Michael Collins: An Interview with Vincent Bugliosi - Part 1
Prosecuting George W. Bush for Murder
Plotting the crime, Bush plans the misleading 2003 State of the Union speech then delivers the lies to citizens and the Congress: "A brutal dictator, -- with ties to terrorism -- will not be permitted to dominate a vital region and threaten the United States." George W. Bush
Michael Collins
"Scoop" Independent News
Washington, DC
In his new book, The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder, Vincent Bugliosi makes a devastating, well documented case that President George W. Bush is guilty of murder as a result of the lies he told to justify the invasion of Iraq.
Read More »The Community Financial Services Association's campaign to overturn House Bill 545 went live with a new website yesterday. Their website, Ohioans4financialfreedom, displays how out of touch they are with real Ohioans.
First, they say: "Protect 6,000 good-paying jobs that could be lost."
This is not accurate. House Bill 545 says absolutely nothing about closing any businesses or preventing the dispersion of payday loans. House Bill 545 simply caps interest rates and fees at 28% APR, protecting Ohio's consumers from predatory 391% APR interest. Payday lending stores have already started applying for licenses to continue operating under the new law from the Ohio Department of Commerce. If any stores close, it's because they choose to, not because they have to.
Second, they say: "Protect your financial freedom and private financial choices."
Payday lenders target low-income neighborhoods where it is easier for them to encourage people to walk through the door. Neon signs with "Get cash in minutes!" and "Easy cash quick," etc. Once a borrower is trapped in a cycle of payday loans, it becomes necessary for the consumer to keep taking out loans. This is not a choice! Usurious payday loans at 391% are bad for Ohioans and bad for the Ohio economy. Usury is not freedom!
Third, they say: "Protect your right to privacy about your personal finances."
This is a nice catch phrase that appeals to just about everyone! House Bill 545 includes a provision calling for the creation of a database that will let lenders know how many loans a person has taken out at a given time. This allows lenders to lend according to borrowers ability to repay - something neither predatory mortgage lenders nor payday lenders seem to care about.
And finally, once again, the industry uses their lame argument for why their referendum should be on the ballot: "Ohioans have a right to repeal bad laws."
Well, it bears repeating that House Bill 545 is one of the best consumer protection laws in the country and will help hundreds of thousands of Ohioans escape the debt trap. Ohioans do have a right to overturn bad laws, but this referendum effort is not being mounted by Ohioans, but by industry lobbyists and attorneys flown in on their corporate jets. Where are the citizens working on this referendum? Where are the consumers calling for 391% interest? They are nowhere to be found. Instead, the industry lobby CFSA is the sole donor to the effort to repeal House Bill 545. This is right in line with what they are doing in other states like Arizona where they've spent $8.7 million to overturn a consumer law and in Virginia where they succeeded in buying higher interest rates for a low, low price of $20 million.
The Ohio government should be PROTECTING consumers from predatory business practices that rely on borrowers getting trapped in a cycle of debt! Payday lending is bad for Ohio!
The People, the Press, and the Case for Impeachment
"When our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence they were not worried about political will, how much time there was, or about any parties' political future, they were just worried they were going to be hanged by the neck. But they did what was right. Now it is your time." Elliott Adams, President, Veterans for Peace, testimony July 25, 2008
House Justice Committee Hears Kucinich Resolution - Part 2
Michael Collins
Washington, DC
Bush Accused of Tyranny and Murder
Star witnesses, legal scholar Bruce Fein and former
LA District Attorney Vincent Bugliosi. M. Collins cc
House Justice Committee Hears Kucinich Resolution
Direct from the hearing
Michael Collins
"Scoop" Independent News
Washington, DC Part 1
Today's hearing on the abuse of presidential powers before the House Committee on the Judiciary turned into a devastating political ambush by Chairman John Conyers (D-MI), committee Democrats, and the extraordinary panel of witnesses.. At least 12 Democratic Committee members were present plus the Chairman while only four Republicans bothered to show up.
Read More »Congresswomen Betty Sutton of Ohio's 13th Congressional District joined several other Representatives and a Senator from across the nation in introducing legislation that would compensate troops and military families who have been exploited by the Pentagon's shameful practice of Stop Loss or commonly known as The Backdoor Draft.
Our military family is asking that readers on several Veterans and Military Family blogs and forums PLEASE contact your state Representatives and Senators in Congress to get behind and co-sponsor the Stop-Loss Compensation Act in the Senate and House (S. 3060 and H.R. 6205).
You will find our "Write Officials" link on the right hand side of the ProgressOhio Website, and to add extra bite we ask you to please also select "Write Your Paper" to do a brief Letter to the Editor decrying this abusive practice and asking voters to speak out.
This is not about being pro or anti-war, it is about QUESTIONING practices that harm our troops, hurt military readiness, negatively impact military recruitment, and could eventually lead our government to 'no choice' but conscription - THE DRAFT.
Bobby Hanafin
Major, U.S. Air Force-Retired
The Mustang Major
Military Families Speak Out - OHIO
Read More »The following article is reposted from Huffington Post with permission of the author Bobby Muller, President of Veterans for America (VFA). Bobby Hanafin SP/5, U.S. Army (69-76) Major, U.S. Air Force-Retired (77-94) Military Families Speak Out - OHIO Veterans for America, Editorial Board Member, Our Troops Newsladder
SEE COMMENTS SECTION FOR LINKS TO OUR TROOPS NEWSLADDER AND HUFFINGTON POST ARTICLE BY BOBBY MULLER.
Read More »
Bobby Hanafin
The Mustang Major Read More »
Frankly, I believe that part of this is political arrogance by Democratic candidates that they or their campaign staff do not recognized PEACE groups, especially a by-state organized grassroots movement BIG MISTAKE. I would be the first to point fingers at the Republican Party, it is a given they are ARROGANT, except at least one Republican has the humility to fill out and acknowledge these most serious state and national issues.
Given, a few candidates from all parties have already stated their positions on the issues via their online campaign websites. If that be true, at the minimum respond to Voters for Peace and tell us that.
Of note, on the Ohio State page of Voters for Peace, yes WE are a presence here; ProgressOhio is listed as one of our resources. We depend on you to answer this CALL TO ACTION.
Robert L. Hanafin, Major, U.S. Air Force-Retired Read More »
The sad but courageous story of the young boys (16 & 17) of the Byakkotai (A Special Infantry Unit of a Rebel Japanese Samurai Army) who had been militarized by centuries of family, class, and warrior clan tradition that epitomizes the end of the Last Samurai.
I equate this part of Japanese feudal history to the downfall of our own Southern Slave Owning feudal system in the South after they lost the American Civil War.
It is little known to us in the West that Asian nations like China and Japan had witnessed centuries of civil wars with the last one being fought as Japan entered the modern age or industrial revolution at the turn of the century armed and supplied by left over's from our American civil war. Read More »
To those members of ProgressOhio who do not know my friend and fellow Vietnam Veteran political cartoon artist Keff Danziger let me first give a little bit on Jeff's background, then say that he has given me copyright permission to selectively repost his artwork on those blogs I choose.
Jeff is fast becoming the political cartoonist for the anti-Iraqnam War movement. He is not only featured on many anti-Iraqnam War blogs and group newsletters, he is a syndicated cartoonist with New York Times Syndicate, and the Cartoonists and Writers Syndicate.
A few things caught my eye about Jeff's work compared to other political cartoonists, and there are LOTS.
1. He is a Veteran, makes no difference to me if he's a Vet of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War or what have you. He uses his insight of military service to relate his cartoons to situation in ways that GI's can relate.
2. His main focus is on the Bush Legacy and how it relates to Veterans Issues and concerns.
3. He clearly shows the flaws, vulnerabities, and relatonship between BUSH/CHENEY/MCCAIN.
4. Jeff's focus on Our Troops is more insightful because he is a Military Veteran.
5. He has created the one and only caracature that fits G.W. Bush, that is every cartoon he does on Bush shows G.W. with a Napoleanic Hat on and the big letter "W" where the "N" is usually found.
There of course is a catch for me to be able to get Jeff's copyright approval, I have to hack his two cartoon projects now and then.
The Mustang Major agrees to hack them but not endorse them with the exception of the cartoons I've personally selected to go on ProgressOhio and related progressive Veterans Blog.
Read More »
Sleeping on it, I must apologize if I sounded a bit harsh toward Brian, that was not my intention. My intention was to make a point and educate staff and members of ProgressOhio.
The anti-Iraqnam War movement in Ohio has been largely ignored in my opinion by not only the Republican controlled media but those politically correct elements of the Democratic party. That is why so many swing voters do not trust let alone support either partisan party.
With the advent of the Internet, and the interest of younger voters and political activists, at the young age of 57, I strongly believe that the concept of party loyalty will not be as significant in the future as a political ideologies skill at convincing intelligent and informed voters a candidate or issue is worth voting for or against.
That said, I want to start my blog with the facts behind protest and activism against Stop Loss on-going years (not months) since it finally got ProgressOhio's attention.
As long as I'm not expected to blindly follow any particular party line or be a Yellow Dog Donkey or Bloody Red Elephant, I'm willing to provide my very biased but non-partisan opinion to ProgressOhio on Veterans/Military Affairs without expectations that anyone agree with me but just LISTEN.
You have the power, more than I alone to influence our local, city, and state governments. However, your activism, passion, and concern must be genuine and realistic to undecided voters.
Bobby Hanafin
The Mustang Major Read More »
I Am The Constitution of The United States. I am a Rebel, a wounded rebel. I have been assaulted and violated by those entrusted to guard and protect me. I have lost a significant amount of my powers and strength. My respect and standing has greatly diminished. Many executive, legislative, and judicial officers have usurped my powers and eliminated my checks and balances. I am YOUR, The Peoples document and Protector. And yet, you have failed to protect me!!!
The duty to protect me, so that I may always protect you and your rights, was bestowed upon each of you by our forefathers. I understand your confusion and know that your neglect was caused by the very people, parties, and factions who have violated me so often. These are men and women who act out of self-serving interests. People aligned with their factions instead of with YOU, The People. These elected and appointed people have sought to prevent you from being the "Well Informed Citizenry" that our ancestors demanded. They know that uneducated and unknowing men and women can be more easlily led astray. That your weaknesses, weaknesses that are perpetuated by them, to cause you and I further harm. These Evil men and women, following their natural traits of greed and lust are in violation of all I stand for.
Be it known that I am The Constitution of These United State. That I was made effective in 1789 and should still possess all the powers and rights incorporated in me except those amendments made after careful deliberation and with the full knowing consent of YOU, The People. I contain The Bill of Rights, and the structural rules by which YOUR Democracy shall forever stand. My words shall protect every person in these United States and provide them all with Liberty and Justice; and allow each of you to pursue your own happiness.
However, I am merely a piece of parchment. I am a document&183; My words mean little or nothing if YOU the People do not defend and protect me and these words. These words are the only thing that prevents each of you from suffering the same evils, the rule of Tyrants, Kings, and Dictators that caused so many to risk their lives so that I may live and so that each of you may enjoy your liberties.
Your military men and women are sworn to "Defend and Protect" me from all enemies foreign and domestic. And yet, here I am being violated by the most powerful men and women in the world while those in the military and most of my citizens sit by silently and watch.
Our forefathers did bestow upon each of you certain inalienable rights, and duties. These rights and duties empower you and burden you with the powers and duties to follow them and defend me, so that I may live to protect you and your rights. You may assemble peacefully. You can speak as you please. You can petition your government and demand redress of all grievances. You may even abolish any person, party, faction, or form of this, your government through proper means. Because most of you do not know of these rights and duties, I sit unprotected against very powerful and knowledgeable men, women, parties, and corporations. The more I am violated, you are violated.
Therefore, in defense of me, in hopes of educating and alarming all of you, in hopes of instilling that patriotic loyalty to freedom and your pursuit of happiness that each of you holds so dear. Read More »
Sunday Forum - Impeachment Articles by Kucinich, discussion by Dr. Robert Fitrakis and Harvey Wasserman
11:30 AM. Wasserman and Fitrakis, both faculty members at the Columbus State Community College, both authors of more than a half dozen book titles, will discuss the merits of the impeachment articles against George W. Bush. The forum presentation will examine the merits of each of the impeachment articles pending within the congress, and supported by Dennis Kucinich, an Ohio Congressional Representative in the U.S. Congress, without regard to whether politically any one or more of such articles is likely, or is not likely, to be passed by the current congress. We expect a rigorous review of many of the questionable, and untraditional, policies invoked by the present Bush Administration.
Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus 43214
Phone: 296-6304
Email: earlword@yahoo.com
The House of Representatives voted Wednesday, June 11 to send articles of impeachment against President Bush to the Judiciary Committee for review. The impeachment resolution's sponsor, Rep. Dennis Kucinich, requested a recorded vote on the motion around 3 p.m.
Wednesday, and 24 Republicans joined nearly all Democrats in voting to send the impeachment measure to the committee. The motion passed 251-166. Kucinich also introduced articles of Impeachment against Richard Cheney last year (H Res 333). To those who believe that Impeachment is a waste of time, I offer this quote:
Read More »McCain, 6/13/08: “The United States Supreme Court yesterday rendered a decision which I think is one of the worst decisions in the history of this country.
McCain, 12/13/03: "They may not have any rights under the Geneva Conventions as far as I’m concerned, but they [the detainees] have rights under various human rights declarations. And one of them is the right not to be detained indefinitely.”
Imagine you're a farmer out in the country. You know what type of crops to plant and when to plant them. You take pride every year when you see your goods being sold to market and fell good about providing nutrition for both youth and adults. You know very well that some of your crop will spoil before they make it to the shelves. However, there is nothing you can do to prevent this, once it leaves your farm, someone else has the responsibility of delivering or storing your crop.
Now imagine that about half of the population in the big cities has a great idea to stop crops from spoiling. They protest that the government should be the ones to grow and ship the crops. These idea holders have little knowledge of farming, but have heard that in some countries, government run farms appear to be just as efficient as ours. This is the basis of their argument. The government should run all farms and see that the shipment is delivered in a timely fashion, to ensure there are no spoiled products.
As a farmer you know that spoiled crops are inevitable, unless you grow them right next to the store. But there are many who hold you responsible, for what is really the nature of produce. Although it's clear to you and all other farmers, that it's just the reality of farming, but to try and change the opinions of those in the far away cities would be impossible.
Those who cling to this new idea are happy to consume your crops. However, they haven't a clue as to what it takes to make them grow and to ship. They just want fresh produce and don't care to educate themselves about what farming is about.
The following year's political season is filled with promises of government collectivization of farms. "Fresh produce" for all they say. This appeals to many, and the polls indicate that most people are in favor.
With dust in their eyes, they cannot recognize the benefits of the current system. They can pick and choose which ever store they wish to shop at and always have a variety of produce to choose from. They can complain to the store management if the tomatoes are never fresh. Management, in turn, will probably call a new produce vendor to keep his customers happy.
Shortly after the elections, an agricultural collectivization act is past. All farms are now government run. The harvest is expensive, but the government does its best and it turns out to be a great season. The Gov. then ships the harvest to the cities and the inevitable occurs. There are some spoiled goods. Now the city folk find themselves in a tight spot. Who can they complain to, and who would listen? Now they are stuck.
I know the idea of Free Health care for all seems great, but it is a trap. You will be stuck with what ever the government says. What if you really needed a surgery and the Gov. deems it unnecessary or what if a preventable mistake occurs during a procedure? Maybe you feel your doctor is incompetent but he's going to be your surgeon, who do you turn too?
The reality is that your grievances will be ignored, you may be denied a life saving treatment or possibly a therapy that would improve your life. Today we have choices upon choices, and doctors are fully aware that you may drop them at any time. They save lives and alleviate pain, but at the end of the day, they still need to feed their families. So long they compete for our $, Dr.'s will always be at the mercy of the consumer. If you place your health in the hands of the government, you will no longer have control of your health, it will belong to the Feds.
Less Gov. is Better Gov. So Long It's a Fair Gov.
www.InsureMeDFW.com
The words "Extra Judicial Procedures","Extraordinary Rendition," the loss of our Habeas Corpus and Magna Carta expectations were enabled by multiple passages of The American Patriot Act.
The alledged victims of the alledged sexual harrassment are adults who can figure out on their own that The Ohio Civil Rights Commission is the agency available - should THEY wish to avail themselves of the legal system without a lynchmob mentality.
On April 3, 2008 several news stories broke centering on a serious fine imposed by The Ohio Elections Commission on David Brennan, a Charter school corporate heavy, known as The White Hat Managment. The fine imposed was to the tune of $5.2 million dollars. Jennifer Brunner AND Mark Dann AND The Ohio Election Commission have been credited with identifying the sleazy money problem in August of 2007. Mark Dann has taken on other well - heeled Charter schools that have devasted our public monies and our children. The above heavy, David Brennan can be found on the list of G.W. Bush campaign contributors at one of the following levels: "Bush Pioneers" or "Bush Rangers." Sorry I can't recall which category Brennan falls under. Please remember that fine can be appealed by David Brenner and his army of attorneys.
Parasitic subprime lenders that plunge our college kids into wallet crushing debt. Mark Dann was on them like a pit bull. I'm positive they wouldn't miss his fangs.
Pathological subprime lenders that are "partying hardily" in spirit in the rubble of our foreclosed homes. They also desire Mark Dann to be gone.
Payday Lenders as shown by their pathetic protests with their hapless victims supporting their antics - I guarantee there will be vile celebrations of the worst kind, should Mark Dann leave office or be put out of office.
The Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati would probably want a national holiday in celebration of the day should Mark Dann leaving office or being put out of office. Mark Dann put in many hours of grueling work negotiating and legitimizing the departure of The Christ Hospital from the clutches of The Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati.
Casinos - Mark Dann has had a critical role to play in nailing the criminals who lead "Coingate." Do we really think that the Native American casino owners who were burned financially by compadres of Bob Ney, one of the creators of The Help America Vote Act want to rehire Jack Abramhoff or his associates? What about the victims of Coingate who were devastated by the pillaging of The Bureau Of The Workers' Compensation Fund? If Mark Dann leaves for any reason - I'm fairly certain it's "open season" on us little people.
How many dedicated public servants are we prepared to give up and write off like Don Siegelman and Elliot Spitzer?
Just remember - Big Business doesn't put food on the table, doesn't provide basic innoculations and other medical care nor provides quality education for those of us struggling to find daily busfare. Big Business doesn't provide hand - counted Election Ballots.
Neither do Superdelegates, Delegates, The Green Party, The Democratic Party, The Republicans nor Independent Candidates.
Big Business guarantees that our Vice - President and President and others won't be spending their twilight years as residents of The Hague. Only Impeachment Proceedings for our Vice - President and our President will create an atmosphere of hope and TRUST that our global trading partners and others need so we can all prosper.
Not only do we need to retain Mark Dann, but we need to STEP BACK AND LET LADY JUSTICE DO WHAT SHE DOES BEST.
Mark Dann requires our appreciation and gratitude in order to assist us, the citizens of Ohio in our fight against hopelessness. Mark Dann, if you read this - please stay right where you are and continue your activism.
Jane Schiff,
May 8, 2008
Ohio Election Justice Campaign (OEJC) Announces Pension Divestment Plan from United Technologies Corporation (UTX)
Members of pension funds in ten states and in Canada, including five teacher pension plans, urged to immediately contact plan to divest from military-industrial conglomerate UTX and all derivative holdings in UTX (mutual funds and hedge funds) due to likely takeover of Diebold (DBD), maker of voting machines.
Columbus, Ohio (PRWEB) March 19, 2008 -- The Ohio Election Justice Campaign (OEJC) announces its pension divestment plan from United Technologies Corporation (UTX), a military-industrial conglomerate. Read More »
http://anarchistnews.org/?q=node/3258 Read More »
Posts
Michael Collins: An Interview with Vincent Bugliosi - Part ...
Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted joins the Governor and Senate ...
COLUMBUS - Ohio's top three political leaders announced toda...
Gov. Strickland is trying to keep the "paid sick day's bill"...
Ethics Problems
In Ohio's Supreme Court
