Republican Dominated Government: No Gridlock but Hardship for Everyone Except the Wealthy Class

Senator Bernie Sanders

Brookings Institution Image

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) fervently spoke out against the Republican 2016 budget resolutions. His disdain is deep for Republicans who believe the deficit is so bad that it’s necessary to make cuts to Social Security, Medicare, nutrition, education, defund the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), and give tax breaks to billionaires and corporations. Yet when it comes to war deficits, it doesn’t seem to matter. “How hypocritical can you get?”

Chicago Police Department’s Homan Square Torture Accusations Set a Dangerous Precedent

Homan Square, once a warehouse on Chicago’s west side, is a Chicago Police Special Operations detention and interrogation center. The center is accused of abusing prisoners, holding them for hours without any official record of their detention, and preventing them from their legal right to be represented by an attorney. The center has been likened to a CIA black site, according to The Guardian.

Here We Go Again: LAPD Kill a Homeless Man

Video screen shot of LAPD killing a homeless man

A bystander’s video of Los Angeles police officers killing a homeless man, known as Africa, should make everyone’s blood boil. But I’m sure, unfortunately, it will not. Some will support police no matter what. But I will not. It’s murder no matter what way you slice it.

Here’s the LAPD’s news release

American Values Slump, Even by Engaging in Criminality like NSA’s Theft of Encryption Keys

The Great Sim Heist, an Intercept article by Jeremy Scahill and Josh Begley, reveals the extent to which the National Security Agency (NSA) will go to acquire cell phone records. Secret documents provided to the Intercept by whistleblower Edward Snowden detail how NSA and the British Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) hacked Gemalto, the largest maker of SIM cards, and stole the encryption keys used to protect the privacy of mobile communications.

It’s just one more example of where the United States has failed to live up to its values.

The Supreme Court, Death Penalty, Botched Executions; Abolishment Is Overdue

Image by Bearman2007 on Flickr

Four inmates on Oklahoma’s death row petitioned the United States Supreme Court to hear their petition for a stay of execution. One week after refusing to halt the execution of one of the men, Charles Warner, the Court agreed to hear the petition on behalf of the other three. Until the Court’s decision is made, the three men have been granted a stay.

The petition asks for a review by the Court of a sedative, midazolam, used in Oklahoma, Arizona, and Ohio, where in some cases inmates have suffered agonizing executions. Its use therefore may violate the U.S. Constitution’s protection against cruel and unusual punishment. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case in April and rule on the petition by July.

Keep Your Nose Warm If You Want To Avoid Catching a Cold

Image by Denise Cortez, Flicker.com

I have a brother who swears up and down that if he doesn’t bundle up while inside or when outside of his home he will get a cold. Even when he sleeps, he covers every part of his body with a hat, facemask, three layers of clothing, three layers of stockings, gloves, and covers himself with five or six layers of bed coverings. I have always thought he was eccentric and foolish. Now I have second thoughts.

A Moneyless World: It’s An Idea Worth Spreading

Image by Celestine Chua on Flickr

Copyright: Creative Commons License

Can you imagine an America and world free from the influences of money? Where everyone would have access to education and healthcare without the burden to pay for it. Where everyone would be free to fully pursue his or her passion in a world at peace, free, and where inequality wouldn’t exist. An America and world where there is real technical and social progress without profit limitations placed on innovative research and development.

K-12 Public School Education Should Not Be Marketable

Public Education Is So Important 

That It Should Not Be Left To the Marketplace

Image by Greens MPs on Flickr

Libertarian, former Texas Congressman Ron Paul, like Conservatives and Republicans, believes that if the business world were free to operate without regulation, we would have greater freedom of choice, including education. It’s the solution to our K-12 public school problem.

Paul is not alone. There are many who criticize the public school system, calling for the need to reform public education. They say privatization of public schools will provide parents with more education alternatives.

American Sniper: To Love War, Find Killing Fun, Really Doesn’t Sound Like the Stuff of Heroes to Me

You Tube Video Clip of Clint Eastwood

 and Bradley Cooper on the set of ‘American Sniper’

I have known extraordinary men and women in my life. They have courageously been there for family and strangers alike when they desperately needed help. They sacrificed and unselfishly gave of themselves during difficult times, often under precarious circumstances, because they cared about the wellbeing of people. They did it willingly without compensation or even recognition. They are extraordinary people. If faced with the same circumstances they are the kind of people I would hope to emulate. They are the kind of people I call heroes. They are the kind of people I want my children and grandchildren to regard as heroes.

To All Republicans: Why Not an America That Values All Its People?

CSpan cropped video clip:
Obama’s sly smile after responding
to Republican’s disrespectfully applause

President Obama’s State of the Union Address was exactly the right speech, at the right place, and at the right time.

On the other hand, Speaker of the House John Boehner’s stony demeanor was all telling. His demeanor’s an indication of just what to expect from Congressional Republicans, and a Republican President, if one should be elected in 2016.