Saturday, January 31, 2009

"I DO NOT OWE YOU THAT INFORMATION LEGALLY"- JONESBORO SUN

I guess the Jonesboro Sun can hide behind the provincial thinking of Northeast Arkansas, thereby stalling the way to progress. What else do you expect from the Andy Griffith simpleton Roy Ockert? It is not surprising that Roy does not think it is a social responsibility to ensure folks are taken care of. He has a clear "I got mine" attitude.

What is troubling is the fact that he works for the Jonesboro Sun, the paper of record for Northeast Arkansas. Reform must come to Arkansas, but it is people like roy ockert that prevent real change from happening.

I'm calling again...Oh! got hung up on again!

NOT ACCEPTABLE, ROY OCKERT!

Roy Ockert, Editor at the Jonesboro Sun, told me early today, "It could be six weeks, in spots, but the officials have no obligation to see to it the people have power, that is up to the power companies. and the people to have generators and food to provide for themselves."

Huh? Who is this? A Republican congressman that has no respect for the poor? No, it is Roy Ockert, He Of The Hang Up, that made this unfortunate remark.

One serious issue with "Ole Roy", he is in charge of information disseminated to the public, a position he clearly does not belong in.

Roy Ocker is an Editor at the Jonesboro Sun.

IF I COULD POST SOUND, YOU WOULD HEAR THE JONESBORO SUN HANGING UP ON ME

I am not an individual that thrives upon the humiliation of an organization, but the Jonesboro Sun is a whole different story.

ARKANSAS ICE STORM---CHANGE IN ATITUDE AT THE JONESBORO SUN, "PAPER OF RECORD"

Got hung up on by the Sun. Twice.

ARKANSAS ICE STORM---SPOKE WITH ENTERGY

Hey Searchers-spoke with James Thompson, Hey Jonesboro Sun, SCOOPED YOUR A$$ AGAIN!, from Entergy, Mr. Thompson was very cordial, he told me there were 3,500 Entergy workers in Arkansas, and workers are coming in to help from all over the region Texas, Tennessee, Missouri, Louisiana, Oklahoma, ALL OVER.

JONESBORO SUN EDITOR: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE TO THE PEOPLE"

The paper of record in Northeast Arkansas has informed me not to call any longer. They have refused to divulge the whereabouts and pertinent information, of JR Rogers State Rep, ie contact info., and the editor has demanded I not call them for news and information. What in the hell is going on in Northeast Arkansas?

Yes sir, Mr. Editor, you will help, and you are responsible to the people, it is your duty.

JONESBORO SUN EDITOR: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE TO THE PEOPLE"

JONESBORO SUN COMPLETELY UNCOPERATIVE, CLEARLY SUPPORTING A LACK OF RESPONSE BY ELECTED OFFICIALS

STILL NO WORD FROM STATE REP J.R. ROGERS, CONFIDENCE LEVEL LOW

J.R. Rogers is still a no show in his home town of Walnut Ridge, AR. Not surprising. Mr. Rogers, prove me wrong and tell me what you are doing for my family, and why you are being paid a salary from taxpayers.

REGARDING ARKANSAS "ALL THE ROADS ARE CLEAR WHY AREN'T WE SEEING ANYTHING?" "NO SIGHT OF STATE REP J.R. ROGERS" "NO HEAT FUEL FROM SHELTERS"

ELECTRICAL WORKERS: "WE'RE QUITTING AT SIX"

"WHAT'S SCARY TO ME IS WE'RE IN THE DARK AND DON'T SEE ANYTHING."

ANONYMOUS WRITER FROM THE JONESBORO SUN: "IT IS NOT THE GOVERNMENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE CARE OF THE PEOPLE, ASIDE FROM POLICE AND FIRE."
Let me make a comment: It is the responsibility of the municipal, state and federal governments to be on the game, to ensure warmth, safety, education, health, food. I am deeply concerned that a writer at the Jonesboro Sun has such a view on responsibility. Such is the mindset of some in Northeast Arkansas, and such is the outcome of such thinking.

Planning? The writer at the Sun said no one could plan for this catastrophe. I disagree. Like New Orleans, this is an event that could have been planned for, but leadership denied, and the people are suffering for their lack of foresight.

I am after you J.R. Rogers. Make sure you call!

Sherry from Walnut Ridge: "We don't need JR. Rogers"

This is indicative of the mind set in Northeast Arkansas: Do not expect help, responsibility, or accountability from your elected officials.

WHAT MORE CAN BE SAID ABOUT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY?

Please be referred to the Field Negro: Seriously if you can't beat them join them? Are you serious? Here is a cut and paste from the Field Negro, a quote from Michael Steele, the new head of the Republican Party:

"We've been misdefined as a party that doesn't care, a party
that's insensitive, a party that is unconcerned about minorities, a party that's
unconcerned about the lives and expectations and dreams of average Americans,
and nothing could be further from the truth.."


I think, Mr. Steele, you and your ideology could not be further from the truth, the Republican party is unconcerned about lives of all that is not corporate, that is the reality, that is why I fired the Republicans.

The Republican Party has to be the most transparently stupid political party and group of neanderthals semi-functioning today. Congratulations, Republican Party, you have succeeded in insulting not only me, my wife, but my 6 year old son as well...

"WEEKS BEFORE POWER RETURNS" "HEATERS ARE A FIRE HAZARD"-JONESBORO SUN

These are excerpts from the Jonesboro Sun, Jonesboro, Arkansas, regarding the ice storm in Arkansas: These excerpts are just limited examples that make it into the paper, and hats off to the reporters that are braving the conditions there to bring the rest of the country the facts.


"At night
Sue Bentley returns to her home where two small propane-powered panels are
her only source of heat. The panels can be a fire hazard, and many Northeast
Arkansas residents have been sickened by carbon monoxide poisoning.

It may be
weeks before Bentley’s electricity returns. Not a single person had power in
Lawrence County as of Friday afternoon, officials said..."


My Family is in Lawrence County.

I hope the power grid can be restored quickly, and I will be on the phone tomorrow to get more information.

FROZEN TREES-FROZEN GOVERNMENT?

*UPDATE* The pic below is my daughter's yard.

IT LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING OUT OF LORD OF THE RINGS.

Search for a charity that would help the victims of this winter storm.

More pics to follow, to allow you to appreciate the magnitude of the storm and it's aftermath. Peace and love, more pics to follow, tomorrow.

Friday, January 30, 2009

FROZEN TREES-FROZEN GOVERNMENT?

This week, an ice storm of incredible proportions hammered the state of Arkansas. Thousands of people are without power. According to MSNBC, on Wednesday there was a peak of 111,000 people in Arkansas without power.

My children are without power, and I want to ensure proper steps are being taken to ensure they have not just basic necessities, but all of their needs are provided, as well as all other people hit by this disaster. Winter in the Mid-South can be especially brutal, with one week a string of 50 to 70 degree weather followed by a period of lower temps resulting in freezing temperatures, sleet, snow, and freezing rain such as the state and especially Northeast Arkansas saw this week.

Admittedly, it is hard to keep up with, and those that have not lived in that region of the country have difficulty understanding rapid changes in conditions.

During good times the economic conditions are bleak.

During these times they are nightmarish.

This could be Northeast Arkansas' Katrina, and it is imperative it does not become that. In the past, the Federal and State governments have been reticent in dealing with natural disasters. Please do not get defensive or offended, Agencies, this is the reality on the ground.

I spoke with Brian Smith of the Jonesboro Sun and he said as of 8p.m. there were some 3,000 people in Walnut Ridge that did not have power.

*UPDATE* Brian Smith did say crews were out in force working around the clock to restore power, and electrical workers from all over are participating in the efforts to restore power.


Mr. Smith told me the mayor of Walnut Ridge, Michelle Rogers, is currently in town, but is unaware of her whereabouts, and cannot confirm if she has electricity.

I know my daughter is without power, and no word on restoration.


I have not been able to contact J.R. Rogers, the Representative of the 73rd District, but I will be in contact with his business tomorrow, and I will ensure I post all info on Searches.

*WILL POST PICS*

LINKS

JONESBORO SUN
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
GOVERNOR MIKE BEEBE HOME PAGE
GOVERNOR MIKE BEEBE GOVERNOR MANSION PHONE NUMBER-503-324-9805



Monday, January 26, 2009

A GREAT MOMENT IN AMERICAN HISTORY

Regarding the inauguration of Barack Obama:

I was sitting around yesterday and I thought I needed to post this video for posterity, if nothing else. My mind wanted to be nostalgic and look upon the moment as bittersweet, but better sensibilities took over and I was freshly renewed with outrage over the state of the nation. Anyway, enjoy!

Peace-
Mike

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

FIRST FULL DAY MR. PRESIDENT, BTW, CONGRATULATIONS

Of course you all know Barack Obama was inaugurated yesterday. I'm glad to be a part of, and to be on the right side of history. But if he fucks stuff up like Bush, you are going to see plenty of posts regarding that. However, Obama is a completely different person than George Bush.
Obama has seen poverty first hand, hell, he has seen the projects in Chicago, Cabrini Green and Robert Taylor homes, where a friend and I were were mugged. At the time, these two projects were some of the most violent in the nation. Michelle grew up poor, and they both have seen the devastating effects of conservatism on the United States, as well as the rest of the globe. More importantly, they have seen the damage done to individual people.

So that gives me hope. Fratboy Bush has NEVER been concerned about health care, and his family has always had money. I'll be Bush has never seen an EBT card, or had to sit for three hours or more waiting to find out if he's going to get help for rent or a utiity bill. Again, Obama is a different person all together. In fact, I just read the Obama White House has ordered all Federal Agencies to stop any pending regulations by Bush until they can be reviewed. Not uncommon, but it is a good sign that business as we have known it for the past eight years has come to a screeching halt. Good.

So it's President Obama's first full day. Let's watch and see...

Blessings and peace-
Onward!
Mike

Monday, January 19, 2009

IN HONOR OF A GREAT MAN-DR. KING

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is an international icon of peace and freedom. He stands immortal in the American experience, and influences our nation to this day. He fought for change, he stood up to something far more powerful than himself, and though a coward brought him down, he stands tall with honor, grace, and integrity.
I still cannot believe there are states in the Union that don't close their schools, etc., for Martin Luther King Day. Fortunately, Washington is not such a state.

I am reposting a video of the last speech Dr. King gave before he gave his life for the righteous cause of freedom. Peace and much love, Searchers...Happy MLK Day.




Legacy live on, Dr. King...

ONE MORE DAY!

My feet are starting to dance involuntarily...

Sunday, January 18, 2009

JUST A FEW MORE DAYS

It seems like it cannot arrive quickly enough. This Tuesday, Bush will be exiting Washington DC as President FOREVER!!! YAYYYYYYYYY! I caught an interesting article on The HuffPo, regarding toxic leaders, and the toxicity of the Bush Presidency. The list is too big to post here the problems George W. Bush has caused, but here is an excerpt from the posting:


"If incompetence, arrogance, and stubbornness were the only claims against
Bush, it would be tragic enough. Unfortunately, Bush has earned the title of a
full-fledged toxic leader by violating the basic standards of human rights of
both ordinary American citizens, as well as our alleged opponents. Reports from
Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib prisons provide telling evidence of Bush's willingness
to abrogate the very human rights that we Americans so dearly prize. And he does
so, while whistling (to paraphrase FDR), "You have everything to fear, including
fear itself." "

To be somewhat fair to Bush, the problems we are facing in the US today were put in motion 30 years ago when the country elected Reagan. Bush did not help. If you read history at all, and are familiar with Latin American history, you would find the economic meltdown, and the destruction of the middle class is the end result of unregulated capitalism. It is strictly about profit and company growth, with little concern for the worker.

Barack Obama will not be able to solve all of this country's problems, we must rise and stand together as a Nation united with a desire to help and contribute to one another.

With effort we can put the Bush Presidency behind us and move forward. I think his term in office will leave us with a bad taste in our mouths for some time. Although he is not fully to blame, George W. Bush through his policies, hastened the current economic conditions. I think his presidency should be thoroughly investigated, with charges being brought against the appropriate parties.

I think without question most of us can agree: George Bush's Presidency was a contentious, toxic one. One wonders how big this superfund account is going to have to be.


Peace and much love-

Monday, January 12, 2009

WEEKEND POSTS

I threw up a post regarding relevant issues, Oscar Grant, the young man gunned down by Oakland Transit Police, as well as the half a million dollars worth of extravagance by Laura and George Bush, extravagance that enables people like George and Laura to spend 500,000 dollars on dishes while war Vets are struggling and living in the streets. I am behind in my posts. I will catch up. Bear with me, pertinent issues are at hand. Clearly, Oscar Grant is far more important than the stupidity of Laura and George Bush. Much Love-
Mike

Friday, January 9, 2009

AH YES, ARKANSAS *UPDATE*

I added some comments to my "Arkansas" post from earlier in the evening. I feel strongly about what I feel strongly about, and as this blog is about my journey through this life, I tend to post my perceptions...at any rate, the scourge of Meth is a real issue, one not to taken lightly, and I think as a nation we need to rethink our approach to addiction. STOP BUILDING PRISONS. And abolish the prison industrial complex, and the insidious prison for profit scheme we currently have in the Untied States. Love Y'all

Mike

Thursday, January 8, 2009

AH YES, ARKANSAS

So it seems some dumbass is (allegedly) cooking Meth in a funeral home in Walnut Ridge. Across from the Sheriffs office. A shout out to the Ladies in the Southland! Read the story here. Love y'all in WR!

*UPDATE*
There are times in my blog that I target Arkansas, and perhaps I appear to be unfair. I am not. However, there are precious souls in Arkansas, loved ones, that I do not want to offend in any way. As this is a blog and not a thesis paper let me continue in my colloquial language.

Methamphetamine is not exclusive to Arkansas. It is easily produced in Arkansas because of the rural nature of the state. Many other states are the same way, and present the same opportunities as the state of Arkansas to produce and abuse Meth.

According to the DEA website, Tennessee had 539 meth lab "incidents" to Arkansas' 240. Missouri had a whopping 1,189 (dea, state, and local), meth lab incidents in 2008, says the DEA site. More numbers, Oklahoma had 89, Washington had 122 (dea, state, and local.) Clearly, Arkansas does not have the market cornered with regards to Meth.

Which brings me to this. Meth is kinda funny. It's sorta like booze when it gets out of control. It will lead you into some interesting situations, and will leave you wondering what happened.

For all of the problems Methamphetamine causes, I believe alcohol causes as many or more. Alcohol is far more prevalent. Methamphetamine alone is just alone; it is just sitting there. Just like alcohol. It is when it is picked up, used and abused it becomes a problem. I do not believe meth addiction is any more insidious than alcohol addiction. Addiction is addiction, and should be treated as such.

As time goes by, more and more I fail to see the significance of the wholesale lock up of a large segment of Americas population. To see the complete destruction of families as a result of a social problem is no longer acceptable to me. Drug addiction is a social problem, not a criminal one, and should be treated as such. Imagine how much money could be saved by takng all of those drug task force guys and putting them to work helping rebuild our communities and actually making a difference! We could seriously learn from Europe.

America is quite quick to be "tough on crime" and ready to lock up or shoot the "bad guy." Admittedly, it seems to be easier to lock away and forget, as opposed to providing treatment, education, and solutions. The research is clear: it costs more to incarcerate than treat and educate. Solutions are out there, we just have to be willing, as a society, to utilize the resources we have. (See cost of Iraq War on the right side of the blog.)

We have to be willing to invest in our people and treat those who have addiction problems as people; worthy of respect and dignity. Hell, I was raised in the back seat of a Mercedes, with Barb and Stan, lawyer and doctor, and they NEVER went anywhere for a prolonged period without their bottle of Cutty Sark. They didn't think they were alcoholics, we all knew better.

Let me reiterate. We have to invest in the people. We desperately need a National Health System. People are in dire need, it is time to stand up and look to one another for support and strength. When one is in bondage, we all are.

Peace and strength, together we can affect change.

Love Y'all
Mike



UPCOMING POSTS

I am going to post two entries this weekend. One is regarding the nearly $500,000 Laura Bush paid for dishes to add to the White House Collection. The other is about Oscar Grant, a 22 year old man that was shot to death by transit police in Oakland, California. There have been protests in California, some turning violent. I am following that one closely, as that could potentially be any one of us. Peace, Searchers

Mike

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

ISRAEL IS NOT MAKING THIS EASY FOR ME AND I'M GLAD

According to a report on MSNBC, Israel hit a UN school today with artillery fire killing at least 30 people many of them children. According to the report, hundreds of people were holed up in the school as a shelter from the artillery and air strikes. Read the story here.

As I posted earlier, I have been an ardent supporter of Israel, and its right to exist. I understand the conflict Israel has with Hamas, and vice-versa. But as I sever my ties more and more with the right wing, I am seeing reality (as best as I can from 8000 miles away) on the ground in Gaza. It is a virtual prison camp of 1.5 million people. It would be like walling off the greater metropolitan area of Memphis, Tennessee, or Portland, OR with no one being allowed in or out, period. Then cut the gas off. Then cut the water off. Then reduce food supply. What would result is all out war against the people doing the oppressing. Much like what we might see in the United States if we continue down the same route.

Israel has a problem with Hamas. The US has a problem with Hamas. The people that do not have a problem with Hamas is the million or so Gazans, who when allowed to choose their own ruling party, chose Hamas. I remember the election. I remember the outcry by this Administration about the Gazans' choice. BUT IT WAS THEIR CHOICE. They elected Hamas to represent them. ELECTED. It was free and fair.

This reminds me of a quote from then Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, (which indicated then and continues to define the supreme arrogance of the US government) regarding the Chilean people:

"The US will not accept a Marxist government just because of the
irresponsibility of the Chilean people."


I read that and thought, "You arrogant fuck." There were approximately 5,000 people killed in the US Government, and this really infuriates me, US Corporation backed coup to overthrow President Allende in '73, and perhaps 30,000 killed in 1974 after the installation of the monster Augusto Pinochet. But that's okay, 'cause we makin' money now! What a nightmare.

In other words, if the people elect a government and the lone Superpower doesn't like it, war will ensue. The problem is, and this has also helped me open my eyes to US imperialism, is our policy of "Nation Building." The United States only wants a government elected by the people if they elect the government selected for them by the United States. Otherwise, they are deemed irresponsible, negligent, backwards, or worse and are in danger of destruction. Observe the current conflict with Ecuador, Venezuela, as well as other nations throwing off the capitalistic yoke.

No one should be subject to a Master, not Arabs, not Jews, not Africans, no one. I say stand up people, don't let these bastards grind you down, fight and take what is yours.

I voted for this administration, and I have been a staunch supporter of US policy through the years. No More. There has to accountability, there has to be change, and after January 20, 2009, there ought to be some high level Bush Administration arrests and trials, including Bush and that worthless Cheney, for a number of things, not the least of which is crimes against humanity. But there probably won't be. This, however, is inspirational to me in the sense that I can break the law, even heinously, and have an excuse. Everyone does it, even the President!

Peace-

BTW here is more reading regarding Chile and Latin America's 9/11 (yes, they had one too.)
Wikipedia
Renegade Eye Blog
The Shock Doctrine

And any history book worth a damn.

Onward!

Sunday, January 4, 2009

ISRAEL INVADES GAZA

The conflict in Israel/Gaza is major news but a post on The Field Negro, "The Lost Boys", caught my attention. I am in no way an isolationist, and my views regarding Israel have changed somewhat. At any rate, we have got to focus on the United States and reverse the trend of Right Wing policies that have lead to greater poverty, despair, homelessness, hopelessness, and death not only in the U.S., but across the globe. Here is a portion:

"It's funny, at a time when most of you are outraged at
Israeli aggression in the Middle East, which has unfortunately caused innocent
civilians to lose their lives. Right here in your own country young boys who
look like you are losing their lives to the streets, and some of you don't seem
to give a damn. You are passionate about human rights in the "Holy Land" but not
about the right of our children to live past 21 here at home. Thanks to the
policies of the right; social programs, local police and juvenile crime
prevention programs, and other key local government programs geared to help keep
kids off the mean streets, have been cut. So while the frat boy was keeping us
safe from Al-Qaeda, he forgot to protect our children from each other, and from
the killing fields of urban A-merry-ca."


Very interesting insight. Let us reverse the trend of destruction to our middle class and poor.
Peace-

Saturday, January 3, 2009

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF INSPIRATION

THE BEATLES- A DAY IN THE LIFE-

INSPIRATION CONTINUED




In the interest of continuing my mini-series on inspiration, I have included George W. Bush...


Yes, W (for Wanker) has inspired me to stand and take notice of the damage the right wing has done and continues to try to do for at least the past thirty years. His presidency has inspired to vote Democrat for the first time, to reject the conservatism once and for all of the Republican party and my parents, and rededicate myself to education.


Thanks W! You've certainly inspired me to Change...