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freshwest
freshwest's Journal
freshwest's Journal
December 17, 2014
We keep at it, and through constant repetition, many of them finally get it. What kind of society could we create if, instead, we drummed into them science and a sense of hope?
~ Carl Sagan
Think for a few moments, what he is really saying there. Those are very important concepts he is laying out that show where we were going wrong.
We should investigate and evaluate all we are being sold by media. It's a purposeful product, it is not an accident, made to profit owners of media, not us. People get aggravated when others try to turn them away from it, since it's highly addictive.
And the place it's all working out is in our brains, our hearts, our society and how we treat the world and each other. Not that there weren't other means prior to modern media, but they used rote learning, brute force and superstition. There was not as much of a surrender and embracing of it then, as now.
They didn't have the advantage of persuasive psychological techniques that the ubiquitous entity we call mass media has.
Every sound, music, tone of voice, background imagery, the normalization of things at one considered abhorrent, made to appear to be the only choice, is now normalized. That is why there is little outrage anymore.
Think back years in one's life, how people have morphed into a state where brutality, cruelty and deception is now thought to be just a way of negotiating to get what one wants, and seeing others humiliated and abused is considered to be entertaining, even amusing. And they won't be denied it. Sagan was right.
We become what we think about.
~ Earl Nightingale
She had a true criminal mind and influenced many from Hollywood to D.C. As Sagan said:
...An extraterrestrial being, newly arrived on Earth - scrutinizing what we mainly present to our children in television, radio, movies, newspapers, magazines, the comics, and many books - might easily conclude that we are intent on teaching them murder, rape, cruelty, superstition, credulity, and consumerism.We keep at it, and through constant repetition, many of them finally get it. What kind of society could we create if, instead, we drummed into them science and a sense of hope?
~ Carl Sagan
Think for a few moments, what he is really saying there. Those are very important concepts he is laying out that show where we were going wrong.
We should investigate and evaluate all we are being sold by media. It's a purposeful product, it is not an accident, made to profit owners of media, not us. People get aggravated when others try to turn them away from it, since it's highly addictive.
And the place it's all working out is in our brains, our hearts, our society and how we treat the world and each other. Not that there weren't other means prior to modern media, but they used rote learning, brute force and superstition. There was not as much of a surrender and embracing of it then, as now.
They didn't have the advantage of persuasive psychological techniques that the ubiquitous entity we call mass media has.
Every sound, music, tone of voice, background imagery, the normalization of things at one considered abhorrent, made to appear to be the only choice, is now normalized. That is why there is little outrage anymore.
Think back years in one's life, how people have morphed into a state where brutality, cruelty and deception is now thought to be just a way of negotiating to get what one wants, and seeing others humiliated and abused is considered to be entertaining, even amusing. And they won't be denied it. Sagan was right.
We become what we think about.
~ Earl Nightingale
December 17, 2014
Source: Sec. of Interior Sally Jewell
Just now, the President took action to protect a place called Bristol Bay, Alaska. Here's why that matters:
It places a national treasure -- and one of the nation's most productive fisheries -- off limits for oil and gas leasing. Alaskans have been fighting to preserve Bristol Bay for decades. Today, we got it done.
Bristol Bay helps to produce 40 percent of America's wild-caught seafood each year. It supports $2 billion every year in commercial fishing, and supports good jobs in sport-fishing and tourism.
These waters are beautiful and valuable, and today's action will ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy their bounty.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/12/16/5-things-you-need-know-about-alaskas-bristol-bay?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=email406-text1&utm_campaign=environment
Botany says:
This is very good news! Use your executive powers Mr. President.
Now if this helps to stop "The Pebble Mine Project" all the better:
http://www.savebristolbay.org/about-the-bay/about-pebble-mine
More from Botany:
Dear Republicans, if you don't like this action please take it up w/this Bristol Bay "lobbyist:"
to Botany:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014967416
Sorry I didn't mention you and Sheshe by name in the previous post, have corrected it. This is such good news for liberals.
More great pictures of Bristol Bay in an LBN thread, take a look, Cha:
What the President just did:Source: Sec. of Interior Sally Jewell
Just now, the President took action to protect a place called Bristol Bay, Alaska. Here's why that matters:
It places a national treasure -- and one of the nation's most productive fisheries -- off limits for oil and gas leasing. Alaskans have been fighting to preserve Bristol Bay for decades. Today, we got it done.
Bristol Bay helps to produce 40 percent of America's wild-caught seafood each year. It supports $2 billion every year in commercial fishing, and supports good jobs in sport-fishing and tourism.
These waters are beautiful and valuable, and today's action will ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy their bounty.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/12/16/5-things-you-need-know-about-alaskas-bristol-bay?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=email406-text1&utm_campaign=environment
Botany says:
This is very good news! Use your executive powers Mr. President.
Now if this helps to stop "The Pebble Mine Project" all the better:
http://www.savebristolbay.org/about-the-bay/about-pebble-mine
More from Botany:
Dear Republicans, if you don't like this action please take it up w/this Bristol Bay "lobbyist:"
to Botany:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014967416
Sorry I didn't mention you and Sheshe by name in the previous post, have corrected it. This is such good news for liberals.
December 17, 2014
Things You Need to Know About Alaska's Bristol Bay
1. Bristol Bay provides 40 percent of America's wild-caught seafood.
Bristol Bay is one of the world's most valuable fisheries, providing 40 percent of America's seafood and supporting up to $2 billion in commercial fishing every year.
2. Bristol Bay hosts one of the world's largest wild salmon runs. While remote, this area is also an economic engine for tourism in Alaska. Bristol Bay drives $100 million in recreational fishing and tourism activity every year.
3. Bristol Bay is home to multiple threatened species. Bristol Bay provides important habitat for many species, including the threatened Stellar's eider, sea otters, seals, walruses, Beluga and Killer whales, and the endangered North Pacific Right Whale.
4. The President's action protects millions of acres from drilling. The North Aleutian Basin Planning Area that includes Bristol Bay consists of about 32.5 million acres. The previous Administration set in motion a new lease sale for 2011 that would have opened approximately 5.6 million acres -- about one-fifth of the planning area -- for drilling. In 2010, President Obama temporarily withdrew the Bristol Bay area from oil and gas development, and today's action extends that protection indefinitely.
5. President Obama is not the only president to use his executive authority to protect lands. The President issues his temporary withdrawal in 2010 using his authority under section 12 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, which gives the president authority to withdraw offshore areas from potential oil and gas leasing. President Eisenhower was the first to exercise the authority in 1960, withdrawing an area now included in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Since then, presidents on both sides of the aisle have acted to withdraw areas of the Outer Continental Shelf from oil and gas leasing.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/12/16/5-things-you-need-know-about-alaska-s-bristol-bay
to merryblooms:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025969300
Indeed. More details here:
President Barack Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum protecting Bristol Bay, AlaskaThings You Need to Know About Alaska's Bristol Bay
1. Bristol Bay provides 40 percent of America's wild-caught seafood.
Bristol Bay is one of the world's most valuable fisheries, providing 40 percent of America's seafood and supporting up to $2 billion in commercial fishing every year.
2. Bristol Bay hosts one of the world's largest wild salmon runs. While remote, this area is also an economic engine for tourism in Alaska. Bristol Bay drives $100 million in recreational fishing and tourism activity every year.
3. Bristol Bay is home to multiple threatened species. Bristol Bay provides important habitat for many species, including the threatened Stellar's eider, sea otters, seals, walruses, Beluga and Killer whales, and the endangered North Pacific Right Whale.
4. The President's action protects millions of acres from drilling. The North Aleutian Basin Planning Area that includes Bristol Bay consists of about 32.5 million acres. The previous Administration set in motion a new lease sale for 2011 that would have opened approximately 5.6 million acres -- about one-fifth of the planning area -- for drilling. In 2010, President Obama temporarily withdrew the Bristol Bay area from oil and gas development, and today's action extends that protection indefinitely.
5. President Obama is not the only president to use his executive authority to protect lands. The President issues his temporary withdrawal in 2010 using his authority under section 12 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, which gives the president authority to withdraw offshore areas from potential oil and gas leasing. President Eisenhower was the first to exercise the authority in 1960, withdrawing an area now included in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Since then, presidents on both sides of the aisle have acted to withdraw areas of the Outer Continental Shelf from oil and gas leasing.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/12/16/5-things-you-need-know-about-alaska-s-bristol-bay
to merryblooms:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025969300
December 17, 2014
Pink corals is seen on the Palmyra Atoll, which had an existing 50-mile safeguard. President Obama is expected to create the world’s largest fully protected marine reserve in the central Pacific Ocean. (Jim Maragos/AP)
President Obama will use his legal authority Thursday to create the world’s largest fully protected marine reserve in the central Pacific Ocean, demonstrating his increased willingness to advance a conservation agenda without the need for congressional approval.
By broadening the existing Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Monument from almost 87,000 square miles to more than 490,00 square miles. Obama has now protected more acres of federal land and sea by executive power than any other president in at least 50 years; this action makes the area in question off-limits to commercial fishing.
The proclamation will mean added protections for deep-sea coral reefs and other marine ecosystems that administration officials believe are among “the most vulnerable” to the negative impacts of climate change.
While the new designation is scaled-back version of an even more ambitious plan the administration had first floated in June, it marks the 12th time Obama will have exercised his power under the 1906 Antiquities Act to protect environmental assets. The decision to continue to allow fishing around roughly half the area's islands and atolls aims to limit any economic impact on the U.S. fishing interests.
Read more:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-to-create-worlds-largest-protected-marine-reserve-in-pacific-ocean/2014/09/24/e2ecaab4-433e-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5f_story.html?wprss=rss_politics
68
to kpete, Sheshe, Cha and other posters at link:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014902853
The state GOP ignored the pleas of Alaskans who wanted to stop a mining project in the region:
http://www.savebristolbay.org/about-the-bay/about-pebble-mine
It would have destroyed the area. The KOCH/GOP/Libertarian/Bagger Crew will go ballistic. But then, that's all they know how to do. In the meantime, much love to my President from a fellow tree hugger!
I Blame Obama! More Evildoing From the 44th President:
Obama to create world’s largest protected marine reserve in Pacific OceanPink corals is seen on the Palmyra Atoll, which had an existing 50-mile safeguard. President Obama is expected to create the world’s largest fully protected marine reserve in the central Pacific Ocean. (Jim Maragos/AP)
President Obama will use his legal authority Thursday to create the world’s largest fully protected marine reserve in the central Pacific Ocean, demonstrating his increased willingness to advance a conservation agenda without the need for congressional approval.
By broadening the existing Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Monument from almost 87,000 square miles to more than 490,00 square miles. Obama has now protected more acres of federal land and sea by executive power than any other president in at least 50 years; this action makes the area in question off-limits to commercial fishing.
The proclamation will mean added protections for deep-sea coral reefs and other marine ecosystems that administration officials believe are among “the most vulnerable” to the negative impacts of climate change.
While the new designation is scaled-back version of an even more ambitious plan the administration had first floated in June, it marks the 12th time Obama will have exercised his power under the 1906 Antiquities Act to protect environmental assets. The decision to continue to allow fishing around roughly half the area's islands and atolls aims to limit any economic impact on the U.S. fishing interests.
Read more:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-to-create-worlds-largest-protected-marine-reserve-in-pacific-ocean/2014/09/24/e2ecaab4-433e-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5f_story.html?wprss=rss_politics
68
to kpete, Sheshe, Cha and other posters at link:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014902853
The state GOP ignored the pleas of Alaskans who wanted to stop a mining project in the region:
http://www.savebristolbay.org/about-the-bay/about-pebble-mine
It would have destroyed the area. The KOCH/GOP/Libertarian/Bagger Crew will go ballistic. But then, that's all they know how to do. In the meantime, much love to my President from a fellow tree hugger!
December 16, 2014
Great way to start the day. We studied Humanism in public school 50 years ago. Star Trek embodied it
The video also showed the potential results of applying it. Thanks, Archae.
December 16, 2014
by Eric Zuesse – June 4, 2012
The Democratic and Republican Parties are virtual opposites of each other in their economic records, going back to the earliest period for which economic data were available, around 1910.
More than a dozen studies have been done comparing economic growth, unemployment, average length of unemployment, stock market performance, inflation, federal debt, and other economic indicators, during Democratic and Republican presidencies and congresses, and they all show stunningly better performance when Democrats are in power, than when Republicans are.
These studies are all available online, and they are all summarized and discussed in this path-breaking book, which settles, once and for all, the question of whether there’s any significant economic difference between the two Parties. Not only is there a difference, but – shockingly – it always runs in favor of Democrats in power.
There might be other types of reasons for voting Republican, but all of the economic reasons favor voting for Democrats. Regarding economic performance, the two Parties aren’t even close.
Some of the CONTENTS:
http://www.amazon.com/Theyre-Not-Even-Close-Democratic/dp/1880026090/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1339027537&sr=8-9
So true. Stumbled on this a few days ago:
They're Not Even Close: The Democratic vs. Republican Economic Records, 1910-2010by Eric Zuesse – June 4, 2012
The Democratic and Republican Parties are virtual opposites of each other in their economic records, going back to the earliest period for which economic data were available, around 1910.
More than a dozen studies have been done comparing economic growth, unemployment, average length of unemployment, stock market performance, inflation, federal debt, and other economic indicators, during Democratic and Republican presidencies and congresses, and they all show stunningly better performance when Democrats are in power, than when Republicans are.
These studies are all available online, and they are all summarized and discussed in this path-breaking book, which settles, once and for all, the question of whether there’s any significant economic difference between the two Parties. Not only is there a difference, but – shockingly – it always runs in favor of Democrats in power.
There might be other types of reasons for voting Republican, but all of the economic reasons favor voting for Democrats. Regarding economic performance, the two Parties aren’t even close.
Some of the CONTENTS:
4: Democrats Are Better for the Stock Markets
10: Democrats Are Plain Better for the Economy
19: The Grand Old Prejudice Causes Economic Stagnation
40: Democrats Reduce, Republicans Increase, Government Deficits
46: Republicans Actually Win by Punishing the Nation
105: Conservatism Is Based Only on Faith
114: Trickle-Down vs. Percolate-Up Economics
122: Republicans Harm More than Just the Economy
123: Would Romney Be Better than Obama?
125: References/Sources
http://www.amazon.com/Theyre-Not-Even-Close-Democratic/dp/1880026090/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1339027537&sr=8-9
December 15, 2014
A mother's lament for her dead child.
No more good night kisses. Tears for their families:
A mother's lament for her dead child.
December 15, 2014
Transcript here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/18/us/politics/18text-obama.html?scp=2&sq=obama+speech+text&st=nyt&_r=0
Pat Buchanan has offered his response.
Blah, blah, blah, STFU Pat! Go to the link to see the link to the piece in it entirely - this is the source of white people who call Obama divisive and firing up racism from blacks. They should take a look in the damn mirror.
More of the article here:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/03/22/482071/-Pat-Buchanan-Slavery-Best-Thing-Ever-to-Happen-to-Blacks
Did Mr. Buchanan miss this photograph? Did his family come to these shores in chains and emaciated? Did he live under Jim Crow? Were members of this family sold off for profit, his maternal ancestors raped, were they subject to terrorism of the night riders and mobs who robbed and lynched them?
They worked themselves up from the pit of hell to whatever they have - nothing was given to them, their lives and the fruit of their labor stolen. Their families stolen, their language and their history. They came here like POWs, have continued to be treated so. Too many have been too comfortable for too long.
Those nostalgic about the rights of states and liberty and freedom and want to 'restore' the United States to pre-Civil War status, can all go straight to hell.
Good OP, Sheshe. Thanks for taking the conversation back to where it needs to be. We have a lot to work on.
JMHO.
Pat Buchanan: Slavery Best Thing Ever to Happen to Blacks
By D Wreck - Mar 22, 2008
Barack Obama's speech this past week illuminated aspects of the racial divide in this country in a nuanced and respectful manner. This speech offered an opening for dialogue:
Transcript here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/18/us/politics/18text-obama.html?scp=2&sq=obama+speech+text&st=nyt&_r=0
Pat Buchanan has offered his response.
America has been the best country on earth for black folks. It was here that 600,000 black people, brought from Africa in slave ships, grew into a community of 40 million, were introduced to Christian salvation, and reached the greatest levels of freedom and prosperity blacks have ever known.
Blah, blah, blah, STFU Pat! Go to the link to see the link to the piece in it entirely - this is the source of white people who call Obama divisive and firing up racism from blacks. They should take a look in the damn mirror.
More of the article here:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/03/22/482071/-Pat-Buchanan-Slavery-Best-Thing-Ever-to-Happen-to-Blacks
Did Mr. Buchanan miss this photograph? Did his family come to these shores in chains and emaciated? Did he live under Jim Crow? Were members of this family sold off for profit, his maternal ancestors raped, were they subject to terrorism of the night riders and mobs who robbed and lynched them?
They worked themselves up from the pit of hell to whatever they have - nothing was given to them, their lives and the fruit of their labor stolen. Their families stolen, their language and their history. They came here like POWs, have continued to be treated so. Too many have been too comfortable for too long.
Those nostalgic about the rights of states and liberty and freedom and want to 'restore' the United States to pre-Civil War status, can all go straight to hell.
Good OP, Sheshe. Thanks for taking the conversation back to where it needs to be. We have a lot to work on.
JMHO.
December 15, 2014
http://www.dailycal.org/2014/12/13/effigy-apparent-lynching-hung-sather-gate-saturday-morning/
There were several cardboard cutouts depicting lynching victims found on various parts of UC Berkeley’s campus this morning. We (Black Folks at Berkeley) don’t know who placed them there and what the motive was behind it. I have verified this Myself with Black student leadership!
During the #BlackLivesMatter and #Ferguson2Cal movement on UC Berkeley’s campus and in the surrounding area, non-Black led groups have latched onto the movement as well. Some have turned this movement into other movements and some are just using their privileges to irresponsibly protest ‘a cause’ because they can…
While it is true that #AllLivesMatter… That statement is synonymous to statements such as #IDontSeeColor and I am #ColorBlind. These statements water down the focus that #BlackLivesMatter.
Historically we were considered a ‘fraction’ of a person, and we are talking about BLACK lives at the moment… Although All Lives DO matter, some people don’t even consider My life, or any other Black person to constitute a ‘full’ life… or a life worthy of Mattering.
There is a Peaceful and Well-Organized Rally & March being held right now by our Black Student Union and other things scheduled for this weekend. I am almost willing to bet a certain extremist group may have had something to do with it. There were more than one and they depicted actual lynching victims with names.
OUR Black student leadership did not do this and it was not part of anything I am aware of. It’s really difficult when ‘Other people’ take ‘OUR’ matters into THEIR own hands and do things like this. Ultimately, lynchings are a very sensitive subject and I wish people would STAY IN THEIR LANE when trying to ‘support’ a cause or movement.
Putting up things like this overnight, with no people or literature to explain the history is Reckless and Inciting Confusion and Anger on a #NationalDayofAction… We don’t know if this is in “Solidarity” or a Sign/Threat… Again, I appreciate true “ally-ship”, but people need to chill… #LetUSTellOURStory #StayInYourLane #BlackatCal #Ferguson2Cal #BlackLivesMatter #Berkeley #BerkeleyAlum
From the comments, one I whole heartedly believe in and emboldened the important parts:
LaShonda K ABOUT THIS… Just MY Thoughts…http://www.dailycal.org/2014/12/13/effigy-apparent-lynching-hung-sather-gate-saturday-morning/
There were several cardboard cutouts depicting lynching victims found on various parts of UC Berkeley’s campus this morning. We (Black Folks at Berkeley) don’t know who placed them there and what the motive was behind it. I have verified this Myself with Black student leadership!
During the #BlackLivesMatter and #Ferguson2Cal movement on UC Berkeley’s campus and in the surrounding area, non-Black led groups have latched onto the movement as well. Some have turned this movement into other movements and some are just using their privileges to irresponsibly protest ‘a cause’ because they can…
While it is true that #AllLivesMatter… That statement is synonymous to statements such as #IDontSeeColor and I am #ColorBlind. These statements water down the focus that #BlackLivesMatter.
Historically we were considered a ‘fraction’ of a person, and we are talking about BLACK lives at the moment… Although All Lives DO matter, some people don’t even consider My life, or any other Black person to constitute a ‘full’ life… or a life worthy of Mattering.
There is a Peaceful and Well-Organized Rally & March being held right now by our Black Student Union and other things scheduled for this weekend. I am almost willing to bet a certain extremist group may have had something to do with it. There were more than one and they depicted actual lynching victims with names.
OUR Black student leadership did not do this and it was not part of anything I am aware of. It’s really difficult when ‘Other people’ take ‘OUR’ matters into THEIR own hands and do things like this. Ultimately, lynchings are a very sensitive subject and I wish people would STAY IN THEIR LANE when trying to ‘support’ a cause or movement.
Putting up things like this overnight, with no people or literature to explain the history is Reckless and Inciting Confusion and Anger on a #NationalDayofAction… We don’t know if this is in “Solidarity” or a Sign/Threat… Again, I appreciate true “ally-ship”, but people need to chill… #LetUSTellOURStory #StayInYourLane #BlackatCal #Ferguson2Cal #BlackLivesMatter #Berkeley #BerkeleyAlum
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