Lawless Views

Black History Month Feb 10th

2011-02-10T18:22:00.000-08:00

James Armistead

Joined the Continental Army in1781 under General Lafayette as a spy, after receiving permission from his owner William Armistead, The Purser of the Virginia troops, and may have even been an illegitimate son of Mr. Armistead. He began in the camp of the traitorous Benedict Arnold but after Arnold's army moved north, he joined the camp of Lord Cornwallis. Posing as a runaway slave he duped the British Generals and was subsequently used to guuide the British armies around the roads of Virginia. He would go from camp to camp listening to what the British officers were planning, they had gained much faith in him and would discuss strategies in his presence, then writing down the information before passing it to another American spy, to be brought to Gen. Lafayette. Going into Yorktown was made a lot easier knowing the troop and arms movements of the British. He got out of Cornwallis' camp just in time to avoid the siege, during a courtesy call to Marquis de Lafayette, Cornwallis was surprised to find a black man present that he had believed to be in his pay. After the war his being an intelligence officer and not a soldier made him ineligible to receive emancipation via the Act of 1783, so with the help of his owner he petitioned the legislature for his freedom. After receiving a letter of commendation from Lafayette he hurried to the legislature for his manumission hearing. Lafayette's letter stated that James Armistead had done "Essential Service" in collecting "Intelligence from the Enemy's Camp" and was therefore "Entitled to Every Reward His Situation Can Admit of." It took two years bbefore he received his justified emancipation. He would buy land and become a farmer and even own 3 slaves himself. He later received a pension from the state of Virginia for his Revolutionary service. In 1824 during his return trip to America Lafayette recognized a man in the crowd in Richmond, dismounted his horse and embraced James Armistead who had changed his name upon becoming a freeman to James Armistead Lafayette.

Black History Month Feb 9th

2011-02-09T18:32:00.001-08:00

Feb 9th Phillis Wheatley

Going to cheat on this one: "Author. Phillis Wheatley was the first African-American to publish a book. She was born in Senegambia (now Senegal) in west Africa. As a child Phillis was taken into captivity and shipped to Boston where she was sold into slavery at the age of eight to John and Susanna Wheatley who named her Phillis after the ship she sailed on. After begining to work for the Wheatleys as Susanna's personal maid, Phillis started to show signs of being intellectually gifted. The Wheatley's daughter, Mary, began to instruct her in reading the Bible. After just sixteen months in the New World she could read English and later mastered Latin. Phillis first published poem appeared in a Rhode Island newspaper in 1767. After failed attempts to find subcribers for her proposed volume of her poems, a wealthy philantropist from England agreed to back the project. Phillis's book, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral (1773) made her a celebrity throughout England and the colonies. Wheatley eventually attained her independence and continued to write, publishing another volume of poetry in 1784, but struggled to support her three children, and died destitute at 31. Beyond being merely the first African-American to publish, she produced a quality of style and range of themes that inspired generations of black writers after her. (bio by: Curtis Jackson)"

On Being Brought From Africa to America

"Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,

Taught my benighted soul to understand

That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too:

Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.

Some view our sable race with scornful eye,

"Their colour is a diabolic die."

Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain,

May be refin'd and join th'angelic train.

Phillis Wheatley

Black History Month Feb 8th

2011-02-09T18:30:00.000-08:00

So in week 1 we learned about one of the more brilliant mathematicians and scientists of 18th century America- Benjamin Banneker, some revolutionary heroes including the first "American" to die in the fight for liberty 6 years before the Declaration of Independence Crispus Attucks, as well as actual war heroes Prince Whipple, Peter Salem and Prince Estabrooks(Esterbrooks), tackled the 3/5ths clause, and rounded it out with the first outright slave-owner and slave, both "African-Americans".

Remember this is not an extensive history lesson, but a jumping off point. In week two we will continue to explore the revolutionary and early history of blacks in a young America and the impacts they had on those around them.

Feb 8th Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell was born a freeman in Burlington County, NJ in 1752. Growing up he worked as a farmer with his uncle. His name was quite prophetic as the Oliver Cromwell of a century earlier, was a revolutionary against the crown of England, overthrowing the monarchy. While Oliver Cromwell of the 18th century may not have been the leader his namesake was, his service was noticed by none other than the general he served under Gen. George Washington. Oliver joined the Continental Army at the very beginning of the war and served for seven years, fighting in Trenton, Princeton, crossing the Delaware with Gen. Washington many believe literally(in the famous painting he is the one beside Washington, while Prince Whipple is believed to be the one fighting the ice), Brandywine, Monmouth, the Iroquois expedition, defense of NJ, and Campaign of Yorktown, before being discharged, Gen. Washington signed his discharge papers personally and awarded Oliver a medal. After returning home to Burlington, NJ he returned to the life of a farmer and many years later filed for his pension, being a huge local hero the community came together and raised a pension of $96/yr. He died at the age of 101 in 1853.

Black History Month Feb 6th and 7th

2011-02-07T16:27:00.000-08:00

Feb 6th Prince Estabrook

While Crispus Attucks may have been the first to die in the cause of Liberty, Prince Estabrook was one of the first to die in combat. Prince was a member of the Lexington Militia, while still a slave, he was to be later freed for his service, but unfortunately in the first clash/skirmish with the British at Lexington, Prince was mortally wounded. It is said he was "the first to get into the fight", unafraid to face what lied ahead, which in this case was the best trained, best equipped army in history.

Feb 7th Anthony Johnson and John Casor

Anthony Johnson has a peculiar place in American history. Anthony Johnson was the first outright owner of a slave in the colony of Virginia. Anthony Johnson came to America after being captured in Angola by slavers as an indentured servant, at the time in Virginia all slaves were indentured servants that gained their freedom after a set time including Africans. He is part of the original indentured "20 and odd" negroes brought to Jamestown. Anthony earned his freedom, in 1635 he and his wife were freed and later acquired 250 acres of land and some equipment. Mr. Johnson took an indentured servant to help work his land. Mr. Johnson makes it into the history books after a dispute with an indentured servant named John Casor. Casor claimed to have been indentured for 7-8 years and after having fulfilled that duty was told he didn't have an indenture. Anthony Johnson then after listening to his wife and sons allows Mr. Casor to go free. After Casor starts working for another family Mr. Johnson claims his right to him and argues in court not only that he be given back, but that Mr. Casor become a lifetime servant. The court agreed, giving judicial sanction to the outright ownership of negroes in the Virginia colony, making John Casor the first known outright slave in the colony.

Day 5 Black History Month

2011-02-05T11:31:00.001-08:00

Feb 5th Peter Salem

Peter Salem was born a slave in Massachusetts, like Crispus Attucks from Framingham, who had bought his freedom. Apparently he talked his owner into freeing him if he joined the Minutemen. He fought in battles of Bunker Hill, Concord, Saratoga, and Stony Point. It's said that when British Major Pitcairn asked for the surrender of the colonists at Bunker Hill, it was Peter Salem who gave the Major the colonists' answer, by shooting him, Pitcairn later died of his wounds. Many believe Peter Salem is the black man prominently featured in John Trumbull's painting of the battle of Bunker Hill, although there was another black Patriot named Salem Poor, that may have been the one featured, who was also written up for commendation for his heroic acts.

Day Four

2011-02-05T11:15:00.000-08:00

Feb. 4th Prince Whipple

Prince Whipple is most famous for being the black man in the front of Gen. Washington's boat as it crosses the Delaware, in the famous Leutze painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware". It is unclear that Prince Whipple was actually in Trenton on Christmas Eve 1776 as his owner was reportedly in Baltimore. We do know there were at least 20 African men serving at Trenton. Prince was from a wealthy African family and was sent to America for an education, his brother had just returned after four years. However the Captain of the boat that Prince and another brother were travelling on was a bit of a devious man, who upon reaching Baltimore sold the boys as slaves to seperate owners, Prince was bought by General George Whipple of New Hampshire, a future signer of the Declaration of Independence. While Prince's time in Trenton may or may not have coincided with Washington's famous bold military maneuver, it is known that he was in the Battle of Saratoga, and the Battle of Rhode Island, as well as skirmishes in the Delaware valley. Prince was a slave for about seven more years after the war, a year later his former owner passed away. His wife honored his will by allowing his former slaves to build houses on his property, where Prince and his wife Dinah, a freewoman after her 21st birthday would live out their live with their 2 free-born children.

Day 3 Feb 3 Black History Month

2011-02-03T22:06:00.000-08:00

Feb. 3rd Crispus Attucks

Crispus was a runaway slave whose father is thought to have been a slave and his mother thought to be a Native American. After escaping slavery, Crispus got a job as a whaler. He was the harpoon man on several boats, he would look for the boats that stayed out at sea most of the time and rarely went near the town of Framingham MA, which is where he escaped from. Crispus Attucks is largely credited with the distinction of being the first person killed in America's battle for liberty, although his death happened some 6 yrs before the Declaration of Independence. In what became known as The Boston Massacre Crispus and two others were shot dead, two were mortally wounded and 6 more injured. Tensions had been high for quite some time and the soldiers and people of Boston were becoming very tired and wary of each other. On the night of March 5 1770, everything came to a head, the townspeople of Boston and the Redcoats were facing off, a redcoat had been accused of not paying a barber/wigmaker some sailors including Crispus came up from the docks after hearing the church bells ringing. The crowd of a few hundred surrounded 7 or 8 soldiers, it is at this point that something happened, accounts of the event are varied depending on who was asked. Some say a British soldier was hit, and they opened fire, some say the British fired into the crowd first, what we do know is Crispus Attucks was the first to die, and this event and trial were major moments in creating the dream of Independence from tyranny.

"And honor to Crispus Attucks,

who was leader and voice that day;

The first to defy,

and the first to die,

with Maverick, Carr and Gray.

It riot or revolution,

or mob or crowd as you may,

such deaths have been seeds of nations,

such lives shall be honored for ay".

- John Boyle O'Reilly

Day Two of Black History Month

2011-02-02T19:53:00.000-08:00

Feb. 2nd: The 3/5ths clause

Tonight instead of pointing out the great achievements of one of our Nation's Heroes I will address the often misinterpreted(because of our progressive education system) 3/5s clause:

"Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. "

The ignorance of our constitution and our founder's intent recently went all the way to the floor of the house when the Republicans read the constitution on the House floor and omitted the 3/5s clause out of deference. The 3/5s clause was a compromise between what are called the slave states and the anti-slave states, the anti-slave states had slaves as well but their lifestyle and economy were not based on slavery in the scale you would see in the slave plantations of the south. The abolitionists founders, of which there were many, had been arguing that slaves should not be counted in the census at all. The abolitionists were looking for a way to put a time-bomb in the constitution that could one day lead to making slavery illegal, while keeping the slave states from being able to dominate the House of Representatives, for if slave populations were counted in full the slave states would have had a large majority in the House. The common misconception is that the founders saw Blacks as 3/5s of a human. This was clearly not the intent, this section of the Constitution was to set up the census, and how we would enumerate people. As you can see above it is a counting device, not a value placed on humans. If a state had 30,000 slaves then they would only be counted as 18,000 in the census, which could keep a state from receiving an extra Representative or two. This compromise took several years to come about and was done to form our union. Here are some quotes from our founders:

William Livingstone wanting to become a member of New York's Anti-slavery Society(Ben Franklin and Benjamin Rush created the first in 1774): “I would most ardently wish to become a member of it [the society in New York] and… I can safely promise them that neither my tongue, nor my pen, nor purse shall be wanting to promote the abolition of what to me appears so inconsistent with humanity and Christianity… May the great and the equal Father of the human race, who has expressly declared His abhorrence of oppression, and that He is no respecter of persons, succeed a design so laudably calculated to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke.”

“I can only say that there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do to see a plan adopted for the abolition of it [slavery].”—George Washington

“[M]y opinion against it [slavery] has always been known… [N]ever in my life did I own a slave.”—John Adams---whose son John Quincy Adams regularly brought bills on the floor of the House to abolish slavery, and would later take on a young congressman as his protege...Abraham Lincoln.

“That men should pray and fight for their own freedom and yet keep others in slavery is certainly acting a very inconsistent as well as unjust and perhaps impious part.”

—John Jay

“[W]hy keep alive the question of slavery? It is admitted by all to be a great evil.”--Charles Carroll

“[I]t ought to be considered that national crimes can only be and frequently are punished in this world by national punishments; and that the continuance of the slave trade, and thus giving it a national sanction and encouragement, ought to be considered as justly exposing us to the displeasure and vengeance of Him who is equally Lord of all and who views with equal eye the poor African slave and his American master.”

—Luther Martin

“Domestic slavery is repugnant to the principles of Christianity… It is rebellion against the authority of a common Father. It is a practical denial of the extent and efficacy of the death of a common Savior. It is an usurpation of the prerogative of the great Sovereign of the universe who has solemnly claimed an exclusive property in the souls of men.”

—Benjamin Rush

These men were joined by many others including: Benjamin Franklin, Rufus King, Richard Bassett, James Madison, James Monroe, Bushrod Washington, William Few, John Marshall, Richard Stockton, Zephaniah Swift

Let me ask, if it be not somewhat singular that, if the Constitution were intended to be, by its framers and adopters, a slave-holding instrument, why neither slavery, slaveholding, nor slave can anywhere be found in it.---Frederick Douglass

Now, take the constitution according to its plain reading, and I defy the presentation of a single pro-slavery clause in it. On the other hand it will be found to contain principles and purposes, entirely hostile to the existence of slavery.--Frederick Douglass

Black History Month

2011-02-01T19:33:00.000-08:00

It's a shame what we learn in school, and what gets omitted, even during black history month most kids won't hear of Crispus Attucks first person killed in the US Revolution, Prince WHipple or the countless others who fought for American Freedom, or Benjamin Banneker esteemed scientist/mathematician/inventor on par with greats like Benjamin Franklin, and will only be given a brief synopsis of Frederick Douglass at best.

I'm planning on adding to this note daily, some of the links will not be great, but I'm trying to avoid political websites, as well as wiki, but I may have to use them, but this is not a final destination only a means to get you started on learning of great American heroes hopefully one of these men will lead you to buy books and re-learn history.

Feb. 1st:

Benjamin Franklin was not the only brilliant scientist to find a home in early America, nor was he the only one named Benjamin, Benjamin Banneker was one of our great land's first, best, and brightest minds.

http://inventors.about.com/od/bstartinventors/a/Banneker.htm

"Presumption should never make us neglect that which appears easy to us, nor despair make us lose courage at the sight of difficulties." -- Benjamin Banneker

Top 5 Candidates of 2010

2010-12-27T15:23:00.000-08:00

Starting our countdown and coming in at #5 Christine O'donnell (candidate for US Senate from Delaware), her opponent the "Bearded Marxist" came close but could not break into the top 5...

Not to be outdone our next Candidate took his singing skills on the campaign trail, at #4 we have Chris Young(Providence, RI mayoral candidate)

At #3 we have by far the most enthusiastic and vocal Candidate Phil Davison (Stark County Treasurer)

At #2 quite possibly the best Tennessee Republican to run for Governor in years, I of course am speaking of Basil Marceaux dot com

He wasn't done yet.....wasn't going to go down without a fight.....

There can be no doubt who #1 is, Teapartiers and Progressives alike, across the nation had been waiting for him, and many were deeply saddened when he arose in South Carolina where many could not vote for him, our top vote getter was The Democratic nominee for US Senate in South Carolina, and currently a candidate for State Senate in SC, I say Alvin You Say....

Alvin Greene didn't have time to talk to reporters while busy planning his campaign.

Further Proof That Alvin Greene Is The Best - watch more funny videos

What did Jim DeMint cause Alvin?

The future of American politics depends on Great candidates such as these, we can only hope 2012 brings these and other amazingly qualified candidates out to lead this country back to it's former greatness.....or some other direction....

If there was no Teaparty, There'd be no more GOP

2010-11-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

Apparently the GOP elite are blaming the teaparty for failing to gain the Senate, and I'm frankly tired of reading what the Roves or Lotts, or whoever have to say, so I probably won't make the trip to read it. But if it wasn't for the teaparty the GOP would still be in the downward spiral you idiots were taking it, and be only a few years from disappearing altogether(WHIG). We didn't elect these Republicans to help you and further your power, we are using you(GOP) as a vessel(just like the radical progs in the 90s and 00s did with the DEMS), this is just our first wave in replacing you. You should be packing your bags, you are the problem.

Those people walking the precincts, manning the phonebanks, townhalls..... working their asses off for liberty....yeah that wasn't you, what exactly have you aholes done? Besides losing your principles and values?

What exactly would a Cap and Traitor have done for America? Jackasses. Didn't want Angle, should have battled against Reid while he was spending money trashing Loudon. Oh boy Murkowski may have won, that'll help repair the perception that the GOP elite isn't corrupt politicians, who feel entitled to their power, who've never really accomplished anything in their lives, other than looking people in the eye and lying to them.

Sincerely,

One of your new bosses

Are you for individual thought or collective thought?

2010-09-28T18:51:00.000-07:00

I personally think Glenn Beck has set a trap for the left, he spoke of the side by side images even before his rally. That America would look at the "right" and "left" images and decide which mos reflected them. It's your choice:

WE THE PEOPLE, paying their own way, to a non-political, positive, unsponsored event that raised 3.5(5.5 before expenses)million for charity

or

300+ sponsors paying to bus in people, for an only-political event whose sole purpose is to "one-up" another(what is this high-school gym), raising nothing for anybody, just spending union/community organizer campaign money.

Sponsors of 10-2-10:
AFL-CIO

American Federation of Teachers

Center for Community Change

Communications Workers of America

Green for All

Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

NAACP

National Action Network

National Council of La Raza

PowerPAC

Rainbow PUSH Coalition

SEIU 1199

SEIU: Service Employees International Union

Sojourners

UAW, International Union

United States Students Association

1Sky

350.org

A. Philip Randolph Institute

A. Philip Randolph Institute - The Metropolitan New York Chapter

Action LA Network

AFSCME

AFSCME 3800 - University of Minnesota Clerical Workers

AIDS Walk Washington

All Hands on Deck

Alliance for Democracy

Amalgamated Local 171 UAW

American Association of University Professors

American Federation of Government Employees

American Federation of Television and Radio Artists

American Friends Service Committee

American Muslim Association of North America (AMANA)

American Rights at Work

Americans for Democratic Action

Americans for Financial Reform

ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) Coalition

Bail Out the People Movement

Bethel Tabernacle AME Church, Brooklyn

Beulah Church of the Nazarene

Black Leadership Forum, Inc.

Black Women’s Roundtable

Black Youth Vote

Bronx for Change

Brooklyn for Peace

Brooklyn United for Innovative Local Development

Bryn Mawr Peace Coalition

California Black League of Voters

California National Organization for Women

Campaign for America’s Future

Campaign for Community Change

Campaign for Peace and Democracy

Campus Camp Wellstone

Campus Progress

CEEF: Center for Community and Economic Justice

Central Jersey Coalition Against Endless War

Charlie Fink Productions

Chicago Democratic Socialists of America

Chicago Teacher’s Union – AFT Local 1

Church of the Evangelical United Church of Christ

Citizen Wave

Clarendon Road Church

Cleveland Peace Action

Coalition for Peace Action

Coalition of Black Trade Unionists

Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Region One

Coalition of Labor Union Woman

Coalition on Human Needs

CODA (Coalition for a District Alternative)

Code Pink

Coffee Party Progressives

Color of Change.org

Committee of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialism

Communication for Social Change Consortium

Communications Workers of America Local 2336

Communist Party USA (CPUSA)

Community Empowerment Network

Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago

Courage Campaign

CUNY University Student Senate

CUSH

DC 1707, AFSCME

DC Asian American and Pacific Islander Democratic Caucus

DC Latino Caucus

DC Vote

Delaware Pacem in Terris

Demand Equity Now

Democracy for America

Democratic Socialists of America

Demos

Detroit Democratic Socialists of America

Disciples Justice Action Network

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. DC Support Group

Drum Major Institute

Energy Action Coalition

Equality Federation

Equality Wisconsin, Inc.

Ex-Offenders Association of PA

Family Equality Council

Fellowship of Reconcilliation

Free Speech TV

Friends of the Earth

Friends of the Poor

Fur Cultural Revival (Darfur Community Center)

Gathering for Justice

Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley

Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

General Board of Church and Society- United Methodist Church

Generation Change

Generational Alliance

Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition

Gertrude Stein Democratic Club

Get Equal

Girldrive

Gray Panthers

Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral

Haitian American Caucus

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement

Harlem One Stop

HOFADS Corp., Inc.

Human Rights Campaign

Humanist Party, New York City Chapter

Illinois Single Payer Coalition

Imani Group

immigration Equality

Injured Workers United

Institute for Policy Studies

Institute of Caribbean Studies

Interfaith Worker Justice

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

International Federation of Black Prides

International Socialist Organization

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, AFL-CIO

Iraq Veterans Against the War

Jewish Arab Dialogue Association

Jewish Funds for Justice

Jewish Labor Committee

Jobs with Justice

Jordan / Rustin Coalition

Latin America Solidarity Coalition

Latino Action Coalition of DC

Latino Equality Alliance

Latino Federation of Greater Washington

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

Left Labor Project

Lemeul Haynes Congregational Church

Lincoln Park Neighbors United for Peace, Chicago

Long Island C.B.T.U.

Maine Green Independent Party

Majority Agenda Project

Make the Road NY

Maryland and DC AFL-CIO

Maryland Black Family League

Mass Equality

Mass Transgender Political Coalition

Mexican American Coalition

Midwest Academy

Minnesota Coalition for a People’s Bailout

Mother A.M.E. Zion Church

National Alliance Against Racist and Political Oppression, Chicago Branch

National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education

National Association of Black Social Workers

National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

National Black Justice Coalition

National Black L.U.V. Festival est. 1997

National Black Law Students Association

National Black Police Association

National Center for Transgender Equality

National Coalition on Black Civic Participation

National Community Reinvestment Coalition

National Congress of Black Women

National Council of Negro Women

National Domestic Workers Alliance

National Education Association

National Exhoodus Council

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

National Immigrant Solidarity Network

National Jobs For All Coalition

National Missionary Baptist Church

National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth

National Nurses United

National Organization for Women California

National Stonewall Democrats

National Union of Home and Health Care Employees

National Urban League

New England Region – AFSC

New Haven Peoples Center

New Jersey Black Issues Coalition

New York City Democratic Socialists of America

New York State AFL-CIO

New York Urban League

Next Step

North Country Peace Group (Long Island)

North Manhattan Neighbors for Peace and Justice

North Suburban Peace Initiative

Northeast Connecticut Coalition for Peace and Justice

NY Coalition of 100 Black Women

NYC LCLAA

NYU Nursing Doctoral Students Organization

Ohio AFL-CIO

One of the 266 Wrongfully Terminated

P.A.P.A.II People Assisting Positive Actions

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays National

Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore

Pax Christi USA

Peace Action

Peace Action Education Fund

Peace Action Maine

Peace Action Montgomery

Peace and Freedom Party

Pennsylvania Council of Churches

People for the American Way

People’s Organization for Progress

Physicians for a National Health Program

Planned Parenthood

Pledge of Resistance - Baltimore

Policy Link

Prayer, Praise and Worship Centers of America

Pride at Work

Progress Ohio

Progressive Congress Action Fund

Progressive Democrats of America

Progressive Democrats of America - NYS and NYC

Queers for Economic Justice

Reform Immigration for America

Resurrection Temple of the Lord

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union

Riverside Edgecombe Neighborhood Association (RENA)

Roosevelt Institute

School of Americas Watch (SoA Watch)

SEIU Local 32BJ

SEIU Local 722

September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows

Sikh Coalition

Single Payer Action Network Ohio - SPAN Ohio

Single Payer New York

Society of American Law Teachers

Solidarity

Stonewall Democratic Club

Stonewall Democratic Club - Los Angeles

Stonewall Young Democrats

Student World Assembly

Suffolk Peace Network

Teamsters Local 808

The Community Church of NY Unitarian Universalist

The L.I.F.E. Institute

The New Testement Revival Cathedral

The New York Immigration Coalition

The Opportunity Agenda

The Other 98%

The Power: The People United for LGBT Equality

The Religious Institute

Tikkun-Network of Spiritual Progressives

TransAfrica Forum

Transport Workers Union of America

True Colors, Inc.

TWU Local 100

Unid@s LGBT- The National Latin@ LGBT Human Rights Organization

Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations

Unite Here

United Food and Commercial Workers International Union

United Food and Commerical Workers Minority Coalition

United for Peace and Justice

United Mine Workers of America

United Steel Workers

Urban Agenda

US Action

US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation

US Human Rights Network

US Labor Against the War

US Peace Council

US Peace Council– Wisconsin

Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO

Veterans for Peace

Veterans for Peace NY

Voice of Haitian Americans Inc.

Voices for Creative Nonviolence

WAND: Women’s Action for New Directions

War Resisters League

Ward 7 Business Professional Association

Washington Peace Center

Welfare Rights Committee

Whitman Walker Clinic

William Kelibrew Foundation

Win Without War

Wishadoo

Witness Against Torture

Women’s Caucus for Political Science

Women’s Funding Network

Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom

Working America

Working Families Party

WPFW

Ya Ya Network

Young People For

I Pledge to Hold Republicans to their Pledge

2010-09-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

I _________________, pledge that if the Republican party breaks it's Pledge to America, I will break my Pledge with the Republican Party. I am lending my voice to many in the GOP for the purpose of Restoring America. If any member of the GOP chooses to betray the American people again, I pledge to do everything in my power as their employer to ensure that they will not be reelected, and that they will find no refuge to hide from the American people ever again. The game is over, this is the last chance for the Republican Party to gain the trust of America, and We The People are willing to continue our hostile takeover of the GOP if it fails us.

I pledge to remain ever vigilant, always question, and never surrender my God-given freedoms. To work to create an America where once again "with firm reliance on divine providence we" can "mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

8/28 Prayer

2010-08-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

Lord, please reach down and guide us
Show us the path to restoring
your gift to all mankind.
May you rain down upon us
Divine blessings to cleanse our souls,
bring peace to our hearts,
and clear thoughts to our minds.
May your message reach all Americans
even those unwilling to hear.

These Men of Valor

2010-08-25T17:39:00.001-07:00

As seen on The Scarlet Stethoscope, @rnadvocate

The sun was casting shadows on the ground,
as the men filed into the sweltering room.
These men of valor had been beaten down.
Days of browbeating and bellicose proclamations,
had brought them to their knees.

These men desired God's Free Will,
the will of the individual to decide his fate
unbridled from the forces of man.
Their enemy was the never-ending human condition,
the want, the lust...for privilege, prestige and power.

In the days preceding this,
they held quarrelsome debates,
they were losing all their common ground.
For this desperate unborn nation,
time was running out.

Divine Providence had delivered them this far,
and it was the cause for their kneeling.
This much they could agree on,
this leap in human consciousness,
no mortal could create.

The hand of God reached out to them,
cleansing their hearts and minds.
In their time of hopelessness,
these men found compromise.

They formed a land of freedom,
but the battle did not end.
The conflict is everlasting,
stay vigilant my friend.

They pledged their lives,
their fortunes,and their sacred honor.
What are you willing to give?
Is what they might have pondered.

Kevin Outlaw

North Carolina schools to only teach the Reformer/Progressive era

2010-02-03T20:09:00.000-08:00

In the late 19th century, the progressives came back from colleges in Germany, and Britain, where they learned the greatness of socialism and the teachings of Marx and Engels. They were also called reformers. Reform being government control over industry and everyday life. Fast forward to today where the progressives are showing their "enlightened" Marxist teeth. The 60s radicals who, believe in the "Progress" of government control, now control our school systems. Which makes today's Foxnews article, by Molly Henneberg interesting:

He may be the president who governed during the Civil War, freeing the slaves, but under a new curriculum proposal for North Carolina high schools, U.S. history would begin years after President Lincoln, with the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes in 1877.

State education leaders say this may help students learn about more recent history in greater depth.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,584758,00.html

So the plan in North Carolina now, is to only teach the history from the end of the Reconstruction era/beginning of the Reform era, til today. Which in turn erases the need to discuss why something may or may not be Constitutional, by erasing the importance of the Constitution from the minds of impressionable young adults. These same young adults have been taught all through school that they are entitled to everything, will now only be taught the era of government extravagance. No longer will they be taught of the struggle to form a free Republic, or the fight for it's very survival, amidst the bloodiest war in our history. Given the 20th century history they already teach, where Woodrow Wilson isn't the biggest racist in history, and FDR was an economic genius, one can only imagine what the focus of the new curriculum can be.

Webb: No Votes Until Brown Seated

2010-01-19T19:03:00.000-08:00

Senator Webb released a press announcement after Coakley conceded:

In many ways the campaign in Massachusetts became a referendum not only on health care reform but also on the openness and integrity of our government process. It is vital that we restore the respect of the American people in our system of government and in our leaders. To that end, I believe it would only be fair and prudent that we suspend further votes on health care legislation until Senator-elect Brown is seated.

Sen. Webb: "It would only be fair and prudent that we suspend further votes on health care legislation until Senator-elect Brown is seated." Webb wants this bill to be stopped because his and Warner's votes for it just before Christmas, is going to cost them this year's election. They hope if the healthcare bill goes down their voters will forget they abandoned their state.

Stupid Palin and the All knowing Mika

2010-01-18T20:03:00.000-08:00

Some may wonder how Mika got as brilliant as she is, one look at her last name says it all.

Some funny stuff in this video, first while scoffing at how stupid Palin is for picking George Washington as her favorite founding father, Mika picks Abraham Lincoln as her favorite founding father. Also Pat Buchanan, a "small govt conservative" picks the only big all powerful govt founding father, Hamilton.

2009-11-23T19:02:00.000-08:00

Another example of Al Gore's vast scientific knowledge(barely passed in college).

"The interior of the Earth is very hot...several million degrees." Delivered with his usual I'm the smartest man alive attitude. Good guess, but only off by several million degrees(actually estimated between 3500 and 7000°C), about as accurate as usual. Love to see the drillbits rated at several million degrees, wonder what they are made of.

Problems With Holder's Answers

2009-11-20T16:58:00.000-08:00

Eric Holder, The Attorney General of the United States' was questioned by Lindsay Graham on Wed.(nov. 18th). It is absolutely amazing how unprepared Holder appears for these questions, it almost seems as though we don't have a policy for some pretty basic issues.

When Mr. Holder is asked if he would have the authority to hold an acquitted KSM as an enemy combatant, and would use that authority, Mr. Holder said he did have that authority, and would hold him.

So what exactly is the point of bringing them to a trial in federal court? What exactly is the reason for spending tens of millions of dollars, possibly hundreds of millions of dollars on a trial, that has the potential to be the biggest circus in history? Why, if they can be held as enemy combatants, if acquitted, bring them to NYC, with the possibility of causing post-traumatic syndrome for 911 families? We've seen the damage "pre"-traumatic stress syndrome can have on a Muslim terrorist...Oh I'm sorry misunderstood gunman.

Next line of questioning: Sen. Graham asks the AG if he could give him a case where an enemy combatant was picked up on the battlefield, and then tried in civilian court. The answer is astonishing:

"I don't know, I'd have to look at that" AG Eric Holder

One would think, that if you plan on trying someone in Federal Court, you might have researched the possible other cases to see how they were conducted, before making your decision. In which case when faced with that question, you might know there were none.

Next the questions turn to, what would you do with Bin Laden if picked up on the battlefield. Would you read him his miranda rights? Would he be treated the same as KSM?

The AG's answer is "It depends." Mr. Graham rightly points out that, you need to have a plan.

We are still hunting him right? Those soldiers, CIA, FBI, might need to know what to do if they find him. The AG points out his views on Bin Laden in a save attempt. Still the question remains...If you're a soldier, what do you do?

We already have a miltary tribunal system set up and ready to go at gitmo. WHere's the problem?

Mr. graham is a Progressive Lite nightmare, who occasionally shows up on the side of reason. On this one he is right.

Why Would Parents Fear Indoctrination?

2009-09-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

Let's see:

Before Obama's speech, we were going to send out packets on how your kids could help Obama's policies. Luckily people were paying attention, and they stepped back from sending the packets. The textbooks have been blatantly false for decades. And then you have this:

The Obama Youth:

My favorite part, is when they say "Take responsibility for our own lives." When did Obama and the left want people to start doing that?

Then there is the commercial shown in school in Utah:

Courtney Cox, what a winner, " I pledge to serve the president." Apparently like the rest of Hollywood Miss Cox missed history class......a lot. We did fight a war with the largest empire in the world, so we didn't have to pledge allegiance to a man, much less someone who believes in the ways of Europe, you know the ideas we were running from.

Then Glenn Beck showed us "The Story of Stuff":

Wow. This is being shown to kids in over 7000 schools and churches. The only thing correct in the video is that corporations and the gov't getting together is bad. But without capitalisml there are no techniques to do less damage, there is no way to clean the air and water, without wealth, you have the Ganges. Here's Glenn Beck and Lee Doren's take on some of the many wild distortions in the video:

How about we leave the indoctrination to the radical parents(left and right, even though both parties are far left), that way only 25-30% of the kids have to get indoctrinated, and we can continue to be prosperous despite, their lame offspring.

Officer states we're not in America anymore

2009-08-29T00:21:00.000-07:00

Officer: "I can charge you with whatever I want to charge you with."

Citizen: "So you make the law too."

The officer really loved that comment, and realized he should just move on. But then, he opens his mouth again, in a way that you have to really be astounded.

Citizen: "This used to be America."

Officer: "It ain't no more."

I'm sure the officer didn't mean it in that way but it is quite telling of the current situation in our country.

Air America Exposes Fascist

2009-08-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

As usual the libs are a little light on facts. Actually, the O admin wanted to cut $310billion, and negotiated down to $80bil, and that there would be no restrictions on what they could charge private insurance. Another part of the deal was that Big Phrma had to spend $150 million dollars on socialized medicine ads, with the Chief of staffs former company that had no other way to pay him the money they owe him.

The future of the US, w/healthcare annd the smartgrid

2009-08-23T12:06:00.001-07:00

So if congress can pass this healthcare bill, and can in conjunction with cap and trade, get the smartgrid forced on us. This is our future.

Note: I have gotten the youtube video so you don't have to go to the aclu website.

Makes me feel all warm inside.

Marine gives it to Rep. Baird

2009-08-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

You've all seen it by now but here it is one more time. This Marine, in the video, has fulfilled his oath, will anyone else defend the constitution?

From enemies both foreign and domestic? He leaves out another coincidence between the National Socialists and these socialists. They were also environmentalists and vegetarian.

Mordechai Kedar owns al-Jazeera anchor

2009-08-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

I want to hear the argument against Mr. Mordechai Kedar.

It's the Post Office that has all the trouble

2009-08-12T13:02:00.001-07:00

The President made one of the worst examples for Healthcare he could have.

Let's dissect it(not verbatim): How can a private insurance company compete, if the public option has to be self-sustaining, meaning not subsidized by taxpayers? First, doesn't a public option have to be paid for with taxpayer dollars to make it "public". Second, the private insurance won't be allowed to compete on the free market. Under this bill, all new insurance issued after day 1 has to go through the insurance exchange. Meaning, the gov't will be deciding what they can offer in their plans.
UPS and FEDEX are doing just fine, it's the post office that's always having problems. Which is a good argument in an economic recession not to have a gov't takeover. UPS and FEDEX are also not told what services they can and can't offer. Back to the post office in a second.
Private companies can compete, as long as it's not set up, where it's being subsidized by taxpayer money. Even if it's a bad service taxpayers still have to pony up the bill for it. What government program isn't set up to be paid for by taxpayers? What does the government make money on, outside of taxes?

The post office analogy brings up other arguments against. Such as, the post office has a second year of at least a $7billion deficit. The post office is talking of cutting back to a 5 day week. What happens in healthcare? Are we going to close hospitals on certain days or certain times, some areas of Canada do. Not likely. The most probable way to cutback will be rationing. It happens in all socialized medical schemes.
The argument they make that it will mostly be paid for with savings, not taxes, is a little misleading. When I use a VIC(grocery card)card, I may save $10 but I'm still spending $30.
One supporter cried outside that it just isn't right that some people are dying because they can't get healthcare. No one who is in need of desperate medical attention is getting turned away. They may not be covered by insurance or have insurance, but no one is dying on the streets, for lack of care.

2009-08-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

If the peaceful protestors are a mob, what do you call the hired goons that are pushing people around for the unions and the far left? SEIU is helping write the healthcare and amnesty legislation, in hopes of adding members for their bankrolls. They are also exempting unions from this healthcare bill, so have no real reason to be at these meetings. If normal Americans who hate both parties are "astroturf", what are the illegal alien day laborers paid to hold pro healthcare signs?

Pictures of Denver protest:
http://www.aipnews.com/talk/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=6933&posts=1

Black guy in St. Louis reeducating an ignorant teenager.

The minorities that SEIU helps are not American. SEIU is responsible for those Illegal Immigrant protests last year. The Dems have no ground to stand on when it comes to minorities. The ending of slavery, the 13th, 14th, 15th and 19th ammendments, the 1960 and 1964 civil rights acts are all Republican, the Dems fought against all of these. What the Dems can take credit for, is enslaving black people to welfare, and subjugating them to the worst schools in the country. Notice when you see unions that they are almost all white.

And Oh yeah, Martin Luther King Jr. was a Republican, here's a good article.

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=16500

Who are the extremists?

2009-08-06T13:23:00.001-07:00

Who are the extremists? Are they the one's appointing self avowed communists, people that want to put sterilants in the drinking water, and tax cheats to positions of power? Or are they the one's working their tails off every day just to pay their bills, and of course their misused tax-dollars? Are the extremists the one's who are passing transformational bills, without having read them? Or are they concerned citizens who HAVE read the bills and are ticked off their very rights and freedoms are being taken away? Are the extremists the Senior Economic Advisors, who say that we have huge debt and spending problems, and that's why we have to spend a trillion dollars? Or are they the people that think we ought to fix the economy first then tackle these tough issues? That understand that when you are short on money you buy tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, not lobster and filet mignon?

I am a member of several grassroots projects, our meetings have democrats, republicans, libertarians, and independents. Our groups don't have any funding from anyone, and welcome politicians from all parties. When they show angry Americans what do they show, a crazy birther, who started the birther movement? A democrat, Hillary Clinton staffer. The dems can't believe that we are for real, because their protests are not, they have to have huge groups organize them, we just use word of mouth.

Nancy Pelosi "people bringing swastikas to town halls"

2009-08-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

Nancy Pelosi says people bringing swastikas to town hall meetings.

We all know that Nancy Pelosi is a chronic liar, but this is special even for her. The unfortunate thing is those on the left will believe it, as they believe anything the MSM says, and never do any research to back it up. Show us one swastika. They say protesters are a Republican mob, with feigned anger. I wasn't aware that the Libertarians and Independents were under the control of the Republicans. Barbara Boxer, said that protesters "were too well dressed to be sincere". Of course they are well dressed they have jobs. Best tweet of the day, "We are empowered and we showered". Of course the Dems can't believe people would just go on their own, because they have to have large organizations to put together protests. If you want to see feigned anger, and a controlled mob, look no further than ACORN, HCAN, SEIU, all operatives of the democratic party.

Obama=Woodrow Wilson???

2009-08-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

The Obama administration keeps moving closer and closer to the past. The progressives have a long history of spying and cracking down on Americans with opinions. Just look what happens if you even question a progressive policy, the politicians, media, and "astroturf-roots" organizations, try to destroy you, your family, anyone tied to you. But the most infamous thing they've ever done was during the Woodrow Wilson administration. During his term in office Woodrow, had bands of thug numbering over 200,000, that went through the cities looking for dissenters. They would either threaten, beat or arrest these dissenters. Over 150,000 political prisoners were held under indefinite sentences. All for voicing an opinion counter to the president's, no violence, just speaking out. Woodrow and FDR also hired people to go out on the streets and act as if they were just normal people to both shout down enemy speeches, and give their own speeches in support of the president.

Starting to sound a little familiar?

No one is in jail for dissension, yet. But, all the other tactics are in full force. Which brings us to this morning, when the White House communications director called for you to snitch on your friends. If you have a friend who is opposed to Ocare, or if you get a mass email, you should turn them in to flag@whitehouse.gov.(http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Facts-Are-Stubborn-Things/) On the WH blog she also tries to defend the older videos of Obama saying that you can't just do it all at once we probably would have to let private insurance remain around for a small amount of time. But, the main goal was to move towards single payer. Mrs. Douglass, the comm. dir., says Obama continues to say, you can keep your ins., doctor, etc., and supplies two videos. The older statements were of course taken out of context, but what context does saying that it is your goal to move to single payer, not mean it is your goal to move to single payer.Of course those statements and the videos are all from this year. To get elected you tell the fringes what you are going to do, once elected you have to hide the real purpose, because progressives are the minority in this country.

The thugs are gathering in this fight as well, HuffPO has put out a call for activists to confront the teapartiers. Soros has already thrown his money into the ring. The media and the libs are afraid, because they have to be organized in order to speak out, and as the majority of this country are awakening, they need no organization, just to find out the time and place on their own.

If the turn in your neighbor theme sounds familiar...you guessed it Woodrow Wilson, put up signs on the streets to turn in your neighbors, all you had to do was call a confidential phone line and the gov would take care of it. Now it's even easier, just email their name and heck why not give the WH your friends email while your at it. Not like they'll send ACORN or the Black Panthers after them.

2009-07-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

The black guy is questionably right. There was an experiment on black men conducted by the gov’t. The Tuskegee experiment, syphilis apparently was given to black men in this study. However it was the progressives, not all white men, who did it. It wasn't whites that did this, it was the progressive ruling class. They have also done tests on white men. The progressive movement(almost all dems) had come up with eugenics and abortion, as plans to get rid of unwanted populations(mainly blacks, that is why planned parenthood is almost always found in the minority communities), way before Hitler even dreamed of becoming a dictator. So yes, there appears to have been a case of blacks being infected. However it was the progressives that were the masterminds. Now, he thinks they should have control over his healthcare.

2009-07-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

Healthcare was reborn today as "Blue Dogs" gave in. I haven't sat down to see all the changes, but the forced public option is gone, small business penalty is gone as well. THIS DOESN'T MATTER. The progressives have been moving slowly for over 100 yrs. What matters to them, is having a public option available. Once they have the framework in, it will spread like a virus. With the Executive taking more and more power daily, they may not even have to have future bills to spread it. One of the csars might one day have the power to force it on us. We are moving down a very dark road, and these progressive's have told us there intentions for years. If your representative votes for any of this legislation being shoved down our throats...start campaigning against them the very next day, and make sure they know it.

Having the illegals in the bill should be a slap in the face to all Americans, especially those here legally. How can we pay for that? The boy genius, Brian Deese, while rewriting capitalism, in the Auto bailouts, talked of health costs. In the Chrysler bankruptcy, they couldn't just liquidate, because that would force some 50,000 people onto the medicare and unemployment rolls. And the U.S. couldn't afford the cost of those 50,000 people being added. Plus, the whole they pay taxes too argument is bogus. If they are on an actual payroll, they claim multiple dependants, so they actually get all of their money back.

2009-07-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

My favorite argument of the day,"Bush did it",so I guess we've changed to the two wrongs do make it right philosophy.Why not move back to freedom? Why not leave the parties and the politics, and the constant encroachment on our liberties behind?

A few quotes on the parties from George Washington's farewell speech:

"The common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.
It serves always to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public Administration. It agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection."

"I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the state, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally."

"Real Patriots, who may resist the intrigues of the favourite, are liable to become suspected and odious; while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests"

It is our duty as Americans to inform ourselves, not to rely on others. Our continual electing of people and assuming they are doing the will of the people has lead us down the path to destruction of our personal liberties.