Posts in the category Religion

ProgressOhio Call to Action - Stop Loss Bill

The Mustang Major — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:39:32 EDT

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

During Vietnam it was IMPOSSIBLE for Military Families to Question the War!

The Mustang Major — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 08:09:14 EDT

During Vietnam it was IMPOSSIBLE for Military Families to Question the War! Part One of a Two Part Op/Ed and Book Review By Robert L. Hanafin, Major, U.S. Air Force – Retired AND Willard D. Gray, First Sergeant (E-8) U.S. Army-Retired

Home Front: Families at War – a Primer for what Military Families who question, not oppose, but only question the War on Terror can expect from their community if they had done the same during Vietnam. This is a must read if you are a member of Military Families Speak Out (MFSO) or can relate to our concerns.

http://www.amazon.com/Home-Front-Vietnam-Families-War/dp/1600020194

Our National Guard is Paying the Biggest Price for the Iraq War!

The Mustang Major — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:28:38 EDT

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.

About Half Of The Troops Scheduled To Deploy To Iraq Are National Guard.

The Mustang Major — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:44:15 EDT

According to Bobby Muller, the President of the progressive Veterans Service Organization , Veterans for America (VFA), between NOW and January 2009 almost half of the Soldiers scheduled to deploy to Iraq are State National Guard Units.

Bobby Hanafin
The Mustang Major

Economic Woes of Patriotic Charities - Under Scrutiny!

The Mustang Major — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:33:51 EDT

I received this article from a fellow Veterans/Military Affairs Activist in California. Once again, although the story focuses on California, IT APPLIES nationally.

Several of the Philanthropy organizations mentioned here were selected by Congress to be watchdogs over the growing number of Veteran and Patriotic related charities.

I personally worked with the American Philanthropy Institute (API) that gave testimony before Congress on the shameful inefficiency of many well known Veterans Service Organizations and the ever increasing number of Patriotic causes from Yellow Ribbons to Recruitment mass mailings, up to an including fraudulent claims that in order to get one's Veterans Benefits, one had to join the American Legion.

I brought these complaints to the attention of both the U.S. Postal Inspectors Service and Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio. I even asked then Ohio Attorney General Mark Dann to review the accounts on file with the Charity Office of the Ohio Attorney General to see for himself that several Veterans Organizations such as the American Legion and VFW were mismanaging fund raising efforts focused more so on recruitment outreach, administrative overhead, and paying off commercial ad agencies.

Both the federal Postal Service and Senator Brown's office tried to discourage pursuit of these findings or any investigation FEARING the political clout of the American Legion and VFW.

I frankly gave up by deciding myself and extended military family, plus anyone else who would listen to me TO NOT DONATE TO ANY PATRIOTIC OR VETERANS CHARITY UNTIL THEIR LEADERSHIP CLEANED UP ITS ACT AND MORE SO UNTIL AT LEAST HERE IN OHIO such mismanagement and inefficiency in fund raising is EXPOSED and FIXED.

Folks, we are heading into hard economic times that impact ALL CHARITABLE organizations even as these Flag Waving and Support Out Troops groups proliferate. Ohio politicians of both parties are looking the other way, so it is up to you THE DONOR to check with the Ohio Attorney Generals Office and ask for a review of all charitable organizations to confirm $$$ they are raising is going toward the purpose YOU expected.

Anyway, this is my way of A CAUTIONARY NOTE to those Veterans', Military Family, and passionate Patriotic Organizations that have set up POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES. When it comes time for a white glove audit of the fund raising accounts of charitable patriots, those with a PAC are going to receive the most attention, and better have your fund raising accounts balanced in favor of your membership and mission.

Bobby Hanafin
Major, U.S. Air Force-Retired

PS: Those of you who believe I'm being too harsh on Patriotic War Profiteers, and Veterans Organizations (regardless how much political clout they do or do not have), take my word for it (or goe to any base and request a community tour or visit).

You will note that the Army and Air Force Exchange Service and DOD Commissary Agency provides more support for our troops, even those stationed in war zones like Iraq and Afghanistan more so than anytime America has been at war. OUR TROOPS ARE ALWAYS PROVIDED SUPPORT BY CONGRESS AND THEIR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, that is their job and our tax payer dollars in action. There frankly is no need to give donations to any active duty troops or families (National Guard units could use as much moral support as possible given proximity to active duty base support is questionable).

EXAMPLE: In order to make an in their face POINT to Flag Wavers and We Support Our Troops more than thou nuts, I wear a T-Shirt that has the Military Star Card emblazed on the front and back. War profiteers HATE to see someone who knows how our troops are really supplied PROVE IT!

Put another way, our troops received better shopping and entertainment support than they did war fighting equipment going into the occupation. IN SUM, OUR TROOPS ARE NOT CHARITY CASES, SO WHY SHOULD THEY BE CONSIDERED AS SUCH WHEN THEY GET OUT????

Pro-War Veterans and Military Family group Veterans for Freedom to launch MILLION dollar McCain campaign ad.

The Mustang Major — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:54:54 EDT

Pro-War Veterans and Military Family group Veterans for Freedom to launch MILLION dollar McCain campaign ad. By Major Robert L. Hanafin, U.S. Air Force-Retired

Our military family was thrilled to note that progressive PACs have beat this effort to the punch in battleground states by launching counter campaign ads focusing on that which American Voters can relate to - HOW MUCH THE WAR IN IRAQ COST IN $$$$$$$$$$

Stay on that theme, and as the economy worsens, and it will the longer we Stay in Iraq, that RELATIONSHIP will checkmate anything that PRO-WAR Veterans and Military Families have to say. Also, remember that those 20,000 or so mention below VOLUNTEERED to go to Iraqnam, and VOLUNTEER to stay. If that is true then 20,000 is just about the right number to garrison Iraq and Afghanistan as we pull out. SEND THOSE 20,000 back to or keep them in Iraq and Afghanistan then allow those who volunteer not to stay LEAVE.

Why do WE THE PEOPLE have to make everything so complicated. Oh, the icing on the cake. If 20,000 Veterans can afford a Million bucks to pay for PRO-WAR campaigns, they sure can raise the funds needed to PAY FOR THE WAR. There should be a tax cut for any American who does not want to pay for the War in Iraq. That way those Americans (regardless of party) who passionately want to commit to the War on Terror can do so. HAVE AT IT!!!

Obama's Iraq Dilemma is not as bad as Hillary's would have been!

The Mustang Major — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:30:06 EDT

Obama's Iraq Dilemma - The Stand That Obama Can't Fudge
By E. J. Dionne Jr. Washington Post
Monday, July 7, 2008; A13

EXERPTS (LINKS TO SOURCE TO BE FOUND IN COMMENTS SECTION)

Posted by Bobby Hanafin
Major, U.S. Air Force-Retired

"When a candidate calls a second news conference to say the same thing he thought he said at the first one, you know he knows he has a problem."

With that lead in, Washington Post some OP/editorial commenter, I never heard of throws out a pun about Republican efforts to trap Obama in a Catch 22 on Iraq that they hope will either cost him votes or degrade any trust in swing voters that Obama would seriously end the Iraq War, if all "appears" to be going well with what could become an EXTENDED SURGE.

Read on.

IRAQ: Vietnam Without Water - The VVA Veteran

The Mustang Major — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:20:44 EDT

As a Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), I received my July/August 2008 issue of the VVA Veteran Magazine. In it I found an OUTSTANDING article written by Brother Bill Crandell, who I never personally met but heard of from one of my best friends passed on, Doc Randy Barnes. I believe they both served together on VVA's national board. Bill Crandell was a young (26 year old}, 1st Lt., 199th Light Infantry Brigade Americal Division back in the day (1971) who gave the opening statement for the first Winter Soldier testimony by Vietnam Veterans given in Detroit, Michigan. Bill was one of the early members of Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW), who would not only go onto be part of the heritage of VVA, but a career in the Department of Veterans Affairs recently retiring. I have no intention of talking about what William Crandell did or said back in the day, but more to the point what Bill has to say now, some 30 plus years later. Kudos to Bill Crandell for giving VVA the opportunity to be one of a growing number of voices for The Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) Winter Solider Investigation held in Maryland during 2008. This despite a rank and file membership split three ways on not only how WE viewed our war, but THIS ONE. Since we will find it out from those who do not hold Bill Crandell's views on his war regardless, if you are interested in what Bill had to say about Vietnam when he was 26 have at it. I post it with no judgment here or there.

NOTE: I will post LINKS separately, I'm having problems with the html tags.

Bill articulates the reason why I'm not making a judgement call on what he did or said back in the day, far better than I ever could in his article Iraq: Vietnam Without Water (video links provided).

The July/August Issue of the VVA Veteran has not gone online yet, so I cannot provide readers a link to that story, but I will once it becomes available.

I also want to make it clear that although I'm a Life Member of VVA, I in no way (neither does Bill Crandell, these are his views that I share) represent Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) at National, State, or local level. I am not an active member of any local, regional, or state level VVA organization in Ohio. I'm well, a member at large who interacts with the VVA as a Veterans/Military Affairs advisor of which there are hundreds if not thousands - every VVA member.

Bobby Hanafin SP/5, U.S. Army (69-76) Major, U.S. Air Force-Retired (77-94)

PS: Unlike Bill Crandell, I never participated in the first (or second) Winter Soldier although I passionately opposed and oppose both wars (Vietnam and Iraqnam). I was on active duty at the time Winter Soldier was held, and my personal thanks goes to every Vietnam Veterans who was then a member of Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW), even those who went on to help Bobby Muller found VVA (back in the day) for keeping MY NAME off the Wall that Heals.

How many other Ohio Communities will create War on Terror Monuments?

The Mustang Major — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:41:57 EDT

How many other Ohio Communities will create War on Terror Monuments BEFORE the war is over?

Readers, this is not about the Iraq War nor is it about the Afghanistan War, I'm talking about the War on Terror as defined by those who promote and benefit from it, and that is not only TERRORIST.

In our military families eyes every War Profiteer (including politicians of both parties, the Defense Industry, and vultures (not Eagles-Vultures) picking over the (green bones) of War Profits.

If your community is passionate about creating monuments to Soldiers who have yet to return from their war by all means contact your local Tombstone dealer, funeral director, or cemetery, and get started BEFORE the war in over. GET ON THE BAND WAGON.

You many even find one or two combat troops (above the rank of SGT) willing to go along with the program when they are not THINKING about the exploitation and message they are sending, that will come later when their war is really over, and really warrants any monument.

Folks, it is a given that Funeral Corporations, Tombstone dealers, and yes even cemeteries are going to get on the war profit band wagon, they are among the only winners in WAR. They've been profiting off of war way before embalming wagons followed Union and Confederate forces on battle fields across civil war Americana. They have already profited off over what near 4500 young American troops. Do we really have to allow them to profit more than needed or necessary. Screw this, I'm getting cremated and someone, even if it is only some lawyer, hopefully will ensure my dust and bones gets placed in the Crematoria areas of Arlington National Cemetery.

Why am I the only one who seems to be frustrated by this and sees something morally wrong in having parades or building monuments to troops STILL fighting their war? Because my fellow Americans that is what the Nazi propaganda machine did at the Nuremberg Rallies and Demonstrations to show the Third Reich's military prowess, even as Germany was losing the war on both fronts.

No, I'm not comparing our troops or our war effort to Nazi Germany, but I am comparing our political propaganda efforts beyond a doubt BECAUSE WHAT PEOPLE, POLITICIANS, AND YES TOMBSTONE DEALERS are doing is WRONG!

Praise the Lord, by all means build a Veterans Memorial to our Iraq and Afghanistan troops in every city, county, state, and National Park across America - WHEN OUR TROOPS COME HOME.

Why the urgent rust to DO IT NOW??? That is why this Veteran and Army Dad refuses to see any monument to my Soldier established before he/she comes HOME TO STAY.

Bobby Hanafin
Major, U.S. Air Force-Retired (69-94)

THINK HARD ABOUT THIS - WHY DID THIS GESTURE INCLUDING PHOTOS OF THE MONUMENT MAKE IT'S WAY INTO NO LOCAL MEDIA OUTLET, TV, OR NEWS PRINT??? It most likely will be after the fact, or after someone who disagrees with me reads something like this.

INDEPENDENCE DAY THOUGHTS [THE UNCENSORED VIEWS OF IRAQ WAR VETS] IVAW - PHILADELPHIA

The Mustang Major — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:59:56 EDT

Reflections on the meaning of Independence Day by Seth Manzel, IVAW
Wed, 07/02/2008 -

Independence Day means nothing significant to me. It is the one time of year that we allow children to play with pyrotechnic devices. We turn them loose with matches and low grade explosives. In Darwinian fashion some return with fewer fingers or with scars that will warn future prospective mates that the barer may not be the ideal parent due to a lack of good judgment.

INDEPENDENCE DAY THOUGHTS [THE UNCENSORED VIEWS OF IRAQ WAR VETS] ACTIVE DUTY - IVAW

The Mustang Major — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:43:17 EDT

My views of the Fourth
by Army Sergeant Selena Coppa

EDITORS NOTE: On behalf of Sgt. Coppa and other members of IVAW ON ACTIVE DUTY, PLEASE see the legal disclaimer below. It was created by the Department of Defense (DOD) and backed by ACLU and related Constitutional Law advocates to protect active duty troops who have THE COURAGE TO RESIST. It is IAW the federal Hatch Act.

INDEPENDENCE DAY THOUGHTS [THE UNCENSORED VIEWS OF IRAQ WAR VETS] IVAW - PHILADELPHIA

The Mustang Major — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:23:09 EDT

The Struggle for Independence

Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) in coordination with Labor Against the War hold Independence Day observance in Philadelphia to mark the First American Revolution.

Bobby Hanafin
Major, U.S. Air Force-Retired (69-94)

INDEPENDENCE DAY THOUGHTS [THE UNCENSORED VIEWS OF IRAQ WAR VETS] IVAW - CALIFORNIA

The Mustang Major — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:09:51 EDT

Those who have the true spirit of Independence Day, and what it really stands for - THE COURAGE TO RESIST need someone willing to take a stand beside them and give them a voice even if it is a cry from the wilderness.
In our hometown of Beavercreek, Ohio this Independence Day is full of irony and hypocrite's. To top the list, our 4th of July parade has a World War II theme that ignores the sacrifice of those Veterans who did not win our civilian government's wars. One, the Korean Conflict, the first dry run for the 99 year occupation of Iraq is still going if not strong it's going. The other, Vietnam, ended with the Vietnamese people celebrating their Independence Day, even it the south had to endure tragedy beyond any American's imagination to achieve it. It was called reindoctrination to a united Vietnam except for the Boat people, many who (like Iraqis to come) now call America home.
However, the hardest hitting insult to those Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans (regardless of their views on their war) who remain in combat, still fighting and dying in their war, is the shameful creation of an Iraq War Memorial by a company that makes tomb stones (Dodd's (Funeral) Monuments) of Xenia, Ohio. Come on folks, doesn't anyone see the immorality in this.
I'm not talking about the immorality of war or even opposition to war, I'm talking about a bunch of right-wing Veterans, lead by an influential Republican World War II Vet, placing a Memorial to 'younger' Troops in combat into a WWII Theme park they call a Veterans Memorial. It IS A POLITICAL MESSAGE - A PRO-WAR SLOGAN DISGRACEFULLY MADE BY A COMPANY THAT PROFITS ON DEATH.
As a Veteran, and Dad of an Iraq War Vet, I could give them a pass, if they at least had the class to contract with a artist or company that makes sculptures even patriotic memorials, BUT A TOMB STONE MAKER??? as a political message.
The last time I passed by our, yes I'm a Veteran of two wars with a brick laid at that memorial for me and my child, when I thought it really meant something other than POLITICAL PROPAGANDA, it was surrounded by more UNITED WE STAND political signs than American Flags.
My disgust at what is going down, former generations of Veterans, a few who won their war, and by the grace of God, the buzz word until they all die off is "Saved the World from people like G.W. Bush." are using their heritage to shame the rest of us into following their blind nationalistic march to disaster.
I had no problem with that, and could ignore it having half my brain tied behind my back, until they started using statues of troops who had not yet to complete their mission [whatever that will be next July 4th], come home from war, or even know what the future holds. A sorry sideline, is that neo-conservatives are USING and EXPLOITING even their own kind, World War II veterans who out of pride and glory for what they did do, no one, not even I can take that away from them despite my views. They do not even realize they are being PATRONIZED and USED.
Check out the flights provided to WWII Vets to the WWII Memorial flying out of the Wright Patterson AFB area, (look the other way as this right-wing scam is going into debt and bankruptcy from folks being too smart to donate to exploitation). It got national attention this Independence Day Weekend by showing a bright side that this is being provided free to old Vets who otherwise would not be able to see their memorial before their generation passes on. That's a good thing, however, what I question is TIMING and USING these Veterans to again send a political message of PATRIOTISM that was associated with the WWII generation.
Let me tell you something from my heart, it may not sound like it, but Major Bobby Hanafin has lots more respect and appreciation for what that generation lived through and endured, heck even their enemies [remember they are glorifying a period way before most of US were born], vast civilian populations they had to destroy in order to WIN. I take the good with the bad. I'm a realist, not a idealist I'm a PATRIOT not a NATIONALIST.
This is the spirit of the real respect I have for them. The Greatest Generation is appreciated by me and my military family for one reason and one reason ONLY. It is not because they won their war, nope, IT IS BECAUSE THANK GOD THEY WERE NOT US!!!!
Now before I allow my rants and raves to turn some of you off, we all are not that progressive, this is my long-winded way of saying, my passion and anger gave me the motivation to allow our younger generation of progressive Veterans to SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. That is the best way to really reflect the spirit of INDEPENDENCE DAY.
The official, national holiday is controlled by Political Correctness upon which our nation would NEVER have been born. It is to the Winter Soldiers that I dedicate this INDEPENDENCE DAY. May it some day be reachieved from the tyranny of thought control.

Bobby Hanafin
Major, U.S. Air Force-Retired (69-94)

This July 4th Let the nation know how you feel about your hometown propaganda rag.

The Mustang Major — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:20:16 EDT

Subtitle: "Celebrating our pride in God, country and troops." (April Fools Day in July)

Those in our area of S.W. Ohio who question, let alone oppose the Iraq War, decided to sit this 4th of July out and well, go shopping, play golf, or hold our own parades IN PRIVATE (only kidding). Well, we did plan on our own fireworks display with a CRUSADER theme, but decided the timing wasn't RIGHT or LEFT.

Seriously, if you want to locate and rate your own personal hometown propaganda rag, check out Mondo Times and International Media Rating Service that request readers rate media outlets according to political bias, credibility, and so on. So it you are a conservative living in a liberal dominated area of Ohio or a liberal living in a conservative area of Ohio or BOTH, this is your opportunity to get even with YOU NEARBY FRIENDLY PROPAGANDA RAG.

http://www.mondotimes.com/1/world/us/35/1921/14917

The Independent Day connection and my response editorial are within the text below. The Republinazis have stooped to an all time LOW. They are going to try SHAMING us as UN-AMERICAN for not supporting THEIR PRESIDENT and THEIR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, by asking us not to make Independence Day a political observance, because it is SHAMEFUL to do so.

After you read what they, and I have to say about SHAME, let me know if you are AHSAMED of yourself for doing the things our neighborhood propaganga rag suggests are UNPATRIOTIC.

Folks, we've been down this road before, and it is only going to get worse closer we get to November 2008, and especially if Obama WINS, than the right-wing radicalism could go the way of Timothy McVeigh - duck and cover. Keep in mind that one cannot think of Timothy McVeigh without thinking about his ties with elements that would eventually become the Minuteman Militia that patrols our SW border.

THE MUSTANG MAJOR

If you've got Faith, you don't need federal dollars

Average Jane — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:32:26 EDT

In a review of Obama's Zanesville visit, The New York Times says: "Obama's high-profile embrace of a key theme of Bush's time in office -- the 'faith-based initiative' -- is just the latest example of him trying to show his centrist side."

If I didn't know the guy was a professor of constitutional law and actually cared about things like the rights of nonbelievers and the importance of separation of church and state, I'd be worried. But he does.

In his outreach to evangelicals, Obama needs to watch out for charity workers who proselytize, religious-based organizations that restrict health care services to the public, religious leaders who distort the abortion issue, and a holy host of other stuff. He knows that.

He also knows that it's worth the effort to extend a hand to religious folks. Even those suspicious of organized religion like I am have to admit that churches are the strongest social group in many Ohio neighborhoods. Church groups drive anti-poverty programs and are a rallying point for all types of social causes.

Unlike the online community, the faith-based community represents warm bodies with their shirt sleeves rolled up and ready to offer help.

Like the man said, "We need an all-hands-on-deck approach." (And I love the quasi-military phrasing.)

As tax-free institutions, I believe churches are obligated to give back not only to their members, but also to the community at large. This is a much broader task than just giving to the needy. ("Needy," in itself is problematic...Who decides who's needy?)

In Columbus, there are some black pastors (sorry I don't know their names) who have been working with the city on its new curfew law and mentoring young people. I applaud these men and their genuinely faith-based efforts.

In many neighborhoods, churches and synagogues can best support their communities by giving young people (especially teens) some place to gather. When I was a kid, churches sponsored Friday night "coffeehouses" and group activities for teens. Today, no church seems to want the liability.

My point is there are many worthy faith-based ventures that do not require federal funding.

Outrage?

Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:18:49 EDT

I'm hoping the Daily Mail ginned this story up, but if not, I'm siding with the puppy.

UPDATE: None too shocking, but apparently this is a case of poor journalism.

Who isn't allowed to distribute the paper hard copy 2008 Ohio Voter Information Guide

Jane Schiff — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:55:22 EDT

http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/voter/AdvocacyInfo.aspx

Step 1 - Click on Voter Registration Instruction Manual for Designated Agencies: High Resolution (pdf)

OR:
Click on Voter Registration Instruction Manual for Designated Agencies: Low Resolution (pdf)

Step 2 - Access Sec1:29 (34 of 46)

Step 3 - Read (D) "A board of elections shall not be required to distribute a copy of a brochure under division (B) of this section to any of the following officials or employees are requesting more than two voter registration forms at one time in the course of the official's or emplloyee's normal duties:
(1) An election official;
(2) A county treasurer
(3) A deputy registrar of motor vehicles;
(4) An employee of a designated agency;
(5) An employee of a public high school;
(6) An employee of a public vocational school;
(7) An employee of a public library
(8) An employee of the office of a county treasurer;
(9) An employee of the bureau of motor vehicles;
(10) An employee of a deputy registrar of motor vehicles;
(11) An employee of an election official.

I need to say at this point I am definitely NOT open to conversation addressing the relative merits of this law and rationalizations of why this law is okay. It is not okay. The following is "off the table for me":

1. If people really want the info, they'll get it.

2. Anybody can just print it off from the web.

3. Nobody reads these things.

4. Our taxes shouldn't be used to pay for this.

5. Single mothers/fathers and married mothers/fathers on welfare know everything there is to know about benefits. They can just as easily get this information if they cared.

I've been hearing the above opinions frequently in many different contexts. The above 5 statements have been made by normal middle class individuals who lead genuinely self - sacrificing lives to help others.

Obviously, I'm not an attorney. I wish for a magical filing of an emergency temporary (effective AT THE VERY LEAST until all formal results of the November 2008 Presidential Election are made public) injunction in a Federal District Court to shut this withholding of the paper copy of the 2008 Ohio Voter Information Guide DOWN.

I want to help

User from Columbus, OH — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:25:09 EDT

God is the judge. I understand how hard it is for ex felons to get employment, I have friends and family who are ex felons.Yes I understand that if you robbed a bank, you want be a cutomer service rep at a bank, and I understand that if you committed some sort of sex crime that you won't be able to work with direct contact with women and children, Duh!
But what about working in an enviroment that will allow you be able to build your self esteem, make the monies needed just to survive. How many ex- prisoners go back to jail because it is a free meal and shelter? because we won't give them a second chance. I just need the resources to help. I'm not by any means nieve in his situation either, but there are some people who've made some bad choices and got caught, and there are some who also made bad choices and just have not got caught. I want to set up an agency just for ex felons.... any help will be greatly appreciated.

Does James Dobson Speak For You?

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:40:27 EDT

James Dobson doesn't speak for me.

Does he speak for you?

YOU RAISE ME UP, SO I CAN STAND ON MOUNTAINS!

The Mustang Major — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 19:48:30 EDT

In 2007, the Japanese made what could be considered the most thought provoking 'made for TV' anti-war movie special that can now be seen by American audiences with English subtitles.

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.