Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Harvard Brilliance or The Importance of Being Happy

I met a woman. Harvard educated, masters, certified in landscape architecture, she had a very well paying career when she was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. She decided that she wanted to do something more fulfilling so she quit her job and became a furniture maker.

When we met, she happened to be complaining about her health insurance. She was going to have to start paying for a Cobra policy which she could not afford. She was complaining that since she had a pre-existing condition she was unable to purchase a regular policy and that to add her onto her partners policy the cost was once again prohibitive.

I asked if she considered her health and the insurance implications when she left her job. She said yes, but that her happiness was more important. Now she wants me to pay for her care through nationalized health care. She thinks it is her right. She loves HObama's current proposed health care initiative. It absolves her of her less than common sense decisions. It makes me pay for her quest for happiness.

She had a very well paying position which she gave up, voluntarily, having full knowledge of the effects her leaving would have on her health insurance which, as a cancer patient, was rather important to her. Now she was complaining because she got what she knew she would get.

Harvard spits out some real smart cookies huh?

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

A healthcare conversation among nurses

Re: Health Care: The Ticking Time Bomb
Originally Posted by tewdles View Post
welfare–noun - the good fortune, health, happiness, prosperity, etc., of a person, group, or organization; well-being

I would respectfully submit that our constitution does address this "right"
My Response:  LOL, so what do we do about all the unhappy people, force them to take valium? What about those with who lose in Vegas, they certainly do not have good fortune. I say they should get all of their money back double, on me and my tax dollar.

Since you etc.'ed some of the words in your definition of welfare I have posted the definition again. Welfare- well-being, health, comfort, security, safety, protection, prosperity, success, fortune; interest, good.

Do you really think that taxpayers should pay for the government to provide all of these things or only the ones you select? Can the government assure prosperity for all? On whose dime?

The constitution specifically states "general welfare" not the welfare of each and every person. So, knowing that only 18% of the population is without healthcare coverage, and knowing that only about 14% of those are naturalized citizens (from National Coalition on Health Care), I offer that implementing the proposed health care initiatives negatively affects the prosperity of many more people than it helps, health wise. Since the constitution allows for the "general welfare" of the people not the specific welfare of the minority, this proposal is unconstitutional.

Thomas Jefferson writing on the portion of the constitution to which you refer.
http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/found...a1_8_1s25.html


Sunday, July 12, 2009

An Immoral Co-dependance - the Church in America

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

LGBT Pride Month

Obama is such a hater. He leaves out so many human beings in his close minded declaration for June as LGBT month. What about the Z's (zoophiles ot those who like to screw animals) or the P's (pedophiles or those who like to screw kids). I am sure the K's (klismaphiles or enema lovers) don't really give a shit but it must be making the E's sick (emetiphiles or those who love vomit). Anyway, since a whole month is being devoted to LGBT's then I think that at least a day should be devoted to those who REALLY care about the elderly, the G's or gerontophiles.

Oh, and by the way, why did they leave out the H's (heterosexuals) or you could call us S's (straights). We have sex too.

As an addendum: Okay, so you say that LBGT is a lifestyle, not a sexual preference. No difference, The big O is still a hater as he leaves out so many lifestyles, so many human beings with no special month or even day to be appreciated. Take for instance the H's (Hobo's) they have summer homes (jungles) a written language (http://www.angelfire.com/folk/famoustramp/signs.html) and their own convention in Britt, Iowa, yet there is no real government appreciation of their contribution to the US. Supreme court justice William O. Douglas was once a hobo, as was that other famous traveler Jack Kerouac.

Ya know, it is just not fair.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Another Nephew, a different conversation

The following is the transcript of a conversation I had with my Nephew (not the one previously posted). This young man is such an irreverent, thinks for himself kind of guy. I love him and our back and forths.

To Nephew:

What's up kiddo? Ready for a global economy?

Nephew's reply,April 22 at 5:04pm:

hell yea, godspeed to the evolution of collective will. i wouldn't mind some euros or yin right about now--actually they should create a new world wide currency that is fail safe--u know something that will also be safe from this domino effect of nations knocking down nations economies. i think a micro chip carrying all one's public and private info would be nice---save alot of lives stop alot of crime--a house divided against itself cannot stand suzie--let the world unite as in the tower of babel. paul basically instituted a practical socialist society. christ preached it. the new kingdom draws near--we'll realize the christian ideal in our own way. maybe a global war and global warming first but maybe that'll open our eyes to our need to unify the world in a common cause like our failing global economy only half way did--we haven't even begun to see hard economic times--i revel in it. get on board suzie. obama in the highest. LOL. seriously though, i am trying to get everyone to start calling "people" --"sheeple"... both lefties and righties push their evil agendas to the masses. blind faith in anything without critical judgement is extremely dangerous. . bush paved the way for obama. think about it. u should google "george washington's vision." it's in the library of congress. he saw the outcome of the revolutionary war, the civil war, and another war that hasn't come yet which is worse of all. all these wars he saw are on american soil. no shit, it's in the library of congress--i think he saw it in gettysburg or somewhere?????.

H. R. 1913 Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 or More Stupid Laws

Copy and paste the below letter and send it to your congressman.

Please vote against H. R. 1913. Firstly, we have no need for further legislation regarding violent crime. Laws are already in place to handle violent crime. Secondly, this law would only cost the taxpayers more money in prosecution of court cases while giving higher value and sentencing to specific violent crimes which is prejudicial in and of itself. And lastly, the 14th Amendment to the Constitution provides for equal protection under the law. This law gives absolute unequal protection for a very specific population.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Yeast Colony for Homemade Bread



Every morning, I wake up and start a pot of coffee. Next I start a loaf of bread. Have you ever eaten homemade bread? It is so delectable, so full of perfect texture and satisfying flavor. If you eat it when it is fresh out of the oven, as we do, topped with drippy, melting butter you will never want store bought bread again.

The ingredients are simple, yeast, sugar, flour, butter, olive oil, milk and salt. The yeast is the most expensive addition, running upwards of $9.00 per 4 oz. With the budget crunch in mind I started experimenting with making my own yeast starter. I figured it would not be too hard based it on the fact that I make my own sourdough starter. Why couldn’t I just start a batch of yeast and go with it. It works. I have not gotten to the place where I need to put the yeast to sleep. I will try that though, putting it in the refrigerator or freezer, and I will let you know if it works.
Here is what you do to make your own yeast. I do not measure so use your judgement as these amounts are just estimates for those of you that need the cup:
Day 1- Use a gallon zip lock baggie. Add about 3 cups of flour and maybe one half cup sugar. Add about four tablespoons of dry yeast (this is the only time you will have to add the yeast). Add whole milk to make it thick and mushy, between thick milkshake and sticky dough consistency.

Day 2- Add another cup flour and tablespoon of sugar and enough milk to keep it mushy. Mush the bag to mix it well.

Day 3- Repeat day 2

Day 4- Repeat day 3

Day 5- Use 1-3 of cups of the yeast mush in your favorite bread recipe with these changes (vary amount added to rise time you prefer, a longer rise time means tastier bread, similar to artisan bread)- on first mix, do not add the salt, adjust your liquid and go a little light on the flour, leaving the dough a little sticky, let it sit about 15 minutes. The yeast will start doing it’s thing. Then knead, adding the salt and more flour until it is the right consistency. You can change the amount of yeast mush to alter the rise time. You can basically use your favorite recipe from here on in. I leave mine to rise over the whole day (maybe 4 hours first then fold then 2 hours then bake) if I add less mush. If you work all day just fold it when you come home and rise it another hour or two then bake. When using a long rise time, take care that the top of the bread does not dry out. I have a ceramic dish with a glass lid that is the perfect size for me. I flour the loaf and the dish and do the rising and baking right in it. This is so inexact, so work it like you have to.

The mush needs replenishment so just add more flour sugar and milk in appropriate proportions each time you take some. I keep mine on the kitchen counter and if I’m not making bread that day I just add a little of the flour sugar milk to feed the yeast until the next day. You don’t need a lot of mixture to keep it going. Over time it might take on a bit of a sour dough flavor which is alright with me. If you don’t like it then start afresh.

Enjoy.

Update: May 7th, I've had a nice sponge of yeast in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks. It is in a big plastic container rather than the baggie. I used it to make dinner rolls last night and they rose just great. Next I will try the freezer.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment

What do YOU think?

IA-0257-09 UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U) LAW ENFORCEMENT INFORMATION NOTICE: This product contains Law Enforcement Sensitive (LES) information. No portion of the LES information should be released to the media, the general public, or over non-secure Internet servers. Release of this information could adversely affect or jeopardize investigative activities. (U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO). It contains information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, the media, or other personnel who do not have a valid need-to-know without prior approval of an authorized DHS official. State and local homeland security officials may share this document with authorized security personnel without further approval from DHS. (U) All U.S. person information has been minimized. Should you require the minimized U.S. person information, please contact the DHS/I&A Production Branch at IA.PM@hq.dhs.gov, IA.PM@dhs.sgov.gov, or IA.PM@dhs.ic.gov. (U//FOUO) Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment 7 April 2009 (U) Prepared by the Extremism and Radicalization Branch, Homeland Environment Threat Analysis Division. Coordinated with the FBI. (U) Scope (U//FOUO) This product is one of a series of intelligence assessments published by the Extremism and Radicalization Branch to facilitate a greater understanding of the phenomenon of violent radicalization in the United States. The information is provided to federal, state, local, and tribal counterterrorism and law enforcement officials so they may effectively deter, prevent, preempt, or respond to terrorist attacks against the United States. Federal efforts to influence domestic public opinion must be conducted in an overt and transparent manner, clearly identifying United States Government sponsorship. UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 2 of 9 (U) Key Findings (U//LES)

The DHS/Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) has no specific information that domestic rightwing* terrorists are currently planning acts of violence, but rightwing extremists may be gaining new recruits by playing on their fears about several emergent issues. The economic downturn and the election of the first African American president present unique drivers for rightwing radicalization and recruitment. —
(U//LES) Threats from white supremacist and violent antigovernment groups during 2009 have been largely rhetorical and have not indicated plans to carry out violent acts. Nevertheless, the consequences of a prolonged economic downturn—including real estate foreclosures, unemployment, and an inability to obtain credit—could create a fertile recruiting environment for rightwing extremists and even result in confrontations between such groups and government authorities similar to those in the past. —
(U//LES) Rightwing extremists have capitalized on the election of the first African American president, and are focusing their efforts to recruit new members, mobilize existing supporters, and broaden their scope and appeal through propaganda, but they have not yet turned to attack planning.
(U//FOUO) The current economic and political climate has some similarities to the 1990s when rightwing extremism experienced a resurgence fueled largely by an economic recession, criticism about the outsourcing of jobs, and the perceived threat to U.S. power and sovereignty by other foreign powers. —
(U//FOUO) During the 1990s, these issues contributed to the growth in the number of domestic rightwing terrorist and extremist groups and an increase in violent acts targeting government facilities, law enforcement officers, banks, and infrastructure sectors. —
(U//FOUO) Growth of these groups subsided in reaction to increased government scrutiny as a result of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and disrupted plots, improvements in the economy, and the continued U.S. standing as the preeminent world power.
(U//FOUO) The possible passage of new restrictions on firearms and the return of military veterans facing significant challenges reintegrating into their communities could lead to the potential emergence of terrorist groups or lone wolf extremists capable of carrying out violent attacks. *
(U) Rightwing extremism in the United States can be broadly divided into those groups, movements, and adherents that are primarily hate-oriented (based on hatred of particular religious, racial or ethnic groups), and those that are mainly antigovernment, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority, or rejecting government authority entirely. It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration.
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 3 of 9 — (U//FOUO) Proposed imposition of firearms restrictions and weapons bans likely would attract new members into the ranks of rightwing extremist groups, as well as potentially spur some of them to begin planning and training for violence against the government. The high volume of purchases and stockpiling of weapons and ammunition by rightwing extremists in anticipation of restrictions and bans in some parts of the country continue to be a primary concern to law enforcement. —
(U//FOUO) Returning veterans possess combat skills and experience that are attractive to rightwing extremists. DHS/I&A is concerned that rightwing extremists will attempt to recruit and radicalize returning veterans in order to boost their violent capabilities. (U) Current Economic and Political Climate
(U//FOUO) DHS/I&A assesses that a number of economic and political factors are driving a resurgence in rightwing extremist recruitment and radicalization activity. Despite similarities to the climate of the 1990s, the threat posed by lone wolves and small terrorist cells is more pronounced than in past years. In addition, the historical election of an African American president and the prospect of policy changes are proving to be a driving force for rightwing extremist recruitment and radicalization. — (U) A recent example of the potential violence associated with a rise in rightwing extremism may be found in the shooting deaths of three police officers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on 4 April 2009. The alleged gunman’s reaction reportedly was influenced by his racist ideology and belief in antigovernment conspiracy theories related to gun confiscations, citizen detention camps, and a Jewish-controlled “one world government.” (U) Exploiting Economic Downturn
(U//FOUO) Rightwing extremist chatter on the Internet continues to focus on the economy, the perceived loss of U.S. jobs in the manufacturing and construction sectors, and home foreclosures. Anti-Semitic extremists attribute these losses to a deliberate conspiracy conducted by a cabal of Jewish “financial elites.” These “accusatory” tactics are employed to draw new recruits into rightwing extremist groups and further radicalize those already subscribing to extremist beliefs. DHS/I&A assesses this trend is likely to accelerate if the economy is perceived to worsen. (U) Historical Presidential Election
(U//LES) Rightwing extremists are harnessing this historical election as a recruitment tool. Many rightwing extremists are antagonistic toward the new presidential administration and its perceived stance on a range of issues, including immigration and citizenship, the expansion of social programs to minorities, and restrictions on firearms UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 4 of 9
(U//FOUO) Perceptions on Poverty and Radicalization
(U//FOUO) Scholars and experts disagree over poverty’s role in motivating violent radicalization or terrorist activity. High unemployment, however, has the potential to lead to alienation, thus increasing an individual’s susceptibility to extremist ideas. According to a 2007 study from the German Institute for Economic Research, there appears to be a strong association between a parent’s unemployment status and the formation of rightwing extremist beliefs in their children—specifically xenophobia and antidemocratic ideals. ownership and use. Rightwing extremists are increasingly galvanized by these concerns and leverage them as drivers for recruitment. From the 2008 election timeframe to the present, rightwing extremists have capitalized on related racial and political prejudices in expanded propaganda campaigns, thereby reaching out to a wider audience of potential sympathizers. —
(U//LES) Most statements by rightwing extremists have been rhetorical, expressing concerns about the election of the first African American president, but stopping short of calls for violent action. In two instances in the run-up to the election, extremists appeared to be in the early planning stages of some threatening activity targeting the Democratic nominee, but law enforcement interceded. (U) Revisiting the 1990s
(U//FOUO) Paralleling the current national climate, rightwing extremists during the 1990s exploited a variety of social issues and political themes to increase group visibility and recruit new members. Prominent among these themes were the militia movement’s opposition to gun control efforts, criticism of free trade agreements (particularly those with Mexico), and highlighting perceived government infringement on civil liberties as well as white supremacists’ longstanding exploitation of social issues such as abortion, inter-racial crimes, and same-sex marriage. During the 1990s, these issues contributed to the growth in the number of domestic rightwing terrorist and extremist groups and an increase in violent acts targeting government facilities, law enforcement officers, banks, and infrastructure sectors. (U) Economic Hardship and Extremism
(U//FOUO) Historically, domestic rightwing extremists have feared, predicted, and anticipated a cataclysmic economic collapse in the United States. Prominent antigovernment conspiracy theorists have incorporated aspects of an impending economic collapse to intensify fear and paranoia among like-minded individuals and to attract recruits during times of economic uncertainty. Conspiracy theories involving declarations of martial law, impending civil strife or racial conflict, suspension of the U.S. Constitution, and the creation of citizen detention camps often incorporate aspects of a failed economy. Antigovernment conspiracy theories and “end times” prophecies could motivate extremist individuals and groups to stockpile food, ammunition, and weapons. These teachings also have been linked with the radicalization of domestic extremist individuals and groups in the past, such as violent Christian Identity organizations and extremist members of the militia movement. UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 5 of 9 (U) Illegal Immigration (U//FOUO) Rightwing extremists were concerned during the 1990s with the perception that illegal immigrants were taking away American jobs through their willingness to work at significantly lower wages. They also opposed free trade agreements, arguing that these arrangements resulted in Americans losing jobs to countries such as Mexico. (U//FOUO) Over the past five years, various rightwing extremists, including militias and white supremacists, have adopted the immigration issue as a call to action, rallying point, and recruiting tool. Debates over appropriate immigration levels and enforcement policy generally fall within the realm of protected political speech under the First Amendment, but in some cases, anti-immigration or strident pro-enforcement fervor has been directed against specific groups and has the potential to turn violent.
(U//FOUO) DHS/I&A assesses that rightwing extremist groups’ frustration over a perceived lack of government action on illegal immigration has the potential to incite individuals or small groups toward violence. If such violence were to occur, it likely would be isolated, small-scale, and directed at specific immigration-related targets. —
(U//FOUO) DHS/I&A notes that prominent civil rights organizations have observed an increase in anti-Hispanic crimes over the past five years. — (U) In April 2007, six militia members were arrested for various weapons and explosives violations. Open source reporting alleged that those arrested had discussed and conducted surveillance for a machinegun attack on Hispanics. — (U) A militia member in Wyoming was arrested in February 2007 after communicating his plans to travel to the Mexican border to kill immigrants crossing into the United States. (U) Legislative and Judicial Drivers
(U//FOUO) Many rightwing extremist groups perceive recent gun control legislation as a threat to their right to bear arms and in response have increased weapons and ammunition stockpiling, as well as renewed participation in paramilitary training exercises. Such activity, combined with a heightened level of extremist paranoia, has the potential to facilitate criminal activity and violence. —
(U//FOUO) During the 1990s, rightwing extremist hostility toward government was fueled by the implementation of restrictive gun laws—such as the Brady Law that established a 5-day waiting period prior to purchasing a handgun and the 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act that limited the sale of various types of assault rifles—and federal law enforcement’s handling of the confrontations at Waco, Texas and Ruby Ridge, Idaho. UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 6 of 9 —
(U//FOUO) On the current front, legislation has been proposed this year requiring mandatory registration of all firearms in the United States. Similar legislation was introduced in 2008 in several states proposing mandatory tagging and registration of ammunition. It is unclear if either bill will be passed into law; nonetheless, a correlation may exist between the potential passage of gun control legislation and increased hoarding of ammunition, weapons stockpiling, and paramilitary training activities among rightwing extremists.
(U//FOUO) Open source reporting of wartime ammunition shortages has likely spurred rightwing extremists—as well as law-abiding Americans—to make bulk purchases of ammunition. These shortages have increased the cost of ammunition, further exacerbating rightwing extremist paranoia and leading to further stockpiling activity. Both rightwing extremists and law-abiding citizens share a belief that rising crime rates attributed to a slumping economy make the purchase of legitimate firearms a wise move at this time.
(U//FOUO) Weapons rights and gun-control legislation are likely to be hotly contested subjects of political debate in light of the 2008 Supreme Court’s decision in District of Columbia v. Heller in which the Court reaffirmed an individual’s right to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, but left open to debate the precise contours of that right. Because debates over constitutional rights are intense, and parties on all sides have deeply held, sincere, but vastly divergent beliefs, violent extremists may attempt to co-opt the debate and use the controversy as a radicalization tool. (U) Perceived Threat from Rise of Other Countries (U//FOUO) Rightwing extremist paranoia of foreign regimes could escalate or be magnified in the event of an economic crisis or military confrontation, harkening back to the “New World Order” conspiracy theories of the 1990s. The dissolution of Communist countries in Eastern Europe and the end of the Soviet Union in the 1990s led some rightwing extremists to believe that a “New World Order” would bring about a world government that would usurp the sovereignty of the United States and its Constitution, thus infringing upon their liberty. The dynamics in 2009 are somewhat similar, as other countries, including China, India, and Russia, as well as some smaller, oil-producing states, are experiencing a rise in economic power and influence. —
(U//FOUO) Fear of Communist regimes and related conspiracy theories characterizing the U.S. Government’s role as either complicit in a foreign invasion or acquiescing as part of a “One World Government” plan inspired extremist members of the militia movement to target government and military facilities in past years. —
(U//FOUO) Law enforcement in 1996 arrested three rightwing militia members in Battle Creek, Michigan with pipe bombs, automatic weapons, and military UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 7 of 9
(U//FOUO) Lone Wolves and Small Terrorist Cells (U//FOUO) DHS/I&A assesses that lone wolves and small terrorist cells embracing violent rightwing extremist ideology are the most dangerous domestic terrorism threat in the United States. Information from law enforcement and nongovernmental organizations indicates lone wolves and small terrorist cells have shown intent—and, in some cases, the capability—to commit violent acts.—
(U//LES) DHS/I&A has concluded that white supremacist lone wolves pose the most significant domestic terrorist threat because of their low profile and autonomy—separate from any formalized group—which hampers warning efforts. —
(U//FOUO) Similarly, recent state and municipal law enforcement reporting has warned of the dangers of rightwing extremists embracing the tactics of “leaderless resistance” and of lone wolves carrying out acts of violence. —
(U//FOUO) Arrests in the past several years of radical militia members in Alabama, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania on firearms, explosives, and other related violations indicates the emergence of small, well-armed extremist groups in some rural areas. ordnance that they planned to use in attacks on nearby military and federal facilities and infrastructure targets. — (
U//FOUO) Rightwing extremist views bemoan the decline of U.S. stature and have recently focused on themes such as the loss of U.S. manufacturing capability to China and India, Russia’s control of energy resources and use of these to pressure other countries, and China’s investment in U.S. real estate and corporations as a part of subversion strategy. (U) Disgruntled Military Veterans
(U//FOUO) DHS/I&A assesses that rightwing extremists will attempt to recruit and radicalize returning veterans in order to exploit their skills and knowledge derived from military training and combat. These skills and knowledge have the potential to boost the capabilities of extremists—including lone wolves or small terrorist cells—to carry out violence. The willingness of a small percentage of military personnel to join extremist groups during the 1990s because they were disgruntled, disillusioned, or suffering from the psychological effects of war is being replicated today. — (U) After Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990-1991, some returning military veterans—including Timothy McVeigh—joined or associated with rightwing extremist groups. — (U) A prominent civil rights organization reported in 2006 that “large numbers of potentially violent neo-Nazis, skinheads, and other white supremacists are now learning the art of warfare in the [U.S.] armed forces.” —
(U//LES) The FBI noted in a 2008 report on the white supremacist movement that some returning military veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have joined extremist groups. UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 8 of 9 (U) Outlook
(U//FOUO) DHS/I&A assesses that the combination of environmental factors that echo the 1990s, including heightened interest in legislation for tighter firearms restrictions and returning military veterans, as well as several new trends, including an uncertain economy and a perceived rising influence of other countries, may be invigorating rightwing extremist activity, specifically the white supremacist and militia movements. To the extent that these factors persist, rightwing extremism is likely to grow in strength.
(U//FOUO) Unlike the earlier period, the advent of the Internet and other informationage technologies since the 1990s has given domestic extremists greater access to information related to bomb-making, weapons training, and tactics, as well as targeting of individuals, organizations, and facilities, potentially making extremist individuals and groups more dangerous and the consequences of their violence more severe. New technologies also permit domestic extremists to send and receive encrypted communications and to network with other extremists throughout the country and abroad, making it much more difficult for law enforcement to deter, prevent, or preempt a violent extremist attack.
(U//FOUO) A number of law enforcement actions and external factors were effective in limiting the militia movement during the 1990s and could be utilized in today’s climate. —
(U//FOUO) Following the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building in Oklahoma City, the militia movement declined in total membership and in the number of organized groups because many members distanced themselves from the movement as a result of the intense scrutiny militias received after the bombing. —
(U//FOUO) Militia membership continued to decline after the turn of the millennium as a result of law enforcement disruptions of multiple terrorist plots linked to violent rightwing extremists, new legislation banning paramilitary training, and militia frustration that the “revolution” never materialized. —
(U//FOUO) Although the U.S. economy experienced a significant recovery and many perceived a concomitant rise in U.S. standing in the world, white supremacist groups continued to experience slight growth.
(U//FOUO) DHS/I&A will be working with its state and local partners over the next several months to ascertain with greater regional specificity the rise in rightwing extremist activity in the United States, with a particular emphasis on the political, economic, and social factors that drive rightwing extremist radicalization. UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 9 of 9 (U) Reporting Notice: (U) DHS encourages recipients of this document to report information concerning suspicious or criminal activity to DHS and the FBI. The DHS National Operations Center (NOC) can be reached by telephone at 202-282-9685 or by e-mail at NOC.Fusion@dhs.gov. For information affecting the private sector and critical infrastructure, contact the National Infrastructure Coordinating Center (NICC), a sub-element of the NOC. The NICC can be reached by telephone at 202-282-9201 or by e-mail at NICC@dhs.gov. The FBI regional phone numbers can be found online at http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm. When available, each report submitted should include the date, time, location, type of activity, number of people and type of equipment used for the activity, the name of the submitting company or organization, and a designated point of contact. (U) For comments or questions related to the content or dissemination of this document, please contact the DHS/I&A Production Branch at IA.PM@hq.dhs.gov, IA.PM@dhs.sgov.gov, or IA.PM@dhs.ic.gov. (U) Tracked by: CRIM-040300-01-05, CRIM-040400-01-05, TERR-010000-01-05

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

I thought

I thought I would be able to retire in comfort but now that the government printers in Denver and Philly have kicked into overtime the future is clear. The money I saved MIGHT pay my rising property taxes for a month...maybe. The investments I had hoped would assure a pleasant end to a raucous life (no I did not loose in the recent crash, things were moved around appropriately before that) are the victim of the new governments uncontrolled spend and print mentality. I am just amazed at the absolute lack of pretense regarding the unbalanced budget. Throw money here, throw money there but from whence comes the cash? Yet, the sheep look towards their leader, with stars in their eyes.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

The Wise



by Countee Cullen

Dead men are wisest, for they know
How far the roots of flowers go,
How long a seed must rot to grow.

Dead men alone bear frost and rain
On throbless heart and heatless brain,
And feel no stir of joy or pain.

Dead men alone are satiate;
They sleep and dream and have no weight,
To curb their rest, of love or hate.

Strange, men should flee their company,
Or think me strange who long to be
Wrapped in their cool immunity.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Gadgets-Panasonic Lumix TS1


My last waterproof camera, a Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1, bit the dust one month past it's year guarantee. It is sitting in some Sanyo executives office in Japan. He vowed to replace my camera but I have yet to see another. I liked the camera for the conditions in which I used it, it took decent movies for a still camera and I could take it kayaking with me which was the reason I bought it in the first place. The macro mode took very good close ups, an example is the flower above. On the con side, it took very poor low light photos, did not have a built in lens cover, no optical view finder, oh and it broke at one year and one month. I have been looking at other weatherproof still/movie cameras but have not felt excited enough to replace my old one (plus I am waiting on Mr. Hiroshi Fuji and the long lost replacement). There is a new offering in this market and I am now just waiting for it's release in order to scour actual use reviews. Specs that I care about: Waterproof to 10 feet, dustproof, shockproof to 5 feet, macro 5 cm, HD video recording at 1280 x 720 hd plus quicktime and vga, 12.7 megapixels, uses sd cards (I already have a few of them, why switch?). It performs well in low light without flash. The specs are impressive. Unfortunately it has no lense cover (as far as I could see) nor does it have an optical viewfinder. I will wait, though, until it has been out a few months, to see if it performs as promised...we all know about promises. Maybe I can have one by the summer. I am excited.


1/3/10 I bought the lumix and have had it about six months and am really disappointed. Lot of distortion in the photos, obviosly the lens is glitchy, stretches out a face here, there. Color is okay but not great. Macro is not very macro, I can get maybe 2" away before it blurs. If I had it to do again I wouldn't buy it.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Empty Nest





Alien teen, disconnected. I never felt a part of, more like I was a bystander, analyzing, trying so hard, never feeling inside, out out out, always out. What is that game they play? What are the rules? With my children, now that was different. Things just flowed, we had real fun and I gave and they took and didn't expect me to fit, or conform, or, unagreeing, agree. I was a we except not anymore. They are grown and I am alone again, making the same choices, trying to figure out how to traverse relationships. And the analyzing, I still do and wonder do I really want to sniff out the cheese? Are the sacrifices, twists and travails worth the social rewards of having friends? F. Scott Fitzgerald said "It is in the thirties that we want friends. In the forties we know they won't save us any more than love did." Now that, I agree with.

Here I sit, waiting for grandchildren so I can have someone to play with. Is this my "Empty Nest"?

Wednesday, February 18, 2009


busted bird bath becomes
a remnant of ancient greece
as I walk along the rip-rap, rivers edge
beautiful brokenness

Thursday, February 12, 2009

My Stimulis Package

Here is my idea. Kill NAFTA. Raise tariffs. These two things would bring us back to being a manufacturing nation (rather than a service nation as we have become) and all that that implies. They would also add money to the coffers so maybe we could start paying back the Chinese.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

A Cool Poem that is shaped like a pig


Saint Francis and the Sow
by Galway Kinnell

The bud
stands for all things,
even for those things that don't flower,
or everything flowers, from within, of self-blessing;
though sometimes it is necessary
to reteach a thing its loveliness,
to put a hand on its brow
of the flower
and retell it in words and in touch
it is lovely
until it flowers again from within, of self-blessing;
as Saint Francis
put his hand on the creased forehead
of the sow, and told her in words and in touch
blessings of earth on the sow, and the sow
began remembering all down her thick length,
from the earthen snout all the way
through the fodder and slops to the spiritual curl of the tail,
from the hard spininess spiked out from the spine
down through the great broken heart
to the blue milken dreaminess spurting and shuddering
from the fourteen teats into the fourteen mouths sucking and blowing beneath
them:
the long, perfect loveliness of sow.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

The New Patriots

I read more and more comments about new found patriotism thanks to Obama's election.  Are you one of those?  Listen...Patriotism that is based on the whim of the electorate is not patriotism at all.  It is maybe pride in having voted for the winning candidate or a gas bubble trapped in your stomach...it IS NOT patriotism.  A patriot , according to the dictionary on my computer, is a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.  Patriots love their country through thick or thin.  Their passion is not the fanciful feeling of the moment, it is a part of who they are.  It comes from within not without.  Great patriots support their country and its constitution, not some vague smarty pants acadamians interpretation of it.  Real American patriots do not wait for satisfaction from without, they are a part of a grassroots population who are doing, not getting.  They are all around you, giving their time and resources to other Americans because they love our nation and want every citizen to feel that too.  A patriots commitment is to their country, not their president, because he is just a man and not a nation.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Winter = Death


The death of winter is slowly taking over...no walks in the sun and swimming and kayaks.  Chill grey winds have left me panting on the frozen sand, a fish out of water.  The birds that leaf the barren trees fly away at the sound of my plodding steps.  I search for light and there is none, only the cold blue pulse of arctic currents whisking away the last yellow motes of summer.

Haiku
Ode to the Mighty Delaware

The hard ice tinkles
Sounding cold winter wind chimes
Frozen river song