Cost of the War in Iraq
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21.7.06
BLOGGING, TALKING, SHOWING...
Comrades, sorry for next to no commentary in this space. Its been an exceptionally long summer, and its not even halfway done.
I'm going to take the lead from "Esthr Dyson" and begin, or continue what I have been doing anyway... move this (personal) blog to my flickr site (link).
I've also started a video blog site (link). So one can find a growing number of shorts there.
No doubt I will come back here and offer select thoughts, probably when I am not on the road (which, means that the thoughts will be far and few in between). I will probably cross-post from flickr once and a while. In addition I may use this site for posting articles, etc.
It was fun while it lasted.
Stay tuned for more...
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Comrades, sorry for next to no commentary in this space. Its been an exceptionally long summer, and its not even halfway done.
I'm going to take the lead from "Esthr Dyson" and begin, or continue what I have been doing anyway... move this (personal) blog to my flickr site (link).
I've also started a video blog site (link). So one can find a growing number of shorts there.
No doubt I will come back here and offer select thoughts, probably when I am not on the road (which, means that the thoughts will be far and few in between). I will probably cross-post from flickr once and a while. In addition I may use this site for posting articles, etc.
It was fun while it lasted.
Stay tuned for more...
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17.5.06
LITTLE GREEN (business) MEN
Greens are traditionally dirt poor. Hence their crunchiness. Yet a new class of elite is ascendent: the social entreprenuer. Emboldened and backed by the largess and surfeit of Jeff (Skoll), Pierre (Omidyar) and other billionaire do-gooders and their Global X-men the treehugger.com crowd is on the lookout for a feel-good, fast buck.
Alas: good-capitalism (green, smilely-faced, or otherwise) has left the building.
Witness the corresponding rise of capitalist apostates, like George (Soros), Joe (Stiglitz) and a growing ranks of neoliberal naysayers. These folks are by no means part of some left lunatic Chavez-Evo Morales-Che Guevara-balaclava-wearing fringe. The naysayers of note just so happen to have built the house of capital they are now warning has collapsed--unbeknownst to the little green-bizness-folk who are trying to live and realize the dream.
The green-bizness-playas are clearly in the drivers seat, but are they aiming for the cliff?
Recently this tiddy-bit landed in my mailbox:
"...
In Sept. 2004 "Goldman Sachs announced ... the unprecedented gift of a sprawling wilderness in Chile to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The lands, on the island of Tierra del Fuego, are home to the world’s southernmost stands of old growth forests as well as unique grasslands, rivers and wetlands containing extraordinary wildlife. The more than 680,000 acres (272,000 hectares) of Chilean land were donated to WCS by the Goldman Sachs Charitable Fund in a novel and powerful alliance that will ensure conservation in the region in perpetuity." [check the nice promo video]
public participation in these green-capitalist schemes?
To what extent do people, i.e., electorates--whether in Chile, New England or anywhere else-- get to collectively decide on the fate and circumstances of natural resources? Or do we even need people anymore, since the experts at TNC and WCS have our best interests in mind, right?
Should the people even have a say, or will the little green (business) men save us from our own ignorance?
Few, especially those on the look out for greenwashed-loot, raise these thorny "small-d" -democratic, public-interest issues. Will big-billionaires re-build public institutions in their own image or yours? Who will decide? Does it matter? Are there deep, systemic downsides to large-scale moves of got-rich-quick social entreprenuers? Some are beginning to consider the downsides. Most notably are Chapin and Dowie particularly on the green front.
The role-playing and shadow-boxing of green-capitalists is even more dire in the etheral realm green-business. Recent surveys reveal that most people have been effectively propagandized to believe the bp's new name is indeed, "beyond petroleum". (I'm going to come back to this in future posts, and in print, in due course.).
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Greens are traditionally dirt poor. Hence their crunchiness. Yet a new class of elite is ascendent: the social entreprenuer. Emboldened and backed by the largess and surfeit of Jeff (Skoll), Pierre (Omidyar) and other billionaire do-gooders and their Global X-men the treehugger.com crowd is on the lookout for a feel-good, fast buck.
Alas: good-capitalism (green, smilely-faced, or otherwise) has left the building.
Witness the corresponding rise of capitalist apostates, like George (Soros), Joe (Stiglitz) and a growing ranks of neoliberal naysayers. These folks are by no means part of some left lunatic Chavez-Evo Morales-Che Guevara-balaclava-wearing fringe. The naysayers of note just so happen to have built the house of capital they are now warning has collapsed--unbeknownst to the little green-bizness-folk who are trying to live and realize the dream.
The green-bizness-playas are clearly in the drivers seat, but are they aiming for the cliff?
Recently this tiddy-bit landed in my mailbox:
"...
In Sept. 2004 "Goldman Sachs announced ... the unprecedented gift of a sprawling wilderness in Chile to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The lands, on the island of Tierra del Fuego, are home to the world’s southernmost stands of old growth forests as well as unique grasslands, rivers and wetlands containing extraordinary wildlife. The more than 680,000 acres (272,000 hectares) of Chilean land were donated to WCS by the Goldman Sachs Charitable Fund in a novel and powerful alliance that will ensure conservation in the region in perpetuity." [check the nice promo video]public participation in these green-capitalist schemes?
To what extent do people, i.e., electorates--whether in Chile, New England or anywhere else-- get to collectively decide on the fate and circumstances of natural resources? Or do we even need people anymore, since the experts at TNC and WCS have our best interests in mind, right?
Should the people even have a say, or will the little green (business) men save us from our own ignorance?
Few, especially those on the look out for greenwashed-loot, raise these thorny "small-d" -democratic, public-interest issues. Will big-billionaires re-build public institutions in their own image or yours? Who will decide? Does it matter? Are there deep, systemic downsides to large-scale moves of got-rich-quick social entreprenuers? Some are beginning to consider the downsides. Most notably are Chapin and Dowie particularly on the green front.
The role-playing and shadow-boxing of green-capitalists is even more dire in the etheral realm green-business. Recent surveys reveal that most people have been effectively propagandized to believe the bp's new name is indeed, "beyond petroleum". (I'm going to come back to this in future posts, and in print, in due course.).
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FINALLY SOME MAINSTREAM CLIMATE JUSTICE
"Christian Aid, a UK based network of Churches working to end poverty, has just launched a report highlighting the limitations of poverty alleviation efforts due to climate change.
The report states that 182 million people in sub-Saharan Africa alone could die of disease directly attributable to climate change by the end of the century. Christian Aid wants to bring attention to the issue of poverty and climate change to urge the UK government to take leadership in stopping global warming. The report also underlines the potential for a clean revolution lead by renewable energy in the development world. For more details, please visit Christian Aid." [via IGHIH]
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"Christian Aid, a UK based network of Churches working to end poverty, has just launched a report highlighting the limitations of poverty alleviation efforts due to climate change.
The report states that 182 million people in sub-Saharan Africa alone could die of disease directly attributable to climate change by the end of the century. Christian Aid wants to bring attention to the issue of poverty and climate change to urge the UK government to take leadership in stopping global warming. The report also underlines the potential for a clean revolution lead by renewable energy in the development world. For more details, please visit Christian Aid." [via IGHIH]
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9.5.06
DURBAN GROUP PRINCIPLES
ON CLIMATE CHANGE & CARBON TRADING AVAILABLE
[pdf]
Wonder why Congressional Republicans are having such a hard time coming up with real solutions to our energy crisis, the chart on the right gives a clue. Find out how much your representatives get from big oil companies at the Price of Oil website.
(hat tip to ItsGettingHotInHere).
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3.5.06
PAPA BUSH: BABY BUSH IS "INSIDIOUS TRAITOR"
"Those who betray the trust by exposing the name of our sources [in the CIA--in particular]. They are, in my view, the most insidious, of traitors." --From comments on 26 Apirl 1999 at CIA-HQ [link to full text of the speech]
While the oblique reference was to Phil Agee, the same clearly must apply to the "Decider". The son clearly is long over due a serious spanking. [Recall Proverbs 13-24 - He that spareth his rod hateth his son.]
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"Those who betray the trust by exposing the name of our sources [in the CIA--in particular]. They are, in my view, the most insidious, of traitors." --From comments on 26 Apirl 1999 at CIA-HQ [link to full text of the speech]
While the oblique reference was to Phil Agee, the same clearly must apply to the "Decider". The son clearly is long over due a serious spanking. [Recall Proverbs 13-24 - He that spareth his rod hateth his son.]
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THINKING ABOUT RACISM, JUSTICE AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Darren Ranco wonders about environmental racism and climate change in the Dartmouth Free Press.
Excerpt:
"the inability of mainstream environmentalism to form an adequate political and cultural response to climate change is caused by its orientation towards incremental policy-making in centers of power like Washington, DC." [link to full article]
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Darren Ranco wonders about environmental racism and climate change in the Dartmouth Free Press.
Excerpt:
"the inability of mainstream environmentalism to form an adequate political and cultural response to climate change is caused by its orientation towards incremental policy-making in centers of power like Washington, DC." [link to full article]
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2.5.06
THIS JUST IN
Someone just sent me this, which I've now shared. I will try to post a pic in a sec.
"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL: (603) 643-4370 or via email at: editor@dartreview.com
Plane Strafes Dartmouth Pro-Immigrant May Day Rally
Self-proclaimed "rightwing agitators" and "xenophobic jingoists" opted to get their voice heard overtop the May 1, 2006 pro-immigrant/human rights rally, literally and figuratively.
The partisan Dartmouth Review hired a bi-plane to strafe the Dartmouth campus and the 2006 May Day rally. The plane pulled a large banner that announced:
"ILLEGALS ARE CRIMINALS--SEND THEM BACK !"
The all CAPS slogan was closely followed by an American flag.
As the speeches were given by students and guests the bi-plane strafed the crowd with its banner-message.
When speculation spread as to the sponsor of the plane, Dartmouth Review editors claimed "responsibility" on a web-site, in an almost "Al-Qaeda-like style" noted one observer. In an afternoon post, by a Dartlog poster and student named Dan Linsalata an '07 from Ohio, the Dartlog web site, noted:
"We've received numerous enquiries as to whether The Dartmouth Review was in any way responsible for the aeroplane trailing the banner at today's immigration rally. To curious parties, I say, 'Yes, and thanks for your interest.'"
The full link to the post is at the [link].
A check of local airport flight plans has yet to reveal the origin of the plane.
Sources also say that several "Dartmouth affiliates" may have reported the incident to Homeland Security, the FAA and the FBI as a hate-crime.
Pictures of the plane and the incident are available at: [link] &
[link]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL: (603) 643-4370 or via email at: editor@dartreview.com"
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Someone just sent me this, which I've now shared. I will try to post a pic in a sec.
"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL: (603) 643-4370 or via email at: editor@dartreview.com
Plane Strafes Dartmouth Pro-Immigrant May Day Rally
Self-proclaimed "rightwing agitators" and "xenophobic jingoists" opted to get their voice heard overtop the May 1, 2006 pro-immigrant/human rights rally, literally and figuratively.
The partisan Dartmouth Review hired a bi-plane to strafe the Dartmouth campus and the 2006 May Day rally. The plane pulled a large banner that announced:
"ILLEGALS ARE CRIMINALS--SEND THEM BACK !"
The all CAPS slogan was closely followed by an American flag.
As the speeches were given by students and guests the bi-plane strafed the crowd with its banner-message.
When speculation spread as to the sponsor of the plane, Dartmouth Review editors claimed "responsibility" on a web-site, in an almost "Al-Qaeda-like style" noted one observer. In an afternoon post, by a Dartlog poster and student named Dan Linsalata an '07 from Ohio, the Dartlog web site, noted:
"We've received numerous enquiries as to whether The Dartmouth Review was in any way responsible for the aeroplane trailing the banner at today's immigration rally. To curious parties, I say, 'Yes, and thanks for your interest.'"
The full link to the post is at the [link].
A check of local airport flight plans has yet to reveal the origin of the plane.
Sources also say that several "Dartmouth affiliates" may have reported the incident to Homeland Security, the FAA and the FBI as a hate-crime.
Pictures of the plane and the incident are available at: [link] &
[link]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL: (603) 643-4370 or via email at: editor@dartreview.com"
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24.4.06
Big Boss is Hearing Voices...
LINK TO:
The Decider Speaks...
LYRICS...
I am me and Rummy's he, Iraq is free and we are all together
See the world run when Dick shoots his gun, see how I lie
I'm Lying...
Sitting on my own brain, waiting for the end of days
Corporation profits, Bloody oil money
I'm above the law and I'll decide what's right or wrong
I am the egg head, I'm the Commander, I'm the Decider
Koo-Koo-Kachoo
Baghdad city policeman sitting pretty little targets in a row
See how they die when the shrapnel flies see mothers cry
I'm Lying...I'm Ly-ing...I'm Lying...I'm Ly-ing
Yellow cake uranium, imaginary WMD's
Declassifying facts, exposing secret agents
Tax cuts for the wealthy leaving all the poor behind
CHORUS
Sitting in the White house garden talking to the Lord
My thoughts would be busy busy hatching If I only had a brain
CHORUS
(courtesy of Paul Hipp)
Contact: decider.koo.koo.ka.choo@gmail.com
Also, check out Fur Is Dead
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LINK TO:
The Decider Speaks...
LYRICS...
I am me and Rummy's he, Iraq is free and we are all together
See the world run when Dick shoots his gun, see how I lie
I'm Lying...
Sitting on my own brain, waiting for the end of days
Corporation profits, Bloody oil money
I'm above the law and I'll decide what's right or wrong
I am the egg head, I'm the Commander, I'm the Decider
Koo-Koo-Kachoo
Baghdad city policeman sitting pretty little targets in a row
See how they die when the shrapnel flies see mothers cry
I'm Lying...I'm Ly-ing...I'm Lying...I'm Ly-ing
Yellow cake uranium, imaginary WMD's
Declassifying facts, exposing secret agents
Tax cuts for the wealthy leaving all the poor behind
CHORUS
Sitting in the White house garden talking to the Lord
My thoughts would be busy busy hatching If I only had a brain
CHORUS
(courtesy of Paul Hipp)
Contact: decider.koo.koo.ka.choo@gmail.com
Also, check out Fur Is Dead
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15.4.06
Jet Taxi: Friend or Foe
ED blogs and raves about jet taxis.
I'm wondering (link) who, if anyone, is working on the CO2 offset program to address a sky full of jet-taxis?
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I'm wondering (link) who, if anyone, is working on the CO2 offset program to address a sky full of jet-taxis?
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Dartmouth Climate Justice Project Director Attends
National Climate Crisis Meeting
From the press release:
Dr. Michael Dorsey, a professor and Director of Dartmouth Climate Justice Project, will participate in the forthcoming Climate Crisis Coalition National Strategy Meeting 30 April 2006 in New York City. The event is a unique opportunity for people concerned about global warming and serious about building the movement to stop it to gather. The Strategy Meeting will provide: networking and brainstorming opportunities, a jumping-off point to start thinking about the tougher issues, and inspiration to build a climate movement in your community.
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National Climate Crisis Meeting
From the press release:
Dr. Michael Dorsey, a professor and Director of Dartmouth Climate Justice Project, will participate in the forthcoming Climate Crisis Coalition National Strategy Meeting 30 April 2006 in New York City. The event is a unique opportunity for people concerned about global warming and serious about building the movement to stop it to gather. The Strategy Meeting will provide: networking and brainstorming opportunities, a jumping-off point to start thinking about the tougher issues, and inspiration to build a climate movement in your community.
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Sierra Club President Travels on DOD Junket
Just got this from Lisa Renstrom, the present sitting Sierra Club President:
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Just got this from Lisa Renstrom, the present sitting Sierra Club President:
I'll post my note to her and present and past Club Directos & Presidents in a bit."I want to let the **** committee know that I will be in the Middle East or South East Asia attending the Joint Civilian Orientation
Conference. They have not told us any other geographic details of the trip. The JCOC is a program sponsored by the Secretary of Defense for civilian public opinion leaders interested in growing their knowledge of the military and national defense issues. JCOC is the only civilian orientation program the Secretary sponsors and is the oldest existing Pentagon outreach program, having been held 70 times since 1948.
This is the first time that a Sierra Club Leader has been invited to go. I'll report back."
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