidente Evo Morales in Bolivia.

* He hasn't demanded free elections in Cuba -- instead, he's easing up on the Castro regime.

But we're going to show those wicked Hondurans, by George! They can't boot out a crazy leftwing president just because he's trying to subvert their Constitution.

Honduras is a small country. But the principle and precedent loom hugely. Have we abandoned democracy entirely? In favor of backing anti-American dictators?

This is beyond madness.

Did our president's (self-avowed) Marxist friends convince him that Che Guevara really was a hero?

Just because the Bush administration tried to spread democracy doesn't mean that defending democracy is a bad idea. At present, free elections are under siege south of the Rio Grande -- from narco-gangs in Mexico, from Venezuelan-backed Marxist terrorists in Colombia, from the kleptocrat Kirchner-family regime in Argentina and from Castro clones in Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Venezuela.

Hugo Chavez is not only buying extensive weaponry from Russia, but distributing arms to the FARC terrorists in Colombia next door and equipping the Bolivian military for a confrontation with Chile -- while accusing the United States of plotting multiple invasions.

Chavez has murdered, kidnapped, jailed and tortured political opponents. He's seized control of the economy (and not just health care), wrecking it in the process. Dissent has been crushed, with even old comrades of Chavez jailed without trial on trumped-up charges. Venezuela's media, once vibrant and free, has been destroyed.

This is the guy with whom our president's siding on the Honduras crisis.

But if Obama thinks that handing over a "little" country he couldn't find on a map is going to win him enduring applause and cooperative friends in Latin America, he's crazy. What he's actually doing is frightening our friends. If democratic governments south of the border can't rely on US support, to whom can they turn?

The increasingly left-wing tone from the White House may be satisfying to ideological activists, but it's doing tremendous damage to the cause of freedom in our hemisphere.

What's next? Will Obama withdraw support for democratic Colombia? After Honduras, is El Salvador next? Will we be complicit in turning back Latin America's political clock by 50 years?

For shame.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Why is the President weighing in here? It's obvious to the majority that Honduras followed their Constitution to the letter in dealing with their President. Why is the current Administration and MSM still saying they are wrong and it was a military coup? How can it be a military coup if the military is acting on the orders of Congress?

Yes, I understand that the above is from a right-leaner..... ]]> Politics Etc. audtatious 2009-09-08T16:47:28-08:00 2 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=448683 Dear teacher of my child.I request that you exclude my child from the student presidential address on Tuesday September the eighth (09/08/09). If by chance the address is postponed to another date I will still want my child excluded from this address. Should I change my mind I will contact you either by a letter like this or I will phone you directly.With all of the controversial political agendas our current president has been pushing on the public. I feel that it is not right for him to address my child without my consent or previously viewing in its entirety what he has to present to my child. I am well aware that previous presidents have spoken to our children in the classroom. I dont feel that a president or anyone in power should be checking his popularity level among children, this is done in socialist or communist nations, not America.Although our current president is the first black president and that makes history for what it is. This does not give him the right to dictate to our nation the things he will do against the will of most of our nation. His popularity ratings are dropping for a reason. He does not deserve to be praised any more then any of the previous presidents, he is a public servant and that is his role. We do not serve him and this should be remembered when our children are being taught about him or assigned assignments that involve him. Politics should be VERY limited in high school studies like it was when we were in school. Thank you for your time._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I request that you exclude my child from the student presidential address on Tuesday September the eighth (09/08/09). If by chance the address is postponed to another date I will still want my child excluded from this address. Should I change my mind I will contact you either by a letter like this or I will phone you directly.

With all of the controversial political agendas our current president has been pushing on the public. I feel that it is not right for him to address my child without my consent or previously viewing in it’s entirety what he has to present to my child.

I am well aware that previous presidents have spoken to our children in the classroom. I don’t feel that a president or anyone in power should be checking his popularity level among children, this is done in socialist or communist nations, not America.

Although our current president is the first black president and that makes history for what it is. This does not give him the right to dictate to our nation the things he will do against the will of most of our nation. His popularity ratings are dropping for a reason. He does not deserve to be praised any more then any of the previous presidents, he is a public servant and that is his role. We do not serve him and this should be remembered when our children are being taught about him or assigned assignments that involve him. Politics should be VERY limited in high school studies like it was when we were in school.

Thank you for your time.

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

___________________________________________
]]> Politics Etc. pallnet 2009-09-15T13:07:21-08:00 16 http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=448079 http://videocafe.crooksandliar...en-to http://videocafe.crooksandliar...en-to ]]> Politics Etc. themadscientist 2009-09-07T21:04:43-08:00 6